1. education
2. school

Growing up in Zambia
Listen to my story
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Listen to My Story
© Camfed 2008
First published in Great Britain in 2008 by Camfed
Camfed Zambia
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Zambia
Camfed International
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Design and layout by Mousetank Ltd. Photography by Jaimie Gramston and Mark Read © Camfed.
Images are illustrative in order to protect the privacy of the storytellers.
Printed on recycled paper to protect the environment.
This publication has been entirely funded by the UK Department for International Development
Growing up in Zambia
Listen to my story
Foreword
I feel greatly honoured to have been asked to write this foreword,
will boost the number of self-aware, confident women who are
and to speak out for girls’ and women’s education in Zambia.
able to enter the workforce, and who are critical partners in the
development and transformation of the whole nation.
Women and girls play an important nurturing role in the life of
individuals, families, communities and nations. However, for women
My message to those who read this book is: make use of it, and
to fulfil this role effectively, they have to be supported by a good
share its contents with others who may not be as privileged as you
system of education and training. Unfortunately, the provision of
are to hold a copy themselves. Also remember that you do not have
education for all is an expense beyond not only the budgets of
to be a genius to succeed. I am proof of that maxim. Through dint
most families, but also of most African countries. Even countries
of hard work, I became a Permanent Secretary in the Cabinet Office;
committed to the principle of education for all are often unable to
an accredited Ambassador to numerous countries; a Permanent
fulfil the obligations embedded in that principle for lack of funding.
Representative to the United Nations and simultaneously, a President
of the United Nations Council for Namibia. I have founded a political
The result has been that families choose to educate boys at the
party – the Social Democratic Party – and I have stood for election as
expense of girls, a situation that compounds the problem. It will
President of Zambia, challenging the population to consider female
take a long time for Africa to become self-sufficient in this area of
leadership of their country.
endeavour. The imperative for countries like Zambia is to openly
acknowledge the catalytic role that international organisations can
Nothing is impossible when a young woman determines to conquer,
play, and to support them in strategic partnerships with indigenous
one by one, all the impediments in her way. My own personal
organisations that espouse similar principles. Such an approach
experience confirms this.
Ambassador Gwendoline Konie
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Nothing is impossible when a young woman determines
to conquer, one by one, all the impediments in her way.
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Introduction
The people who have contributed their stories to this book have a
the villagers wrong. Harnessing the power of the wind to fill her
common belief – everyone has talents and everyone has a right to
own sails, she passed all her school exams, studied to become a
discover and use them. As the powerful stories in this book show
teacher at the University of Zambia and now travels the world as an
only too well, finding your talent, believing in yourself and pursuing
education expert.
every opportunity to achieve your best can change your life and the
future for your family, community and country.
Leah tells us: “Education is the only way that we can change our
destiny”. The unifying theme in these stories is that education has
Every person has great potential, and every person has a story to tell,
the power to transform lives. Or, as another writer, Mwangala, says,
if only we take the time to sit and listen. Within these pages, you
“I still believe the sky is the limit”.
can read the stories of young people who represent the future of
Zambia – young people who have often faced incredible hardships
Be inspired by Leah, Mwangala and the other writers who tell their
and challenges early on in their lives. Some have lost their parents.
stories in this book. Find your talent and reach for the stars.
Others have been abused. Many have been prevented from going to
school by the barriers of poverty and inequality. But many of them
All of us at Camfed very much appreciate the financial support of the
have also overcome incredible odds to achieve amazing things.
UK Department for International Development in the production of
this book and accompanying materials. We would also like to thank
One writer, Leah, shares her memory of neighbours and villagers
the Ministry of Education and all the teachers and pupils across
telling her father that sending his daughter to secondary school was
rural communities of Zambia who have given so much of their time
like “investing in the wind” – because society regarded education
and experience in the book’s making. You will meet many of them
as something for boys rather than girls. But today Leah has proved
through the photographs and words that follow.
Barbara Chilangwa
Executive Director, Camfed Zambia
Former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education
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It is a pleasure for me to add my voice to the voices
of these young people who send a strong message
about the importance of education.
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Chapter One
Education for All
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For Camfed, ‘education for all’ means that all children, not only the
academically gifted, wealthy or able-bodied, must be given the chance to
complete their education in a safe environment. Our work in rural communities
of Africa is underpinned and guided by the principle that education is a basic
human right and all children must have access, only then can the potential
that is in every child shine through societies.
Ann Cotton, Founder & Executive Director, Camfed
Education is the best way to break the cycle of ill
health, hunger and poverty.
Kailash Satyarthi, Chairperson, Global Campaign for Education
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Lillian
Love is an important ingredient in a child’s upbringing.
