Disability is power

Disability was just a word,today,it is power;
Scader Louis

At the age of 13, she was already an entrepreneur; she was already an expert on family budgets and expenditures, she was good with money. Business was a surviving strategy. She could be seen around the township of Mangochi carrying “kanyenya” (Fried flour coated Fish). The death of her father led young Scader Louis and her mother into this business as a way of survival. Scader was then a school girl helping her mother with business, she was at St Augustine primary school in Mangochi. There was nothing amazing for her like being raised in the beautiful lakeshore area. After completing her primary school, Scader joined St Monica Girls’ Secondary school. She was a hard worker and carried a dream of being a banker someday. She had seen some bankers who really knew how to dress up and that fascinated Scader to an extent of wishing to be one.

In 1999, Scader was faced with a painful blow that almost shattered her dreams completely. She lost her mother and that brought hiccups on her education as well as her siblings’. She thought that would mean an end to her education and that she will never be a banker as she wished. Graciously, Sisters of Divine Providence gave her hope to hold on to her dream of being a banker; they supported Scader’s education by funding her secondary tuition. Years passed by and it was 2001, Scader completed secondary education, her results were just perfect and she could sense a walk into the university corridors for a course leading to her Banker dream.2002 she sat for the Malawi University Entrance Examination, unfortunately, she was left out. She could not do otherwise except securing a job with her MSCE as she now was the mother and father of the family. All her siblings depended on her for support and she had to finance her own education with a private institution as she still had a heart for her dream.

1^st June 2002, World Vision International opened up an opportunity for Scader to work as a customer service Facilitator. She was posted to Ching’anda in Makanjira, a field office which was about 150 km from Mangochi Boma (Main town). Scader saw an opportunity in the newly relocated place. The distance from her office to the main town ignited a strong desire to further her studies as she believed a better and advanced education would land her to a better job in town. She then started some savings out of her salary and planned to enroll for an accounting Diploma course with the Malawi College of Accountancy. Before she could enroll for a diploma in Accountancy, she was presented with a chance to study a Bachelor degree in Education as a parallel program student at the University of Malawi, Chancellor College. Even though pursuing a Bachelor’s degree would have meant a lot for Scader, it was just impossible to do so. It was just an opportunity that Scader watched slipping off her hands. There was nothing she could do about it. It was a great opportunity but she never was prepared to take it as it could have costed her almost everything including her job, the only lifeline for her and the siblings. She let this opportunity pass in 2003. The following year, Scader enrolled for a weekend class diploma in accounting at Malawi College of Accountancy in Blantyre. This meant travelling over 300km every weekend from Ching’anda and she had to cross Lake Malawi on a boat and connect through Chipoka- Salima to attend classes in Blantyre. One can tell how hard this was but Scader carried on. If you wonder what was fueling her strength, Scader would say “I had a big dream and I was determined to achieve.”

A dramatic change happened for Scader on 25^th April 2004, it was a lifetime change. Change that did not just affect her dreams but also her physical prestige. On this day, Scader was on her way back home from school. She boarded a minibus to Makanjira via Salima, as the minibus approached Lirangwe Trading centre, the front tyre burst and it lost control. Scader had been involved in a road traffic accident, she had broken her spine,.she could no longer stand on her two feet, she became wheelchair binded. what would this mean to Scader? Will she ever achieve her dream? What about her siblings? Her job? And everything she cared about. Scader lost all the beauty in herself within a blink of an eye. There was no more hope for the most beautiful and ambitious Scader. All her dreams were shattered. It all became worse as she went through the agony of not being informed of what had happened and whether she could be able to walk again.

“ I cried till there was no tear left, slept till I couldn’t sleep no more, I thought of ending it all but I saw how helpless I was, I needed help from someone even  to take my own life… For days my life was hell and I kept asking God numerous questions regarding my situation and why he allowed it. Unfortunately there was just no answer available.” -Explained  Scader.

