Apolinário Matlhombe
My name is Filomena Arde, I am 35 years old, and I come from Chimbunila District in Niassa Province.
My childhood was difficult because my parents struggled to provide for us. I spent most of my time helping them on the farm, which made it hard to keep up with school. I completed only Grades 1 and 2 at 24 de Junho Primary School before dropping out due to my family’s financial hardship.
At nearly 18 years old, I was made to marry a man older than me. We had two children together, but due to life circumstances, we eventually separated. He abandoned us, and I had to raise our children on my own. Life was incredibly tough. I had no support from their father and couldn’t bear to see my children go hungry. I started farming and used what I produced to feed my family.
Later, I met another man. During that relationship, I was introduced to young people from the Kuyenda Collective, who encouraged me to return to education. With their support, I enrolled in the Literacy and Education of Young People and Adults programme (AEJA).
After attending AEJA, I enrolled in Alto Lugela Secondary School, where I joined Grade 9. I couldn’t read or write, and because of that — and my age — I faced a great deal of discrimination.
But once again, I pushed forward. With the continued support of Kuyenda and my teachers, I refused to give up. I’m still studying today.
My dream is to finish school and find work in any area of social development.