A Mother's Prayer - The Stuff They Don't Tell You, The Good, The Bad & The Caffeine.

What they don't tell you, we've written down.

Why the book matters?

This guide supports Life Orientation and Life Skills learning outcomes, making it an ideal fit for schools, youth ministries, and community outreach.

Fostering Resilience

Provides crucial guidance and strategies to help learners overcome these barriers.

Spiritual Grounding

Reflects African values, stories, and realities

Learner Readiness for Post-School Life

Provides comprehensive guidance on college readiness, academic preparedness, and career exploration.

Collaborative Support

Creates a supportive network of mentors, educators, and community leaders to foster academic success & personal growth.

CHAPTERS

Chapters we've covered

Chapter 01

Detours Serve a Purpose:

Addresses the realities of student life away from home, the unique challenges of adulthood, and the emotional toll of newfound independence.

Chapter 02

You are The Future:

Focuses on learners' decision-making and responsibilities in academic and social life. Offers practical advice on resisting peer pressure, maintaining discipline, and staying current with trends influencing their future.

Chapter 03

Campus Safety:

Discusses personal security concerns within college and university environments. Provides information on general safety,cybercrimes, and precautionary measures.

Chapter 04

Did You Check on Me?

Focuses on mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression among learners. Highlights the importance of maintaining emotional health.

Chapter 05

Binaries & Boxes (LGBTQI+)

Discusses challenges faced by LGBTQI+ learners, including sexual orientation and gender identity.

Chapter 06

Toxic Trio

Explores sexual health, substance abuse, and gender-based violence (GBV) through compelling narratives.

Chapter 07

Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWD)

Advocates for inclusion and access in higher education. Emphasizes challenges faced by students with disabilities, available support systems,.

Chapter 08

Navigating Financial Waters

Provides practical advice on budgeting, student loan management, and making wise financial decisions essential in today's dynamic financial landscape..

Chapter 09

The Power of Community

Discusses the significant role of community in academic and personal growth, including mentorship, peer support, and networking, emphasizing the importance of belonging for student success.

Chapter 10

Having an Entrepreneurial Mindset & Sustainable Livelihood

This chapter encourages learners to think beyond traditional employment by introducing the fundamentals of entrepreneurship. It motivates learners' thoughts towards a willingness to learn how to initiate and preserve their own ventures.

Chapter 11

A Mother's Prayer

Dear Mother – Is'khalo sakho ndis'vile (I've heard your cry) This chapter details the bittersweet moments of seeing one's child transition to higher education, exploring the emotions, concerns, and mothers' prayers and experiences as they navigate this significant period.

Chapter 12

Faith in the Education System

This chapter serves as a reminder that faith and belief in oneself can help overcome any challenges, turning obstacles into stepping stones towards success. highlights the importance of integrating faith and spirituality into the education systems and hopes it can support a positive impact on students' academic performance and overall wellbeing.

Chapter 13

Turning Points and New Beginnings

This chapter describes change as an inevitable part of life, especially during your transition to higher education. But how you respond to change can make all the difference. Many students fear change because it often comes with uncertainty.

Chapter 14

Nothing for Us Without Us

This chapter amplifies the voices of learners as they speak volume, offering a rich tapestry of experiences that show not only the difficulty of academic and personal journeys but also the profound strength that each student possesses. In their own words, we hear stories of overcoming adversity, finding purpose, and growing through challenges. Their experiences serve as both inspiration and a reminder that the journey is not always easy, but it is always worth it.

FRIENDS OF A MOTHER'S PRAYER

Book launch guest speakers.

Chepape

Kagiso Motidi Chepape

MMy name is Kagiso Motidi Chepape, also well known as Coach KC. I was born and raised in Mamelodi, Pretoria. I am dynamic sports and fitness professional with a deep-rooted passion for youth development and community upliftment through sport. My academic journey began at Khuthalani Primary School, after which I went to the Deutsche Internationale Schule in Pretoria, where I completed my matric. I later pursued my tertiary studies at the University of Pretoria.

Whilst I specialise in the world of sports and fitness, I also have experience as a Life Orientation teacher. Today, I work as a dedicated sports and fitness trainer, and I am a well-respected football coach for both male and female teams. I am the founder and owner of Motidi Sports, an organisation specialising in multi-disciplinary sports and sports events. My passion and commitment in sports has earned me a position as an IHF-certified handball coach and assistant coach of the South African U17 girls handball team.

