When Brastorne first came across a social media post about two young women from Dukwi Refugee Camp with exceptional academic results, it was impossible to scroll past. Their names were Xolile Ngwenya and Linda Nikiza, bright, determined, and facing the heavy reality that their brilliance might not take them further simply because of circumstance.
For Brastorne, the decision to help wasn’t about charity, it was about seeing potential where others might see limitations.
“At Brastorne, we’ve always believed that connection isn’t just about technology,” says Martin. “It’s about giving people the chance to rewrite their story. When we saw their results, we knew that these girls didn’t just need recognition they needed opportunity.”
That decision changed everything. Brastorne stepped in to take full care of Xolile and Linda’s dreams of studying at the University of Botswana walking with them through every season of their journey, by taking care of their full upkeep, providing laptops, monthly allowances, and all the essentials they needed to pursue their university education.
We didn’t restrict them to any particular field or ask them to study something that aligned with Brastorne. Instead, we gave them the freedom to follow their dreams, wherever those dreams led. Both chose medicine, a testament to their compassion and desire to make a difference.
Walking The Journey Together
From the very beginning, Brastorne made sure they knew they weren’t alone. The team stayed in touch, offering encouragement, advice, emotional and financial support when things got tough.
“We wanted them to know that they had a family behind them,” Martin shares. “We celebrated their milestones, encouraged them through challenges, and reminded them that they belonged, not as beneficiaries, but as part of the Brastorne family.”
“Because of Brastorne, the gap between where I was and the future I dreamed of was bridged,” says Dr. Xolile Ngwenya. “Their support and belief in my potential gave me the strength to become Dr. Ngwenya.”
Over the years, the transformation has been incredible to watch. Xolile and Linda grew from shy students to confident young women with a deep sense of purpose. They spoke about their dreams not in terms of survival, but in terms of impact.
“They supported me with a monthly allowance, bought me laptops, and even helped me get spectacles when my eyesight became a challenge,” shares Dr. Linda Nikiza. She recalls how Brastorne continued their financial support even when UB allowances were delayed, allowing her to focus entirely on her studies. “Their help reduced my financial stress completely, I could even send some money home to help my family. Forever grateful to the team.”
Becoming Leaders
Today, that promise has come full circle. Dr. Xolile Ngwenya graduated with distinction, earning the Dean’s Prize for her academic excellence at University of Botswana School of Medicine and Dr. Linda Nikiza was exceptional in her studies and has completed her studies at the University of Botswana School of Medicine, ready to serve communities that need them most.
Both women grew up in Dukwi Refugee Camp. Yet, standing on graduation day, they represent something far bigger, the possibility that lives change when someone believes in you.
Their success is not just theirs alone. It belongs to every girl in school who dares to dream big! It belongs to every young person who needs to hear that their background does not define their future.
Xolile and Linda embody the values that Brastorne stands for, resilience, integrity, inclusion, and impact. They are proof that when opportunity meets belief, transformation becomes inevitable.
What began with a simple act of support has now become a story of encouragement.
“They’ve shown us that the greatest connection we can ever make is human,” Martin reflects. “We are proud, not because of what they achieved, but because of who they’ve become.”
Congratulations, Dr. Xolile Ngwenya and Dr. Linda Nikiza. Your story began in Dukwi, but your impact will travel far beyond!