I found this out the hard way...
It is not always people distantly related to us who perpetrate our
until she gave in, but even then she would find things for me to do,
abuse or mistreatment. I have heard about children suffering at their
just at the last minute when I was ready to leave for school. It made
parents’ hands, or their grandparents’ hands. Love is an important
me always late, and I got in trouble when I arrived at class. Even
ingredient in a child’s upbringing.
when I did go to school, it was useless because I could do nothing.
I had no books and no writing materials. I would just sit there
I found this out the hard way when I stayed with my sister. She is
watching my friends working.
older than me and she works as a teacher in Mwense. When she
came home to visit the family in Samfya I was so impressed by her
In the end, I couldn’t take it any more and I wrote to my father
that I begged to go and live with her. I thought life would be fun
asking him to take me home. When he came my sister was surprised
and interesting, better than the poverty at home. My parents were
and pretended things were fine. She was ashamed and didn’t want
hesitant, but I managed to persuade them to let me go with her.
him to know what she had been doing. For me, getting home was
the main thing. I learnt to appreciate what I had, and thankfully I
It wasn’t what I expected at all. She treated me badly, making me
was identified by Camfed and supported in my schooling in Samfya
work like a maid in her house. When I asked her to take me to
– something that could not have happened if my parents had had to
school she refused and got angry with me. I had to beg and plead
manage it alone.
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Jonathan
I remember very well that the majority of the people were laughing at me...
I was too happy to be in school to allow their mockery to affect me.
I am writing this because I am a disabled person. When I was two
touch me. I was too happy to be in school to allow their mockery to
months old, I became very ill. My mother took me to the health
affect me.
centre that was closest to our home and because of the seriousness
of my condition I was then transferred to Lubwe Hospital before
I did well. When I was in Grade 5 I was moved up to Grade 6
being released to go home.
because I was too advanced for the lower class. In Grade 6 the head
teacher suggested that I should sit for the Grade 7 examination. I
When I was 7 years old, I asked my parents, “When am I going to
passed the exams and I was selected for Grade 8. After that I was
start my Grade 1?” They told me I could not go to school because
offered a place at Samfya High School for my senior secondary
of the way I am. “You will not do anything and the other pupils will
school education.
laugh at you.” That is what they said.
I am grateful to my mother who decided to put me in school
When I was 10 years old, again I asked my parents to take me to
against all the opposition she faced. Parents should not be afraid
school. My father still refused, but my mother gave in and took me
to take their children to school, no matter what the odds seem
to school so that I could start Grade 1. I remember very well that the
to be. Everyone has a talent and everyone can contribute to the
majority of the people were laughing at me. Their laughter did not
development of the country.
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Alfred
Being poor is not something that can stop someone from getting educated. What
is important is hard work and determination that come from deep inside oneself.
I am the ninth born in a family of 13 children, nine boys and four
understand that nothing that is good comes by itself. In spite of
girls. In our family there are two pairs of twins. I am a twin, born
everything, my mother has been so encouraging. She always says,
with a girl, who died when I was very little.
“Being poor is not something that can stop someone from getting
educated. What is important is hard work and determination that
Because of poverty, my mother failed to take all my brothers to
come from deep inside oneself“.
school, except my eldest sister who managed to finish. My mother
used to brew and sell local beer in order to raise money.
The only person who is educated in our family is my sister. She has
taken on the responsibility of taking care of the whole family. She
When I was selected to Grade 8 at Samfya High School, it was
has been my inspiration. I intend to work hard at school and become
difficult for my mother to find money for school fees. I spent
a better and responsible citizen.
the whole of the first term at home. However, I have come to
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Kingfred
No one laughs when a successful person
says he or she was once very poor.
Both my parents died when I was three years old, and so from a
times, though, I went to school on foot and I was always late. At
young age I lived with my brother and his wife. My brother worked
that school, if one was late, one was told to make 100 bricks. This
as a driver, and you know how that is – he was often away from
was hard punishment, but I used to do it.
home for a week at a time. When he wasn’t there my sister-in-law
treated me very badly. She stopped my schooling, gave me many
When I reached Grade 8 there was no money for the fees so I
chores to do and did not give me enough food.
dropped out. I missed a full year before I found support for my
school fees and was able to go back, but I had to go to Grade 7.
One day I refused to wash plates and she beat me so badly that I
had to be taken to hospital. I was unconscious for two days. After
When you are older than almost all your classmates, you are laughed
three weeks I was discharged from the hospital. After that I moved
at. But when you are poor, this does not bother you. It drives you
to my grandparents’ home, and although they were kind to me,
to work harder to get a good education. No one laughs when a
going to school was difficult because the school was 12km away.
successful person says he or she was once very poor.
