Education by then in the rural areas was not regarded as one of keys to success. As a little girl in primary, I used to walk 5km to and from school. Sometimes, I would feel tired along the way and sleep under the trees🌳. However, I was so passionate and dedicated to my education with hope that one day I would leave the village and go to the city to search for greener pastures.

Marriage at the village was considered as a great achievement. Girls ranging between 13 to 15 years were dropping out of school due to early pregnancies and marriage. I recall envying a friend who got married at the age of 14 years because her boyfriend's father had a good number of cattle and was regarded as a rich man. Nevertheless, I forged ahead with low self-esteem in my studies. At some point I felt like giving up, as the long distance to my school was draining me. Further, the other thing that demotivated and traumatized me was the period my best friend was raped by an elderly man 💔. I used to move with fear and this contributed to my poor performance at school.

Lackly in my 3rd grade I was moved to a different school and mom arranged a small thatched house we rented. By the way, mom was an assistant teacher though she never attended any college. My performance was still not good as we had no proper study materials at school. However, I kept pushing and giving up was never an option for me. I passed grade 7 and 9 exams with flying colours. In grade 10 the school was enrolled at had inadquate staff and study materials. Living in a grass thatched house without electricity was a blow for me because I always had the zeel to study at night. In 2003 during preparation for grade 12 examination, I was so worried how I was going to perform. With my fighting spirit and GOD by my side I studied day and night 🌙 to ensure that I pass and leave the village to the city. The results came out and I made it, thank you JESUS.

My journey to the University of Zambia. 🇿🇲 . I have a sister by the name of Monde who is so fearless and determined. She believed in me and facilitated for my admission to the University Of Zambia. I was accepted at UNZA in 2005 on self sponsorship. I thank GOD we were permitted to pay in installments. I was so scared during my 1st year at UNZA because I was not so fluent as the language of expression during high school was 10% in English and 80 in mother tough (vernacular). However, after one year, I managed to adapt to the City life, though my self esteem was so low. As time passed by, I gained confidence and as usual GOD was ever with me. Where will I have been without GOD?. I struggled during presentations as I could not eloquently express my self in English.

Came 2nd semester. Money to pay for my school fees was no where. I tried to adopt my sister's fearless spirit, I pushed for bursary and was eventually awarded 75% bursary. My performance wasn't very good 1st to 2nd year because I had low self esteem because of my past, but my lecturers kept telling me that I had potential to perform even better. During 3rd to 4th year, I gained a lot of confidence and my results were impressive. I realized that someone's past doesn't determine who they should become in future. I pushed files until I graduated with an upper credit🎓 . Honestly I even passed some of the so called City girls. I'm determined and passionate to mentor and impart knowledge in girls from villages in rural areas that they too can make it, there is nothing impossible with GOD, he raises the less privileged and vulnerable people from grass to grace.

STORY TO BE CONTINUED....