TRUE to the title of her children’s book, Against All Odds, Sthandiwe Phooko has endured life’s challenges and finally had her long-lasting dream come to fruition.

Losing the support structure that was her mother, her job, too, and seeing her dreams being deferred, pushed Phooko to nearly giving up, but through prayer her faith was restored and so she drew inspiration from her son to pen the book she said is relatable to children and parents.

“My son loves playing soccer, I think that is where he found a support structure,” said Phooko, who explained that this was the inspiration for the book, which is a story about Iminathi, a young boy passionate about soccer.

Phooko said her life’s struggles gave birth to “a new life” in the form of the book she said is essentially about single parenting with meager means and going against all odds to live out a dream.

“It is my love for writing and reading that has brought me here, as well as the support I have received from the people in my life, who include my parents, sisters and friends,” said Phooko.

During the book’s launch on Saturday (May 9) at the New Germany Library, which was attended by local youth, Phooko shared her excitement and gratitude.

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“The story came from my son, his name is Phila, he loves soccer a lot and he gave me the inspiration to write the book about Iminathi, who also loved soccer,” said Phooko.

Addressing the children at the launch, Phooko said a lesson they can learn from the book is about gratitude and understanding that it is not all the time that their parents can afford everything that they desire.

“In the book, Iminathi’s mom relied on prayer and faith and she eventually started seeing things happen,” said Phooko, who encouraged the young attendees to pray and be grateful for what they have in life.

She further encouraged that they work hard, persevere and always be committed and dedicated to achieving their dreams.

Phooko also thanked Philani and Thembeka Zuma of Kashazis Enterprise who supported her throughout the project.

The book can be ordered directly from Phooko who can be reached on 060 412 3427 or through her social media platforms, Facebook: Sthandiwe Phooko.

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