Time passed and Scader is now convinced she is disabled, acceptance did not come so quick and easily. January 2005 was a time that God helped Scader accept it all and regained hope to face life again, to dream again and to pursue again. She was ready to do it again. She enrolled for a Diploma in accounting again at PACT college in the same year. She beared courage and a strong determination to take this chance and change her life story. The process of change was not easy, college experience as a disabled student was painful and discouraging. It took time for the college management to make adjustments for her access to some lessons. She needed to be lifted to get into class. A thing she would have never wished for. Little did she know that her disability was a way of instilling hope in other disabled persons. The following semester Scader was so happy to see three other disabled students joining the college. It was motivating and encouraging for Scader. Each passing day she could see God granting her more strength and in June 2006, she completed her Diploma course. July 2006 she started her professional level and in December 2010, she was already a qualified Chartered Accountant.

 Many people, especially girls consider accounting to be difficult as they relate it to mathematics. As for scader, prayer and determination makes one capable of being anything in life regardless of their gender status. “A woman with a disability faces double discrimination based on gender and the fact that she is disabled, but everything is possible and I have conquered it all. I am a Finance Manager in one of the biggest nongovernmental organizations in the world in terms of budget size and workforce and it is no mean achievement to be at that level. Forever, I am grateful to God for His love upon my life.” One would never deny the fact that Scader Louis is not just an accountant, but indeed a woman achiever who is also a peer group trainer and Co- Founder of the Spinal injuries Association of Malawi where she does work with fellow spinal cord injured persons to revive their confidence and determination to becoming productive citizens after spinal cord injuries.

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.

#Girlsmustayinschoolsupporttheireducation#

 Photo Credit : AMARU Photography in support of girls education

Visit :  www.amaruphotos.com

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.

#Girlsmustayinschoolsupporttheireducation#

 Photo Credit : AMARU Photography in support of girls education

Visit :  www.amaruphotos.com

.

Education,her tool...

She was one of the happiest children in standard five, she knew the joys and passion that flow from the sibling fountain. She was spoiled with bundles of support in all aspects from her parents, three brothers and two sisters as the last born. Little did she know that at age nine death would rob her a father. As if that was not enough, seven months later death was in to grab her mother as well. It was this time that Aggie Gogo Wizi was challenged to be separated from her brothers and sisters for a new home. It was her Uncle's home in Blantyre , Malawi. Despite all the changes that came with Aggie's loss, her uncle made the best guardian and cared the most about her education.

Aggie-My uncle supported my education

As a young girl in a government primary school, Aggie admired going to a boarding school for her secondary education.She worked hard in primary and ended up with frustrations as Njamba secondary school, a half day secondary school in Blantyre became her destined secondary school.She had no choice, she started her secondary education at Njamba.Four years past. It was time to say goodbye to Njamba secondary school. she came up as Njamba's second best student of the year 2004 in the National secondary school exams .Her achievement became a licence authorizing her to compete for a University seat with a pool of other  achievers in the country. Brilliant Aggie made it to University of Malawi.It was a time for her happiness to blossom, unfortunately it didnt, she became more and more Frustrated, all because she was admitted to study a Bachelor of education at Chancellor College. A program she never imagined herself in.She hated every thought of being a teacher, she could picture herself as one poor secondary school teacher after graduating. With every lecture taken at Chancellor College came memories of the terrible nicknames given to her secondary school teachers.Aggie thought she could get her way out of being a poor teacher in years to come. To her, teaching was the worst profession one could only enter at their wits end. She then decided to work extra harder in her first year with the hope of making it into the law school.Sadly, she didn't make it into a law school and you can tell what a disappointment it was.

She then was left with no choice but to keep pursuing her studies in education.Years past,it was 2010 already,she is out of college as a graduate teacher with a major in English. Her posting fell under Njamba, her former secondary school, In no time teaching became a part of her,she developed passion towards teaching as a profession.She was the youngest teacher at Njamba. As a former student at the school, she became a role model to all students in the school. The clock kept ticking,bringing along opportunities for her to grow professionally.It was 2011, a door opened for Aggie to be an assistant lecturer in English and Communication Studies at Catholic University of Malawi. What a challenge it was for 23 year old Aggie to stand in front of students who some looked older than herself physically.Well, she left all fears aside.told herself it was an opportunity to express the richest excellencies that God endowed her. After a year of teaching at Catholic University, she secured a fully-funded scholarship to do her Master Studies in Social Work Studies at UK’s Durham University in 2012. This was just Aggie's perfect study program matching her passion towards uplifting the lives of people, especially those trapped in the pangs of acute poverty and social injustice.