Sometimes my grandfather would take me on his bicycle. Most
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Sharon
My hope was rekindled by my education. Education
taught me to be myself and gave me power over my life.
Life changed overnight when my father was involved in a road accident.
When I passed to go into Grade 8, my mother had no money at all.
He lost his memory. For nineteen years he did not recognise anyone: his
She started selling the pieces of furniture my father had bought while
family, his friends and his colleagues. Life became unbearable for him
in employment. Every term she would sell one household item to raise
and for us because he did not know what was happening in his life.
money for my education. She also started a small business selling
second-hand clothes, kapenta and other fish. These businesses did not
My father was retired on medical grounds. We now faced a lot of
do well because people used to get things on credit but did not pay for
challenges because my mother was a housewife with no income of
the items on time.
her own. We were living in a company house, which we were asked to
leave. The company did not even give my mother enough notice for her
Through that struggle I managed to complete my secondary school
to look for a suitable place to move to. She had no option but to return
education. My hope was rekindled by my education. Education
to her home village in the Northern Province. To make matters worse,
taught me to be myself and gave me power over my life. Through
my father’s terminal benefits were minimal as he had worked only for a
my education I have learnt to be confident, independent and
few years for the company.
determined.
My mother started to perform so many difficult tasks. She had to take
I obtained good results and I was enrolled at the Copperbelt
care of my father, as well as raise the four of us single handedly. Being
Teachers’ College, although my training fees were too high for my
the oldest child, I struggled to help my mother. The main struggle was
mother to pay. My uncle helped pay for me throughout the course
schooling but I persevered and did not give up.
and I graduated with a Diploma in Education. After I completed
my course I started to work and I helped my siblings to finish their
My mother turned into a very strong woman who used to cultivate a
secondary school education and college as well. Only the last born is
reasonable field of maize, though inputs such as fertilizer and seed were
still in school.
difficult to acquire. She would later sell the maize to the Food Reserve
Agency. She also grew cassava, sweet potatoes, millet and other crops.
It was my prayer that we all finish school, start working and help my
These sustained our lives. I know from my own experience that parents,
mother to look after our father. Unfortunately, our beloved father died
especially mothers, really love their children and will do everything
in September 2005. As for my mother, her prayers were answered. We
possible to ensure that their children remain in school and succeed in
are all settled after a very long struggle. Life has changed completely,
life. That was my mother’s dream also. She used to struggle to raise
and things are good for all of us. Education is the only key to a
money to buy all our school requirements.
successful life.
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Chapter Two
Overcoming Challenges for Education
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As we know from long and indisputable experience, investing in women
and girls has a multiplier effect on productivity and sustained economic
growth. No measure is more important in advancing education and
health, including the prevention of HIV/AIDS. No other policy is as likely to
improve nutrition, or reduce infant and maternal mortality.
Ban Ki-Moon, UN Secretary General
Enabling girls to attend school is literally a matter of life and death.
Education, especially for girls and women, is the best way to break the
cycle of ill health, hunger and poverty. Without it we can’t achieve the
Millennium Development Goals.
Kailash Satyarthi, Chairperson, Global Campaign for Education
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Mwangala
I believe education, hard work, determination
and self-confidence are the only way to success.
It is really incredible how many turns life can take.
Fortunately, when I was in Grade 10, Camfed was introduced at my
school and I was among the beneficiaries selected for the bursary
When I was young my parents were doing well, and as children
scheme. I was so excited and thanked God for the wonderful
we had nothing to worry about. My father was a senior manager
opportunity. I promised myself that I would work extra hard to
at his work and my Mum was a business lady. But my father
complete my education. I was appointed head girl when I was in
became ill, and despite an operation his health deteriorated until
Grade 11. I used this as an opportunity to encourage other girls to
his death in 2001.
study hard so that we can be better citizens.
My Mum became chief breadwinner, nurse to my father and of
From that time I have been able to go up and up. I joined Cama
course continued to be mother to the six of us. It was too much for
after leaving school and through hard work I became the National
her to manage, and before we knew it we had to leave our home in
Coordinator and got a full-time position with the Camfed national
Sesheke and move to Nangweshi where my cousin had his home.
head office for Zambia. I now support my five siblings in school and I
have built my Mum a brick house which she loves.
People were kind to us but life in the village was so different, and
we had to adjust – learning how to cultivate vegetables, living in
Beside work, I am studying for a diploma in social work. I still believe
a thatched house. Most importantly for me, there was no high
the sky is the limit. I will continue to study and work hard so that I
school near us and although Mum assured me I would finish school
can have a decent life.
