Being raised by a grandparent isn’t always easy for a teenage girl. Without her mother around to talk to, Thulile felt hopeless. Her studies were suffering, and she was having arguments with friends. When Thulile’s grandmother gave her some crucial advice, she realized that all she had to do was listen. Her story depicts how a grandmother’s support and love can be enough for a child to thrive.
Key points to consider in viewing Thulile’s story
Factors such as a lack of employment opportunity and HIV and AIDS mean that many children grow up without the presence of a mother or father. Consider the challenges mentioned by Thulile in the story, as well as other hardships that girls in her situation face. Use the story as a tool for exploring how adults other than parents can be a source of support for adolescents in their communities.