A thought of her childhood and how her uncle came in always push her to reflect on God's faithfulness and how much potential every girl child has if supported in education. "If my uncle never took me and send me to school, I would have become destitute upon the demise of my parents, I would not be the Woman I am today. However, as a Christian, I am always convinced that whomsoever God created and put on earth, is living for a purpose." says Aggie. who strongly believe that no human being is a fluke of nature and that It is not God’s intention to see His people suffering from poverty, exclusion, social injustice and oppression. "I believe all these structural barriers that block people from realizing their potential could be removed." she added. Her dream, is to inspire positive and sustainable breakthroughs in the lives of the hardest to reach Malawians, whose voices are hardly heard by policy makers.

In an effort to realize her dream, in 2013,she founded Klesis Education Initiative, a non profit mentorship program, whose main aim is to inspire underprivileged young people around the slums of Malawi to think beyond their physical and economic limitations. At Klesis, which started with only six people but now has over 150 members, she work with young people, mostly in their teens and early twenties, facilitating potential and skills development . She also help the mentees to explore and plan their future. Where possible, she does help very underprivileged mentees to secure scholarships within Malawi and abroad.

Aggie and some of her mentees

All this effort is because of the realization that young people if well nurtured, are strong and powerful agents of change, and that education and skill development are the major tools for curbing social injustice and exclusion, which have heavily hampered development in Malawi. She believes in the possibility of positive change and the power in young people. It does not matter what professional path you take as long as you are educated,there is power to transform you and the world around you.

"We ought to dream BIG! Think beyond our limitations. Every human being, regardless of his or her economic/social background, age, has the ability to become a super power, so long as determination, resilience, passion and patience are cultivated in them. All things are possible to them who believe!!" shares Aggie

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.

#Girlsmustayinschoolsupporttheireducation#

 Photo Credit : AMARU Photography in support of girls education

Visit :  www.amaruphotos.com

This can be you...

Everyday is a day we are exposed to new technologies, being on our mobile phones,

Rachel Sibande; The super techwoman

computers, processing machineries, you name it. its fun how we all surf on our phones, play different games and often go crazy of new apps and gadgets in town. I have to admit, am not a high tech woman myself and I have always run to a male counterpart to help me fix almost everything that relates to technology and gadgets. I am pretty sure that am not the only female who for a long time has not put a heart on learning and familiarizing myself with the fast moving world of technology. It may be hard if you are a grown up to catch up on what many of us view as the complicated field for women to venture but here is Rachel Sibande a woman who will challenge most of the ladies out there that technology and innovation isn’t all about being male. Indeed technology is an indispensable part of our lives today and few can fancy living without it.

As a Malawian Woman Rachel has been nothing but a super tech woman transforming lives in Malawi. She has extensive work experience in the use of technology in Agriculture in Malawi and is the Chief of Party of the Technology for Extension to Smallholders (TEXTS) Project. The project supports the Ministry of Agriculture to adopt web to sms extension as a complimentary service.  Prior to this, Rachel had led the roll out and implementation of the first ever web to SMS Market Information Systems Platform in Malawi using the Esoko platform (http://.esoko.com).  Currently over 60,000 smallholder farmers and extension agents are receiving agricultural extension and market price information through this system.  One may wonder how she is able to do all this, well, education is Rachel’s engine to all she has achieved as of today. She holds several tertiary qualifications in computer science, statistics, information theory, coding and cryptography.