I couldn’t see any way for it to happen and I was desperate to know
what would happen. Apart from anything else, I couldn’t see how
I would like to encourage girls to put education first. Their suffering
Mum would ever afford the costs of my schooling. But my mother
today will pave the way for a bright future. My sincere wish is to see
is a resourceful lady and she found a way for me to start at Sioma
educated, young rural women who contribute to the development
High School. I don’t think she knew how she would keep me there
of their community and country. I believe education, hard work,
once I had started.
determination and self-confidence are the only way to success.
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Mildred
At the times when life becomes a crossroads for young
girls I did not know which road would be for me.
My mother died when I was four years old and my father died when
The head teacher called me one day and advised me to return to
I was 16 years old. I am the fourth born in a family of ten. After my
school. I weaned my baby and went back to repeat Grade 11. The
mother’s death, my aunt took me to live with her in Shang’ombo
teacher mentor used to spend a lot of time counselling me. She also
District.
told me to forget what happened in the past and start a new life. I
realised that what I had done was very wrong.
When I was in Grade 9, I met a boy who told me that he loved
me. I started a relationship with him. I was still young and I didn’t
When I completed my Grade 12, I put myself forward to become a
know what I was doing. I had friends who had boyfriends and they
member of Cama – a network of young women linked to Camfed.
encouraged me to have one as well. Eventually I became pregnant and
After some time, I was chosen to be the chairperson of Cama
I continued with the relationship hoping that he would support me. I
for Shang’ombo District. I received a grant and started my own
continued with my education but unfortunately I didn’t do well in the
business. I used to sell shoes and my business was doing so well that
final exams because of the condition I was in.
I applied for a loan from Cama to expand it. I managed to support
my auntie and grandmother. I also managed to build my aunt a
When I gave birth to my child I was unable to go back to school
house in appreciation of all she has done for me.
because there was no one to take care of my baby. Two years later I
was able to go back and repeat Grade 9 and was the only girl who
When my Grade 12 results were finally out, I had passed and
managed to qualify for Grade 10 from our school. My aunt tried to
managed to get top marks. I was accepted to study at the University
raise some money to take me to school but she failed. It was then
of Zambia. I would tell myself, “Hard work Pays.” Now that I am
that Camfed came to my school and I was identified as one of the
at university, I have become a source of inspiration to young rural
beneficiaries. But instead of taking my education seriously, I continued
women in Shang’ombo District, rather than a source of derision.
to be playful.
I want to share my story with other people, especially school-going
When I was in Grade 11, I became pregnant again by a different
girls and I have a message for you: I urge you to put more effort
boy. I became a target of derision and fun poking. I decided to stop
in your studies and do not be cheated by boys who want to take
schooling for a year to nurse my second baby. My aunt and teachers
advantage of you when you are poor and vulnerable. I urge you all
were disappointed with me. Though my aunt was hurt, she never
to work hand in hand with other young women in the fight against
stopped encouraging me to go back to school.
poverty. Let us all get started now, for we have a long way to go.
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Bronah
Had I not been given this chance I don’t know where I
would be today. This act of kindness has changed my life.
I can safely say that my early childhood was happy. I lived with my
stopped schooling immediately to look for jobs so that we could
mother, my father and four brothers in Ndola. I was the last born in
have money to buy food. My brothers insisted that I stay on in
the family, and I was the only girl. Everyone spoilt me.
school. They promised that they would take care of me and get
me everything I needed for school. However, things got worse, not
As children of the family, my brothers and I had nothing to worry
better. My brothers couldn’t find decent jobs. They became dejected
about. We had adequate food and we lived in a nice house. Life was
and it was painful for me to see how much they were suffering to try
good to us. I attended primary school, and after Grade 7 I passed
and cushion me from feeling our parents’ loss. I lost hope and I lost
the exams and was accepted into Grade 8.
interest in school.
Then my mother died.
One of my cousins in Samfya heard about our suffering. She sent for
me. When I got to Samfya I found that she had submitted my name
My mother’s death was a shock. I knew she was often not well, but
and I was on the Camfed programme. I could not believe that such
when you are a child with the security of a home and family around
good fortune could come to me. Camfed has become my mother
you, it doesn’t cross your mind that you can ever lose your mother. A
and my father.
few months later, my father also died. Losing them both within such
a short period was too much for me to bear.
I hope and pray that every girl who has a second chance at
education will seize the opportunity with both hands. Such chances
After my father had been buried, our relatives divided our
are rare. Had I not been given this chance I don’t know where I
possessions between themselves and left us stranded. My brothers
would be today. This act of kindness has changed my life.
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Kabinda
Too many children under one roof make life difficult for
everyone and good for no one.
