Reaping her choice

Pilirani Khoza, one of the 16 brightest world young leader

Growing up in the rural village of Engucwini, in Mzimba, the northen part of Malawi, the inspiring young Pilirani khoza never imagined reaching heights beyond the Mzimba boundaries. "Its all about hardwork, commitment and dedication" says young Pilirani Khoza as she smiles full of memories of what used to be a dream being turned to reality. To those that knew Pilirani from her childhood days in Mzimba, they can never imagine the young inspiring woman she is today. She has travelled across the globe, launched and supports initiatives and can testify the power of education. Not only is Pilirani a remarkable founder of Bunda Female Students Association (BUFESO) an organization supporting needy university students at Lilongwe University of Agriculture (LUANAR) Bunda campus with tuition and upkeep needs but also a recent young leader of the European Development Days (EDD).

The passion, charisma and perseverance that Pilirani holds cannot be doubtful that she was selected as one of the 16 brightest young minds in international development representing the voice of youth and the future of development at the European Development Days 2016 in Brussels. Pilirani have had a chance to visit European institutions, meet influential EU policymakers, and network with other young people driving change around the world. Wondering how this could be, it has never been a smooth road for the young Engucwini princess. She has been through battles that have left scars in her life and at the same time passed through roads that have left marks of joy. As founder of BUFESO, Pilirani has been able to attract the support of a number of remarkable influential people within Malawi to support girls education. Of which includes the first lady madam Getrude Munthalika. All in all Pilirani began her journey hopelessly. Little did she know heaven will someday smile at her.

Growing up as a child, Pilirani lived with both parents. Her father was what she could never really be able to define. At a young age she lost fatherly support, love and care as death claimed him. Unfortunately, she only had 16 years to experience motherly love and care as she also followed her husband years later. One thing Pilirani got proud of is the gift of education that her parents never deprived her. Pilirani did her primary education at Engucwini primary school and later moved to kakule primary school in Lilongwe following her mother’s relocating after the death of her father. From Kakule primary school, Pilirani was selected to Chinsapo secondary school in the year 2005. Her mother was a jobless woman with little academic knowledge. Much as being selected to secondary is good news to many, it was a different experience for Pilirani. It was the beginning of great worries. She knew her mother could not manage getting her tuition, books, transport money let alone food for the day. Luckily, pilirani’s uncle took the responsibility to support her mother in small businesses to get Pilirani to school.

 In 2012, a dark cloud fell upon Pilirani’s life, She lost her mother, her pillar, the only person who had a room for her to stay.Her uncle lived far and the only closest person was her grandmother. She found consolation and hope that got shattered a few months later as her grandmother followed her mother and answered God’s call. Despite all the hardships she encountered, Pilirani never gave up on education. She pulled her socks higher and made it to University of Malawi, Bunda College now LUANAR.

Life became harder at college. Even though she was under government sponsorship, the allowance was just never enough to get her going for the whole year. There came a time when she was in third year that holidays began and she had nowhere to go for holidays. She stayed on at the university hostels for the whole holiday period, School resumed and she had nothing in her pocket, she could spend two week taking a shower with no soap and body lotion. “I have had to wait for the bathrooms to be empty so one sees me showering soap-less. I was just trying to save myself the embarrassment. It was shameful but I had no option.” She said.

An idea then crossed her mind. She never wanted to live such a life for good. She sought of ways of surviving. She projected her writing skills and through such writing skills, she managed to secure part time employment as media specialist whilst at the Bunda Campus. The main goal was to publicise the Bunda transition to Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resource (LUANAR). Pilirani’s duties involved writing articles and managing social media pages like facebook page for the university. Every penny earned was an investment to her education. She could buy books, academic materials and some other basic needs.

With all the challenges faced during her college days, She founded an organization called Bunda Female Students Organisation (BUFESO) in the year 2012, with a basic goal of working to support poor students by sourcing funds for their school fees and upkeep allowances. The organization has up to date supported 3 University students with School fees and a number of students with upkeep allowance.  Pilirani is now a Gender Policy Project-Assistant project Coordinator at LUANAR. Her message to young girls is that, education is a weapon to carry at all times. “ Nothing can stop you from attaining education, a leap of faith and determination will take you there. Above all seek God and all shall be added onto thee We all pass through struggles in life. In such moments, the choices we make shape us.” concludes Pilirani whose life has been transformed greatly as a result of education.

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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