UKZN staff member Ms Zola Chonco graduates with a Bachelor of Social Work degree.Bachelor of Social Work Degree ‘Passport to Independence’ for UKZN Staffer
College of Humanities staff member Ms Zola Chonco graduated with her Bachelor of Social Work degree, seeing it as a passport to her independence.
'I am overjoyed. I have needed independence for a long time and this is the first step towards having the ability to provide for my daughter and I. God has been good, I truly am so blessed.’
Chonco is passionate about helping people and community upliftment. ‘I want to be the help - I never had - for young women. I believe I have a purpose and that everything is working together to help me attain my goals. For now, I will do my best where I am and be an asset to the University.’
Her undergraduate years were tough but also enriching. ‘There were times I wanted to give up, but knowing I had a daughter who depends on me kept me going. Being part of the Social Work class at UKZN, I learned so much about the world around me as well as how to deal with my own life challenges.’
Chonco experienced financial difficulties and battled with depression. ‘I wouldn’t have got through these years without the Student Counselling office and support from friends and family. As a student, you need to provide for yourself as well as cope with the workload with life happening at the same time. It is never easy but we have to persevere.
‘Being able to take good care of my daughter drives me all the time. I am fortunate that friends and family have helped me financially, emotionally and by just being there for me when things got tough.’
Chonco, who worked part-time throughout her studies, is now employed full-time in the School of Applied Human Sciences.
‘It is a wholesome and enriching environment with opportunities for students to grow as individuals and as professionals. I support anyone who wants to study at UKZN as it has helped shape me into the woman I am today.’
She had this advice for other students: ‘God is real! Never give up. Persevere and be resilient in everything you do. It sounds like a cliché but it is the truth and if you keep your head down and focus on the work, you will overcome and get that degree. Fun and good times follow later.’