Polygamy really hurt me and my mother. My Dad married a second
I started looking for work to raise money for my school fees. I had to
wife and not long afterwards he chased my mother and me away.
go to different farms and meet people of all characters and manners.
Mum and I had no other option but to look for another place to live.
I worked as a labourer. My family was very discouraging because
We found a remote piece of land and started farming to support
they were against my going to school. At the same time, having a
ourselves. I stopped going to school because the school was too
family meant that I could not qualify for any sponsorship – two living
far from where Mum and I were staying. I was only seven years old.
parents are expected to support their children.
Whenever we needed to buy anything we had to walk to Mwense –
which was a distance of 49 kilometres.
I am very bright at school but because of suffering I am often
tempted to give up. All I want is to continue with my education. For
For some reason, Dad changed his mind and one day he came for
me, it is the practice of polygamy that is to blame for my situation.
us and we went back home. But soon after this he lost his job, and
I am not the only one to have this experience in my life. Too many
with two wives and two families to support he couldn’t manage.
children under one roof make life difficult for everyone and good for
When I was accepted in Grade 8 I did not take up the offer because
no one.
we had no money.
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Mary
I have regained my self-esteem and my community respects
me again. I would like to encourage others not to lose hope.
Failing my Grade 9 exams meant that I had to find a husband at a
I don’t know what would have happened to us if I had not joined
young age. I was so lucky to find a man who made me happy and I
Cama. When the opportunity came I did not waste any time. I
moved to my husband’s home in Kitwe where we were blessed with
rushed to register so that I could become a member. I received a
four children. It was an utter shock when I lost my husband to a sudden
letter that told me I could attend Cama, and I said, “Is it me?” and I
illness. After his death, I had to go back home to Samfya. He was the
ended up dancing and jumping. During the months that followed,
breadwinner for the family and I could not continue living in town.
I became an active member and I was given a grant to start my
own business. My business is doing well and my life has improved.
My husband’s relatives grabbed all that he had left for me, and
I am able to take my children to school with less difficulty. They can
I went back to the village with nothing. This caused me a lot of
now have decent meals and clothes. No small thing when you have
pain and grief. My children were too young to understand our
started with nothing in your hands.
predicament. I was not working and life became tough. To make
matters worse, my husband’s family accused me of being responsible
I have regained my self-esteem and my community respects me
for his death.
again. I would like to encourage others not to lose hope.
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Ambassador Gwendoline Konie
To educate a man is to educate an individual,
but to educate a woman is to educate the whole nation.
Both my parents were teachers. As a result, even as a young child
educate a woman is to educate the whole nation”. This philosophy
I emerged from my mother’s kindergarten class armed with the
influenced both the boys and girls in my family, and it was perhaps
understanding that mothers and teachers must “probe a child’s mind
my father’s sense of humour to determine that we never forgot it by
in order to increase that child’s thinking capacity”. In Bemba, this
naming my younger brother Aggrey, after his inspirational namesake.
saying is expressed as “Chalilinga uku konkonsha ku bongo bwa
mwana pakuti aba namano”.
The long and short of it was that I grew up with no hang-ups about
gender and ability – in spite of the prevailing paternalistic attitudes
My father’s philosophy followed that of the great Ghanaian
of the time. This philosophy has stood me in good stead, perhaps
educationalist, Dr. James Aggrey of Achimota College. He shared the
more than any other ability or advantage I may have had in life.
firm belief that, “To educate a man is to educate an individual, but to
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Phoebe
You are my daughter. When you are not happy
I can feel it, even if you are far away.
I am the third born in a family of six – four girls and two boys. When
knew my parents to be and wonder how I could go back to them. It
I was young, my father was working for a construction company in
was too far to walk, and I had no money to escape by bus.
Kafue. Unfortunately, his job meant that we had to move around to
live at different building sites. This affected my schooling. I would
One day, as usual, I was sent to fetch water as the two were about
start Grade 1 at one site, then go back to pre-school because the
to start eating. As I walked slowly towards the house, the heavy
next site would have no primary school.
container on my head making me look shorter, I saw my father
coming towards me. I thought I was dreaming. He took the container
When I was in Grade 5, my paternal grandmother came to visit us.
from my head, and both of us were crying. He told me to pack my
My grandmother was a businesswoman. She lived with one of her
things and we left my grandmother’s home that very day. On the way
daughters, my father’s sister. She asked my father if she could take
I asked my father who had told him about my mistreatment.
me with her. She said I would go to school in Samfya because her
home was close to the school. My parents agreed.
