I have no parents

But I do have rights

Your thoughts (71)

There are almost 3.7 million orphans in South Africa - close to half of them have lost their parents to AIDS-related disease. This is one girl’s story.

My name is Preity, I am 20 and I live in South Africa. When I was young I lived with my aunt and uncle. They made me believe they had the right to beat and mistreat me because I was not their biological child, and I didn’t have anywhere else to go. I was trapped.

They were plain mean to me. If I asked my aunt for sanitary pads when I got my period, she would say: “Use a newspaper!” When I wanted to fix my hair to look nice, she would say: “There is water and sunshine, what else do you need...”. It was terrible.

Life was hard for me then. I was very discouraged. Only after I had finished my difficult chores late a night, could I then take out my schoolbooks and do my homework.

One day, after thinking about it for a very long time, I gathered enough courage to go speak to a social worker I had heard about from a teacher at school. I was so scared. But I am so glad that I did. She changed my life.

When I went to her, I told her my story and I cried and cried. She looked at me in the eyes and told me, “Child, NO ONE has the right to beat you or treat you badly.” She went with me to my house and she met with my guardians. She had a few meetings. It took a while but she eventually helped me find another place to live away from them. There I was looked after. I was able to concentrate on my studies, and I became strong.

When I was at my aunt and uncle’s I was scared to ask for help. But I am so glad that I did. Now I am happy and safe. I am proud again. I am a girl who fought for her rights and won.

Want to read more inspiring stories like this one? Then head to our Springster Facebook page and connect with a community of girls just like you! - https://www.facebook.com/heyspringster

Share your feedback

Your thoughts

Congratulation On Your Victory

March 20, 2022, 8:04 p.m.

Congratulation

March 20, 2022, 8:04 p.m.

NICE STORY

March 20, 2022, 8:04 p.m.

I am not treated badly

March 20, 2022, 8:04 p.m.

😔

March 20, 2022, 8:04 p.m.

Latest Reply

Wat os the meaning of kk

Sometimes am treated badly

March 20, 2022, 8:03 p.m.

Latest Reply

Then fight for ur right!

its true they say"a problem shared,is a problem solve" you gats get guts to share.

March 20, 2022, 8:02 p.m.

Awwwwnnnn Dats,so nyc of d social worker

March 20, 2022, 8:02 p.m.

Dont worry, I'd sue ur aunt mistreating a SPRINGSTER.

March 20, 2022, 8:02 p.m.

a social worker did very wel.

March 20, 2022, 8:02 p.m.

D social did we'll and was very nice to u

March 20, 2022, 8:02 p.m.

WOW,wow,wow

March 20, 2022, 8:02 p.m.

Latest Reply

yea that is Good too hear that from he or she

rose cn we b frenz

Thanks

March 20, 2022, 8:02 p.m.

This is nice

March 20, 2022, 8:02 p.m.

Girls have rights. So fight for ur right girl!

March 20, 2022, 8:02 p.m.

Latest Reply

whch rit

yea u have rights

March 20, 2022, 8:02 p.m.

Every girl should do what Preity did if facing this kind of problem

March 20, 2022, 8:02 p.m.

Latest Reply

u r very correct!

hmm.......true talk

March 20, 2022, 8:01 p.m.

We all need to assist one another problem that challenge us are like a heavy load until u ask for help you will be forever weary N tough time don't .Last ONLY TOUCH PEOPLE!!! springters be tough

March 20, 2022, 8:01 p.m.

Congratulation dear

March 20, 2022, 8:01 p.m.

God Will Lead Us Through

March 20, 2022, 8:01 p.m.

GOD is with u without him u are noting

March 20, 2022, 8:01 p.m.

God is ur strength I love u

March 20, 2022, 8:01 p.m.

yu no as yu nt have friend me too i no have but i have god

March 20, 2022, 8:01 p.m.

Latest Reply

ifeoluwa where are u living

Hey Ifunanya! We removed this message because such acts are not allowed on this platform. Thanks

March 20, 2022, 8 p.m.

Am just seeking for a harmsome guy that can love me for whom i'm

March 20, 2022, 8 p.m.

All praise b 2 GOD.cngrts dear,all springster dis is an exmple show up by priety.so all woman a'v deir rgt we should fight 4 our rgts.

March 20, 2022, 8 p.m.

miz modrator wat ar d step 2 make a gud frnd

March 20, 2022, 8 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey emiskid! We have written so many articles on this. Please search for #friendship at the bottom of the page and read the stories that interest you. We hope this helps

To make a good friend you have to be loyal to your friend, loyalty loyalty is very important.

I need help

March 20, 2022, 8 p.m.

Belive in urself

March 20, 2022, 8 p.m.

Good

March 20, 2022, 8 p.m.

Npo

March 20, 2022, 8 p.m.

Dis lie is so hurrible

March 20, 2022, 8 p.m.

DAT WAS GUD!!!!!!.

March 20, 2022, 8 p.m.

Latest Reply

Yeah i think so

"my rights is my rights, i must stand 4 my rights, i must fight 4 my rights".

March 20, 2022, 7:59 p.m.

Wow!!! Really happy 4 u Preity - were glad u're happy now

March 20, 2022, 7:58 p.m.

Latest Reply

wow.. it is really good to be nice 👫💍🍌🍐🥓🧀🥨

IF WE ARE BADLY MALTREATED WE HAVE TO SPEAK OUT FOR HELP

March 20, 2022, 7:58 p.m.

PREITY THAT'S D HANDWORK OF GOD

March 20, 2022, 7:57 p.m.

Thank You

March 20, 2022, 7:55 p.m.

God is your comforter

March 20, 2022, 7:55 p.m.

that is life. my sister when there life there is for every human on earth. thanks

March 20, 2022, 7:55 p.m.

Latest Reply

abi o

yess oooooo

that is life. my sister when there is life there is hope for every human on earth. thanks

March 20, 2022, 7:55 p.m.

i'm just happy for you

March 20, 2022, 7:55 p.m.

Go Girl!!!, I'm glad you fought for right.

March 20, 2022, 7:55 p.m.

Go Girl!!!, I'm glad you fought for your right.

March 20, 2022, 7:55 p.m.

With God enything is possible

March 20, 2022, 7:54 p.m.

Latest Reply

yes with God everything is possible

hi everyone,long time no talk.

March 20, 2022, 7:54 p.m.

Happy New year everyone 🎉

March 20, 2022, 7:54 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hi

hello

Happy New year 🎇🎆🎶🌌hurray ,blessings and mercies shall be ours.

March 20, 2022, 7:54 p.m.

Most people do mistreat child that has lost their parents and living with relatives I saw a girl that hawks from morning till night,she doesn't go to school,she learns no handwork and no one ever cared about her cos the woman mistreating her is a policeman's wife and in my country to have case with a policeman and won is a rare case,The day my mum took the case up she was later blamed cos the bad woman is not ready to leave the girl,the lady in point still in the bad woman's nest and desperately she's seeking for help but no one wants to help cos they don't want to have a case with police,The police force will never be on your side if you have issues with their fellow policeman

March 20, 2022, 7:54 p.m.

Compliment of the season guys.

March 20, 2022, 7:54 p.m.

it good to be strong while facing your difficult

March 20, 2022, 7:53 p.m.

is good to be fit in every thing,be strong and hardworking

March 20, 2022, 7:53 p.m.

😎

March 20, 2022, 7:53 p.m.

Nice one

March 20, 2022, 7:53 p.m.