With a firm belief in the power of sport to transform lives, my work embodies discipline and mentorship in the youth.

Farai Ntuli

Farai Ntuli

Purpose, compassion and impact - These are the three words that best define Farai Mubaiwa's journey as she shapes a better Africa through her work in international development, youth development, gender equality and African growth.

Farai is the Africa Livelihoods and Education Lead for Accenture Development Partnerships ADP a Strategy Manager for Accenture. In this role she works with clients in the international development space to tackles issues of youth employment, digital and future skilling, gender equity and education. Her most recent projects included working with UNICEF's global and local teams on the strategy and implementation of Yoma – the Youth Agency Marketplace – across numerous countries including South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria.

She formerly served as the Chief Partnerships Officer at the Youth Employment Service (YES). YES is a business-led NPO works in partnership with government and labour to initiate policy changes which incentives the creation of jobs for youth. It is during her time at YES that Farai started a social media blog 'Tips for Millennial Managers' which provides key tools and tips to enhance the employability of young people. The series has had over 110k views across its episodes covering topics ranging from the perfect CV, to salary negotiations, to interviewing with confidence, as well as high-growth industries to align to.

Prior to YES, Farai served as a project manager at The Aurum Institute, a leading African TB and HIV research and implementation institute. Her main project Youth Health Africa focused on decreasing the spread of HIV and reducing the high levels of youth unemployment by equipping 10 000 youth from heavily- burdened communities with knowledge and education about HIV and AIDS; and providing skills development and employment to ensure that disenfranchised youth contribute to South Africa's healthcare.

Dr Disaapele

Dr Disaapele

Dr. Disa Mogashana is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Engineering at the University of Pretoria. She coordinates two new first-year modules called Introduction to Sustainable Engineering. With a class size of about 1,150 students, she teaches and coordinates the largest class in the School of Engineering.

Her research area and field of expertise is Engineering Education, with a particular focus on Student Success. First-year students and their transition to university are her passion, which is why she has developed the Introduction to Sustainable Engineering I module (first semester, first year) to include aspects of managing students' transition into studying engineering.

She is also a certified Master Transformation Coach, Master Life Coach and NLP practitioner. She has developed and implemented academic coaching interventions at both the University of Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula University of Technology prior to taking up the University of Pretoria. She holds the view that, when appropriately supported and helped to discover their inner strength,every student who makes it into university has the potential to succeed Dr. Mogashana is also the author of the book Unfathered, published in June 2017. Written as a letter to her father, this memoir documents her experiences as a girl growing up in the absence of her father..

Zama Mbuli

Zama Mbuli

A law student at the University of Pretoria with a deep appreciation for reading both as a vital tool for legal literacy and as a personal passion. She believes that strong reading and comprehension skills are essential to succeed in the legal field, and she enjoys exploring a wide range of books that challenge and expand her thinking. Her academic journey is driven by a commitment to justice, critical analysis, and continuous learning.

Africa Mbeki

Africa Mbeki

Africa Lomso Mbeki, I'm 20 years old born on the 22nd of December 2004. I was born in Eastern cape and later moved to Gauteng where I was raised by my single mother who made me who I am today. I am a believer in Christ who is saved. I currently study Law at STADIO higher education institution and looking to complete that and go onto being an advocate. I enjoy being active with sports and gym, being with family is what I enjoy most as I am a family man and was raised to love family and others around me.

Nkosinathi Skhosana

Nkosinathi Skhosana2

Nkosinathi Nkosana Skhosana is a remarkable 17-year-old from Kwa-Thema, Springs, known for his academic excellence and friendly,confident nature. He's also the fastest runner in his school, demonstrating great discipline and perseverance in athletics. Beyond his studies and sports, Nkosinathi is an avid reader who enjoys music and art, and he attributes his successes to his faith and the unwavering support of his humble family and community.

Yengiwe Manyana

Yengiwe Manyana

A former primary school teacher who had the privilege of shaping young minds and nurturing the next generation of leaders. Throughout her teaching and learning experience for over 30 years, Yengiwe's passion for teaching has driven her to go above and beyond providing children with love, care, and a stable environment for them to thrive. She Left a Legacy of Love, Care and Compassion.