“You are my daughter. When you are not happy I can feel it, even
if you are far away. One night when I dreamt about you, I saw you
I had been in school barely a week when my grandmother’s attitude
crying. I had to come and check whether it was just a dream.”
towards me changed. She told me I had to do all the household
chores before going to school. My own grandmother turned me into
Since I had only been away for six months, I was allowed to go into
a slave. The tasks I was made to do were far beyond my capability,
Grade 6. In the same year, my father died. We went back to Samfya
but she beat me up if I failed to do them. What made my suffering
with my mother. I was able to find a school place. I sat my Grade 7
worse was hunger. Each time food was prepared, my grandmother
examination and I passed well. I was selected to go into Grade 8.
would send me to fetch water or wash her clothes. While I was
However, I needed uniform, books and shoes. My mother could not
gone, the two of them would eat all the food. I only got back in
afford to provide them. My chances of getting a good education
time to wash the plates and pots that they had used.
were buried with my father. It is painful to drop out of school for
lack of support. Even the people in the village felt sorry for me. A
My aunt would sometimes hide some food and give it to me secretly.
teacher from Chisokone Basic School came to my home. He told
I used to watch dogs being fed by their owners and I would wonder
me about an organisation that would help me. He said the school’s
what would happen if I would run and get the food from the dogs.
committee had selected me as one of the pupils to be supported and
Whenever I found a moment to rest I would look in the direction I
I was able to go back to school and start Grade 8.
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Chapter Three
Stories of Change
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Come
is the day when our voices can be heard from the top, producing
an echo that awakens all those who are asleep.
Judith Kumire, Educationalist, activist and advocate, Zimbabwe
In the journey of my life, I’ve encountered many hurdles that have left
me stronger. They were actually steps up the ladder. I have managed to
be where I am now mainly because of my education. To me, education is
a weapon against poverty.
Fiona Muchembere, former Camfed beneficiary and founding member of
Cama - now Camfed Programme Manager for Governance and Advocacy
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Priscilla
He came to talk to my parents and struggled with them to find
a solution that would allow me to stay in school and delay marriage.
I was born in a remote part of Samfya District, in Luapula Province.
He came to talk to my parents and struggled with them to find a
In my home area it is normal for girl children to drop out of school
solution that would allow me to stay in school and delay marriage.
even at lower primary level and get married.
At last they agreed to send me to my cousin in Mansa to continue
my education away from home. I had full support from my cousin
Right from the start, I was a very bright pupil and always came first
who took me in to his family, and even met part of my school
in my class. Yet before I had finished primary school, my parents
expenses. I graduated from Grade 12 and went on to train as a
were arranging for me to marry a stranger. This is common practice
teacher. I am now teaching at Mandubi Basic School. I am married to
in my home area and my parents didn’t think twice about it.
a man of my choice, and we have two children. Whenever I am able
to, I visit my parents. I do my best to support them and some of their
It was all I could do to persuade them to let me finish basic school
relatives.
before the wedding took place. When the news of my impending
marriage reached my head teacher’s ears, he sent for me. He gave
I write this story as a lesson to other girls to be strong and stick
me a long talk on the importance of education. I told him it was
to their principles. Although my parents felt education was for
not my wish to get married. I was doing so under pressure from my
boy children and not girl children, I persevered and completed my
family. He felt very sorry for me and we discussed ways in which he
education. They are now the first people to speak about the value of
could help me.
educating all children.
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Leah
The other villagers would warn him not to
boast because he was investing in the wind.
I was born in Kalomo District. My parents were peasant farmers.
Seeing how much I wanted to be like them, the town girls organised
They were illiterate since they had not had the chance to go to
a boyfriend for me. I was coached into mischief. I became pregnant
school. My mother, though not educated, looked forward to seeing
and was expelled from school. My boyfriend took me to his brother’s
her first-born daughter go to school. When I was finally enrolled
home in Kabwe. Having been brought up in a Christian family, I
in Grade 1, she got excited and sewed pieces of her old clothes to
found life in my boyfriend’s home uncomfortable. His brother was a
make a dress that would make me presentable at school.
drunkard who would come home and fight with his family. This was
torture to me. I began to hate myself. I stopped blaming the town girls
At school I worked very hard and excelled. The boys in my class
and acknowledged that I had made a mistake. I regretted all I had
could not challenge my performance. In Grade 7, I obtained the
done and needed forgiveness. I went back to my parents. I realised
highest marks in my school. I was excited when I received my
the kind of misery I had caused my mother who my father accused
acceptance letter to Grade 8 earlier than the rest. I was selected to
of coaching me into mischief. I had destroyed my father’s image and
go to Lusanga Secondary School. It was not easy then to be selected
the pride he had in my achievements at school. He became a laughing
to attend a boarding school. It was at this time that my father began
stock in the village and a target for ridicule. This I knew was not right.
to show an interest in my education. He boasted about me. He
I promised myself not to disappoint my parents ever again.
would even say: “There is no one in this village who has a daughter
in secondary school.” The other villagers would warn him not to
I set my mind to becoming a teacher and I studied for my O-levels.
boast because he was investing in the wind. This was so because
Obtaining the O-level certificate gained me entry into Nkrumah
society regarded education as for boys rather than for girls.