A stay focused mentality on education pushed Rachel into plodding this unique career. Before being on her current position she worked on a USAID development project called Market Linkages Initiative which was established with a goal of promoting structured and transparent commodity trading systems. She held countless portfolios’ ranging from a Market Information Specialist to Chief of Party.  Rachel also taught at the Kamuzu Academy High School as well as at Mzuzu University in Malawi. She is indeed a true model to many and a motivation to young girls aspiring to be tech champions.For Malawian girls in secondary or primary schools, if some voice keep telling you that techrelated careers are not for you as a girl, let Rachel’s experiences and achievements challenge you. Yes,  you can be the female Steve jobs, the Malawian Bill Gates and of course another Rachel sibande.

“I have learnt that the recipe for success in life is pursuing your goals with unqualified passion, absolute determination and yet, a pinch of faith. Once, I realized this; not even the sky has been the limit.”says Rachel , an alumni of President Obama’s Young African Leaders Initiative program who sits on the American Ambassador’s youth council.

Her  passion is on youth development and gender inclusion in the agricultural and technology spaces. Recently, she established Malawi’s first technology hub, a space where young technology enthusiasts would be mentored to become techpreneurs.She describes herself as being a dynamic, diligent and driven person. She is 28 years old, married to Chrispine and together they have 3 children, 1 girl and 2 boys. In her free time, Rachel likes trying out new recipes in her kitchen, gardening and socializing with friends. 

Young girls,this can be you in years to come, Education will take you there.stay in school,work hard and challenge yourselves. Technology and Innovation is for girls too.

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.

#Girlsmustayinschoolsupporttheireducation#

 Photo Credit : AMARU Photography in support of girls education

Visit :  www.amaruphotos.com

Its more than court rooms...



Stella Mapemba(Lawyer)- Lived her dream

Their tune may be different but they sing one common song, "being lawyers" that's Stella Mapemba and Uchizi Chinula's shared commonality. Like many other girls in Malawi, Stella underwent the Malawi Government school system. From Dzenza Primary School to Lilongwe girls' Secondary School, through hard work, Stella kept pursuing her dreams of being the lawyer she imagined to be. Both Uchizi and Stella believed in education as a privilege to shape their future self. While Uchizi went straight into studying a Bachelor of law degree at the University of Hertfordshire in the UK, it was not the same with Stella who began her law career as a Bachelor of journalism student at the Polytechnique a constituent college of the University of Malawi. She studied for a year before being enrolled to study Bachelor of law at Chancellor College, another constituent college of the University of Malawi. She later pursued her Master of law at the University of Warwick in the UK.



Uchizi Chinula (Lawyer)-Believed in the power of Education

While being a lawyer is one of the most claimed and admired dream profession for most girls in Malawian primary and Secondary schools, not many girls believe they have what it takes to be one. To some, law is all about being in court and they limit themselves of not being good enough and under-possessing qualities that can enable them to argue a court case on behalf of a client hence they give up on their dreams. Stella and Uchizi serve as exemplary insights that lawyers do not spend all their time in court and that indeed, some do not even see the inside of one in their professional lives and lawyers are not only called in when things go wrong. Shedding more light that legal advice is needed, for almost everything a human being is entitled to do, from signing forms which include consent forms at hospitals, to property buying and many other transactions. As lawyers, Stella and Uchizi also recognise the challenge lawyers  value in defending the innocent and helping the most disadvantaged in society. For every Girl who wants to take pride in being a part of this amazing and life changing profession, education is the only way forward they hint.

Pursuing dreams has never been easy for both Stella and Uchizi, but one thing that they both held at the back of their mind is the realization that to become someone in life, you have to be educated. For Stella it all centres on imagination "I believe that imagination is the greatest gift God gave us, if we can imagine it, we can bring it into being. We need to imagine and dream BIG, We can’t afford to settle for small dreams when we have the potential to achieve bigger things." She urge Malawian young girls in primary and secondary school to start imaging of what they want to become as they pursue education for their dream fulfilment. Whilst Uchizi who wants  success for every Malawian girl child encourage girls to work hard in school. she says, " education is key to a bright future, no matter where you start from its a journey that requires hard work and it pays off."