Pamela Nkosi

Pamela Nkosi

Pamela Nkosi is an accomplished professional with a strong background in financial services and media, recognized for her strategic leadership, innovative approach,and dedication to community engagement. Driven by Nelson Mandela's belief in the power of education, she consistently aims to empower others through knowledge sharing. Outside of her professional life, Pamela enjoys hiking and spending quality time with her family.

Dr Arabang Letebele

Dr Arabang Letebele

Dr Arabang Letebele is a seasoned medical and public health professional with 20 years of experience in clinical management, technical support, and health programming. She holds an MBChB and a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health from the University of Pretoria, a Diploma in HIV Management from the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa, and a BSc from the National University of Lesotho. She is currently pursuing an MBA through UNICAF Zambia University.

Prof Stephen Hendricks

Prof Stephen Hendricks

Prof Stephen Hendricks graduated from the University of the Western Cape in 1978 with a degree in Dentistry, then pursued postgraduate studies at the University of London and Harvard University. At Harvard, he earned both a Master of Public Health (MPH) and a Master in Public Administration (MPA) in 1990, followed by a PhD in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Health Policy in 1995. His doctoral research focused on the burden of mortality in South Africa.

Dr Elizabeth Serogo

Dr Elizabeth Serogo

Dr. Elizabeth Serogo "Ausie" Nkhi-Godana is a distinguished medical doctor with over two decades of experience as a clinician, educator, and consultant, holding an MBChB and a Master's in Business Leadership, and currently pursuing a Master of Public Health. Her extensive background in healthcare, human rights, and community education, particularly in areas like gender-based violence and substance use, makes her an invaluable contributor to discussions on student challenges.

Gontse Tshoma

Gontse Choma

Gontse Nomthandazo Thoma is a confident and ambitious 19-year-old from Vosloorus. She's currently studying at Kwa-Thema TVET College after graduating from Sunward Park High School, where she developed a love for learning and the arts. As the second of two children, Gontse values her family. She is a quietly strong, curious, and reflective individual who enjoys music, reading, and art in her free time. Gontse embodies a new generation of South Africans poised to make a purposeful impact on society.

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About author

Learn about the book author

Thobekile Finger

Thobekile Finger is a seasoned advocate for mental health and holistic well-being, over 15 years of experience working with young people, families, and communities across the African continent. Her work is rooted in the values of Discipline, Commitment, and Excellence, and she is especially passionate about empowering teenagers transitioning to adulthood to succeed in an unwritten future, regardless of background or circumstance.

  • She amplifies the voices and narratives of young people transitioning from high school to college or university
  • As the Chairperson of the Board for the African Palliative Care Association, she pioneers palliative care leadership and drives the integration of palliative care into African healthcare systems.
  • She has led programs in mental health and gender-based violence that have touched over 1 million young people, addressing the intersection of sexual reproductive health, mental health, substance abuse, and gender-based violence, as well as femicide.
  • Master's in Business Administration (MANCOSA)
  • Bachelor of Psychology – Endorsement Community Counselling (UFS)
  • Bachelor of Industrial Psychology (UFS)
AWESOME STATS

All Milestones Achieved

  • Achievements
    Led programmes in mental health and GBV that have touchecd over 1 Million young people
  • Active Readers
    500+
  • Writing
    8000+ words
  • Total sales
    You've been awesome!
  • Days After Launch
    38days

The book has 500+ readers

Readers reviews
is self explanatory – 5/5

Events

Upcoming Events & Programs

Testimonials

What People Are Saying

Client Feedback

Best reviews and & feedback

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Grace Totetsi

Follower

"A Mother's Prayer" provides essential guidance that every student and parent should have access to during this critical transition period. It addresses the psychological challenges that young people face when entering higher education.

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Kagiso Motidi Chepape

Motidi Sports

With a firm belief in the power of sport to transform lives, this book embodies discipline and mentorship in youth development, providing crucial guidance for students transitioning to higher education.

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Farai Ntuli

Law Student - University of Pretoria

Purpose, compassion and impact - these three words define this book's approach to youth development and education. It provides key tools and strategies to enhance the employability and success of young people transitioning to university life.

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Dr. Disa Mogashana

University of Pretoria

As someone passionate about first-year students and their transition to university, I believe this book provides essential support. When appropriately supported and helped to discover their inner strength, every student who makes it into university has the potential to succeed.

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