Teacher Training College and eventually to the University of Zambia.
I became a lecturer and was promoted to the position of senior
At Lusanga School, life started changing for me. I met girls from
education officer. I am now a senior educationalist in Zambia,
well-to-do families. They dressed well and had inspiring stories about
specialising in training teachers. I have travelled the world and have
life. I regarded them as wonderful girls worth emulating. One story
had many great experiences.
they told me, which I still vividly remember, was that it was old
fashioned if a girl had no boyfriend. As a village girl, I wished to get
A lot of things happen to block our progress in education. If we are
out of being out of fashion. I was still wearing long dresses and flat
determined we can overcome them. Education is the only way that
shoes. I was teased and humiliated by their comments.
we can change our destiny.
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Chanda
I was a single mother, with unfinished schooling and no
hope of anything better coming along for me and my child.
My mother’s life was sad. She lost her first husband at an early
false. He abandoned me when he found out that I was pregnant and
age, and remarried a man who was indifferent to her. One day we
I gave birth without any support from him. It was a very tough time
received news of her sister’s death, and the sadness seemed to
in my life.
overwhelm her. She passed away just a few months later.
I was a single mother, with unfinished schooling and no hope of
My father then said that we were not his children. He abandoned us
anything better coming along for me and my child. But a Cama
and without our mother to protect us, I dropped out of school and
mentor came to Mikenge where I live. She explained that Cama is
started to go with men to pay for food for myself and my brother.
a network to support women and I joined and was given a grant to
During this time I met a man who promised to marry me. I thought
start a business. Now, when I look ahead to my future, the view is
I would escape from the life I was leading, but his promises were
very different from the darkness that I saw before.
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Nakweti
I have the confidence that I would not throw
away another chance to reach out for my dream.
I am the second born in a family of seven. I started my primary
He said he loved me and I started going out with him. The following
education at Sioma Basic School and I was a brilliant pupil, so
year, I got pregnant. I knew I had betrayed everyone who had believed
primary education was not a problem for me.
in me. I tried not to lose hope and I continued with my studies.
After I wrote my Grade 7 examinations, as it was time to cultivate
It is very challenging to be pregnant while schooling. You feel you
the fields, I assisted my parents with the work whilst waiting for my
have let people down, and friends seem far away with no cares or
results. I continued to do well, and my parents encouraged me to
worries. It is a lonely thing, even when the child has been born.
work extra hard. I had no disturbances despite my village being far
from the school. It was not surprising that the following year I was
I had a baby girl in the first month of Grade 12. Since that time I have
the only non-repeater girl who made it to Grade 10, and everyone
tried to follow two paths – education and motherhood – but it is
was so proud of me.
challenging to do two things at the same time. I wrote my final exams
and took my results, but I could not get a place at Malengwa Teacher
I was identified to be a Camfed beneficiary and that took all the
Training College as I hoped because my daughter was too young. I still
worry about my education away from my parents. But also in that
wish to improve my education. I have the confidence that I would not
year I was enticed by a certain boy.
throw away another chance to reach out for my dream.
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Casey
I felt that the world was turning its back on me.
I was brought up in a happy Christian home. My father worked in
My cousin asked me to go with her. I did not know that her plan
the City Council and my mother was a housewife who took very
was to leave me alone with this man. When the man grabbed me, I
good care of us. Despite being a loving mother, she did not tolerate
screamed and screamed but no one heard me because of the noise
bad behaviour. I am proud to say I was one of my mother’s favourite
from the wedding house. When I started to scream, he had also
children. We had a good relationship because I was quiet and
covered my mouth with his hands, so my screams were muffled. In
performed everything to her expectation.
the end, the man raped me. The pain and the feeling that I had been
violated were too much for me. To make matters worse, when I got
At the age of 15, I qualified to go to secondary school. During
home my mother would not listen to my explanation. She was so
this time I was going through traditional rites of passage into
disappointed that she beat me almost to death.
womanhood. I now became a young woman. My father retired in
this same year and he went home to the village. I could not go with
I felt that the world was turning its back on me. I could not handle
them because the secondary school back home was too far. The
the situation so very early the following morning, I left home and
family decided to leave me with my aunt.
spent the whole day at my friend’s home. I told my friend not to tell
anyone that I was with her. When my mother came to her house
The way of living in my aunt’s home was different from the way
to find out whether I was there, she told her that I wasn’t. In the
things were in my home. My aunt had five children. The oldest
evening she came back and found me. I was in pain physically,
was a girl two years older than me. We became close, but I did not
spiritually and emotionally. I told myself that I would never forgive
approve of many things she did. She was already going out with
her and the man who had raped me. In spite of her anger, my
boys, and she sometimes spent nights out. This was never done in
mother bought me some painkillers. I took all ten of them at once in
my own home. Not even my oldest sister had ever spent a night out.
an attempt to put an end to my life.