Having worked as a lecturer at the Catholic University in Malawi, Uchizi Chinula is now working as a compliance and prevention officer at the Financial Intelligence Unit in Malawi whereas for Stella, she lived her dream of working with the Government under the Ministry of Justice for four years contributing in making justice accessible for all (The old, poor, women, men, children)before joining Malawi Leaf Company Limited, a subsidiary company of Auction Holdings Limited as a Legal Services and compliance Manager. keeping a good attitude while working hard on her dreams, Stella is passionate about service and impacting lives especially those that are less privileged and counted, those that the only crime they ever committed is being poor.
Besides her office work, Stella also finds a great deal of satisfaction through her pro bono (Volunteer) work with Centre for victimized Women and Children (CAVWOC). Where through this NGO, She has been able to represent women and children in various court cases and provided them with the much needed legal advice and representation which most of them could otherwise not have afforded on their own. She does sensitize women and children about their legal rights and is forever grateful to God for getting her to a position of service to others towards access to justice. She still believe in Education and that her academic career tree has not stopped growing, so is every girl's academic tree : "to those of you in secondary or primary school, nurture your academic goals and believe in a strong sprouting tree in whatever career you will opt for" she advised.

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)

#Girlsmustayinschoolsupporttheireducation#

Photo Credit : AMARU Photography in support of girls education

 Visit :  www.amaruphotos.com

There is a life changing power in your story...

Its such young girls whose dreams will be shaped by hearing and reading your story-Maggie with young girls in Nathenje

Never underestimate the power of your story, your experiences, your challenges, your opportunities and above all the blessing you are to those around you. I never knew just being me was enough to inspire others, telling someone  who I am was enough to make a difference untill not so long ago.It just took a narration of my life journey to be able to get somebody seeing the best of their being.It took sharing the opportunities of being admitted to 4 Universities and securing local and international scholarships to instill hope and self belief of what one is capable of becoming...so never underestimate ur experiences...There is a moving and motivating power in your story.
It has always been a part of me to never live life for myself; I have always wanted to live for others, as Christ did. I have always wanted to change things, the face of the minority, the disadvantaged, the less privileged in society, yes those who really don't get to be counted at times, those whom their voices are silenced from birth and those who really do not know or have a chance to get to know what is revolving around their world. A day comes and go, it makes no difference to their life as long as there is tomorrow, Life goes on. I was afraid to make a move in the first place, how could I face the world with empty hands cause I thought it takes something huge or perhaps that it needs one to have it all in order to make a difference, but ey, I was wrong it just takes you to bring about change. We all have the capacities within our abilities to make a difference in our own lives and others. Much as it is obvious to some people to see what opportunities are ahead of them, it is never obvious for everyone. Most of my friends had such obvious opportunities foreseen but It was never the case with me, I grew up knowing no opportunity ahead of me, but one thing I know and am grateful for is the secret to have known Christ at a tender age, it helped me to grow up worrying about nothing as I knew it was all set for tomorrow knowing He holds tomorrow.


 As I grew up, I have been blessed to come across a number of opportunities and I have always wanted to make others a part of these opportunities. I didn't know how but thank God, He gave me an opportunity to inspire and use my story to reach out and make a difference. It may not be the biggest or greatest story but to one person in some way at some point in time it has been able to make a difference. It all centers on education. If it was never for my hard work in school as am still doing now, I would never be able to inspire somebody, I would never be able to give a young girl a reason to be in school, I would never fly to different countries and I would never be blogging today on education and its power to change a life. I remember very well the first time when I was enrolled in a nursing college at the University of Malawi and wore a nurses uniform in my neighborhood, as I walked to the health center where I used to work on part time basis. I was still a teen ager and I met a young girl with her mama who lived just close to us. The little girl smiled at me and looked at me with envy; I knew she was amazed to see such a young nurse. It didn't mean anything to me what this young girl who by then was almost 8 yrs old had in her mind and what impact my age and career would have in her life until the time I had left nursing for a different career abroad. I rarely came home for holidays; I would come back once every year and never get to meet this young girl in my neighborhood.  Little did I know that she had told her mama that she looks up to me as her role model and that she one day wants to be like me. Her mother was just another good woman who knew how to stimulate her girl to work hard in school. She kept telling her of every other opportunity I was presented with and reminded her of the possibility to attain the same and even greater if she works hard in school. This year after almost 7 years of not meeting the girl, I learnt from her mother that she has been so ambitious to become more like me, she is been an excellent student maintaining her standards. That's when I also learnt to know that it’s not just this one girl in my neighborhood I have been inspiring and giving a reason to work hard in school but many other girls who constantly keep approaching me and share how my love for school has helped them stay in school.
Sharing my story, my challenges and my experiences has been a way of making a difference in the lives of many girls in my neighborhood and beyond. It has rekindled the girls’ interest to stay in school and strive for their dreams... If my story can make a difference in a girl’s life, what more with your story????


