The first role models...

I find satisfaction in teaching-Tapiwa

It’s October, a number of global and local commemorations has taken place focusing on girls and women. As Malawi we have celebrated the International Day of the girl child, International day of rural women, International world food day with family farming as a theme and locally mother’s day just to mention a few. On top of all the commemorations, October also happens to be a month when the Malawi National Examination Board released the names and results of those who sat for Malawi school certificate Examination (MSCE).Even though Malawi as a nation has a lot of worries on the deteriorating quality of education and the recent released Examination results, we have seen many smiles from successful candidates, we have noted families celebrating their daughters, sons, sisters and brothers who have made it. Many have already started taking the initiatives to encourage the successful candidates to pursue their dreams and achieve great. Having a reason to celebrate, one would not forget to celebrate people like Tapiwa Nsanja, who is among the few qualified teachers striving for quality education for all Malawians.

If you studied in Malawi from standard one, you will definitely agree that teachers are the first role models one will know, more especially if you have never met or seen any other professional in your life. Despite teachers being the first role models to almost every kid, it is almost none of the kids who grow up inspiring to be one. For Tapiwa, her story turns to be different. As a 2002 successful MSCE candidate, young and visionary Tapiwa looked forward to a career in science. 2003 was a year bringing her dream career into existence as Tapiwa was admitted into the University of Malawi to study a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Biology and Statistics at the Chancellor College in Zomba.

Through her first year of studies, Tapiwa held dreams of being a medical doctor as she felt that was the only way of making science count .As her education journey continued to get deeper, her passion for science kept widening, her medical aspirations began to sink and teaching became her heart’s desire. With every lecture and practical experience came a picture of herself as a teacher. She imagined how she would contribute in imparting knowledge to boys and girls as a teacher. She then found her way into Teaching in 2009. Today, Tapiwa is still that passionate teacher she imagined herself to be. She is currently shaping young girls and boys at Bwaila secondary school with skills and knowledge in science.

“Despite being involved in a number of research projects, I still find satisfaction in teaching. I always look back and value my teachers for making me who I am today. How I wish every young girl and boy would see teaching through my eyes, then we would never see girls dropping out of school, we would never lack trained and qualified teachers who would make Malawian education the best and we would never get disappointing MSCE pass-rates. ” says Tapiwa, a mother of two ,Ellad and Elijah who is also a wife to Lamulo Nsanja. “I always plan carefully, I love my students and I recognise the importance of teacher student relationship in education.” She added.

I Plan carefully-Tapiwa and her students

Facing challenges such as inadequate instruction time, inadequate and poor teaching and learning resources as well as students absence due to various reasons which among others include health problems has not been enough to stop Tapiwa from being her best, some challenges has been a motivation to extending her passion. Tapiwa who is also a Girl Guides leader and a member of the Professional Women’s committee, believes that a health student is as productive as a health teacher. She therefore mobilised a group of likeminded friends under the label “helping hands for healthy Children.” Where she takes her passion beyond the classroom to Kamuzu Central Hospital’s Malnutrition centre to support children affected with Malnutrition with a vision of having health children in schools. Tapiwa has been more than a teacher; she has been an agent of change. With all her initiatives and dedication, am sure we would get a reason to celebrate such women teachers like her as we celebrate the success of our successful MSCE candidates and look forward to a high quality education in Malawi.

NB : This profile is shared for motivational purposes, feel free to use it to motivate young women and girls who you know are still not aware of their potential. If you are looking for mentorship or need more details please contact the blog owner (alibewawo@gmail.com). young women achievers are also welcome to share their profiles and achievements:Are you one or do you know a young woman whose achievements and story will motivate and encourage girls to stay in school? send me an email and the story will be featured here.

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 Photo Credit : AMARU Photography in support of girls education

Visit :  www.amaruphotos.com

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