Maggie inspired Malawian girls with her story at one of the schools in Rural Lilongwe ,Her story  instilled hope in girls.

 NB: This has been written to call for Career/business oriented Malawian girls and women who believe in their Life stories and the difference it can make in promoting girls education in Malawi to share their stories through email to alibewawo@gmail.com and I will have the stories published on this blog...Be the first to share your story or recommend a friend’s story for this blogsite.  

#girlsmuststayinschoolsupporttheireducation#

It does not stop with your undiscovered self untill you unlock the doorway and education is the key...

Joana Chikadza, Award winning Nurse of the year 2014

It might not sound so real that you can get to build a career in a specific discipline and be able to enjoy and make the best out of it especially if it was not of interest to you. Some of you may be following the footsteps of Joana Chikadza. You may be travelling the path that Joana trode and perharps,you may end up trailing a new path for others to follow just as she did. You are in secondary school and university is where your heart is or may be you are still in primary school  and you keep telling yourself of a career you would love to pursue.You might have known somebody in that field who inspired you,well that sounds fantastic.As of now there is no other discipline running in your head except that specific field. At the back of your mind,its all well set and you are convinced to be well informed of the Lawyer, engineer, Doctor,or Administrator you are to be in years to come. You are not the first one to wear the shoes of such a dream, it was the same with Joana, from her secondary school days at Nkhamenya Girls secondary school, She already saw herself as an accountant. She never thought she could be a nurse,she never really heard alot about nursing, to her nursing was so feminine and not queit challenging a career,she viewed it to be a passive profession. Family, teachers and friends had already fuflfilled their role in influencing her to pursue accountng as part of their support.

Upon completing secondary education,Sitting for university entrance examination as a Malawi secondary school leaver was not a big deal for Joana.It was to her a doorway to being an accountant. As the results were announced , Joana ended up at Kamuzu college of Nursing, a constituent college of The University of Malawi to study nursing. It was untill then that she got to discover her career path and the best nurse she was being built into,it was time she got to know that dreams could not always turn up the way you see them,what matters the most in a career is the difference you make in your own life,society and beyond.She testified that education has the power to honor you and introduce you to places where you get to know of the true difference you can make at the end of everyday.Today 25 year old Joana Chikadza is one of  the most passionate nurses one would meet, She completed her university education and came out with a Bachelors degree in Nursing.She has embraced her skills and knowledge working for four years as a nurse.

Passion and determination led Joana to be the award winning Nurse of the year 2014. Remember, back then, nursing was never a field she saw herself in, today, education has shaped her to be a happy and inspiring nurse and she does say that, there is nothing to do with being female in order to amount to something in life and no career is feminine,each has its own way of challenging you as an individual not as a woman or man."I believe that God created no man or woman to be average,we all are entltled to excellency,Create that self image of a champion and know that you are a victor not a victim." says Joana as she pass out a message to girls to stay in school and get a chance to learn of different career opportunities." If you never end up being the teacher you see yourself in two or more years time,there is still room for you to make a difference in the Journalist you can become,it does not stop with your undiscovered self untill you unlock the doorway and education is the key.God never make mistakes trusts His plans."

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)

#Girlsmustayinschoolsupporttheireducation#

Photo Credit : AMARU Photography in support of girls education

 Visit :  www.amaruphotos.com