When I was in Grade 9, she started inviting boys for me, but I always
My education was affected. I lost interest in almost everything.
turned them down. During this same year my mother came to visit
I failed my Grade 9 exams. I developed a very negative attitude
us. It was really good to be with her. It was during my mother’s visit
towards men. I told myself I would never get married or have a
that I faced the biggest challenge in my life. One day, there was a
boyfriend. I thank my brother who came and took me to his home
wedding at our neighbour’s house. Little did I know that my cousin
in Southern Province. My future began to look better as each new
had organised for me to meet a man there. The man was seven
day dawned. I repeated Grade 9. I concentrated on my studies and
years older than me and I was not interested in him at all.
eventually passed my exams.
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Mwelwa
According to our tradition and culture, it was taboo for
a young woman to stand up in public and talk about sex.
I was four months pregnant with my second child when my husband
involved in Cama’s activities in my community. I was elected as Vice-
left me, and he left me with nothing. He said he wanted a more
Chairperson of the association, and in November 2005 I was chosen
educated woman. I was not educated enough for him. My education
as a regional coordinator at a national Cama meeting in Lusaka.
had ended after Grade 9 because my parents could not afford to
support me further. As the oldest of six children, I had to help my
I am now responsible for the Cama Community Health Programme,
family, and so, like many other girls, I dropped out of school to face
and have trained 100 women as Community Health Activists, who
a future of work or marriage. It was an irony that my husband left
in turn have reached 15,000 Zambians with vital information about
me because of my supposed ignorance and lack of education, so
HIV/AIDS and other health issues. According to our tradition and
that I became a burden to my family after all.
culture, it was taboo for a young woman to stand up in public and
talk about sex, reproductive health and such issues as HIV/AIDS in
When I returned to my family, my life changed and everything
the presence of elders – yet AIDS affects women more than men.
appeared to go wrong. My father died a year after my divorce. I
did not know what to do, or where to go. For seven days I refused
These are the same cultures and traditions that allowed my husband
to eat anything. Yet I did not die. Finally, I recovered and made up
to abandon his wife and child. Things are changing now. Cama has
my mind to face the future with courage. I started working at a
helped me a lot. I have come to know so many things. I am able to
company called CEFRA, which is owned by one of the community
make decisions and advise my fellow members. I am able to support
members in the district. Life improved although I was still not able to
my family. Through Cama, I am able to speak to people and raise
provide the basic needs at home.
important issues that affect young people. I am now empowered
with information and can help young women facing similar
In June 2005, Cama was launched in my area. Things changed
challenges to the ones I have gone through. Gone are the days when
for me then when I was accepted as a member and started to be
young women were asleep.
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Female Leadership
by Ambassador Gwendoline Konie
Mine is a candidacy
Mine is indeed a candidacy
for every ordinary man and woman
for every sister who ever had to stamp her foot in rage
who ever believed in the God given ability
at her erstwhile brother, demanding recognition
for a human being to rise above the ordinary.
for her leadership qualities!
It is a candidacy
Above all
for every man born of a woman
who has revered that woman for having given him life.
Mine is a candidacy
for every girl whose dreams on countless occasions
Mine is a candidacy
transported her to a world of unlimited freedoms;
for every man who ever fathered a daughter
where she was unafraid to be who she wanted to be.
who was a potential President.
To crown it all
Mine is indeed a candidacy
for every mother who ever spent countless hours
Mine is a candidacy
grooming her daughter for a fuller life.
for that special woman with sufficient courage and arrogance,
coupled with the right amount of humility,
It is a candidacy
to stand her in good-stead, when she crosses her
for every brother whose sister’s leadership potential
political threshold as a liberated soul
drove him up the wall and generated sibling jealousy!
capable of becoming whomsoever she was destined to be.
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About the Publisher
The Campaign for Female Education (Camfed) is an international
in Lusaka. The programmes have a positive effect on the wider
non-profit organisation dedicated to fighting poverty and HIV/AIDS
community as well as the individual. Educating girls and women
in rural communities in Africa by educating girls and investing in their
unlocks energies which drive social and economic development, and
economic independence and leadership once they complete school.
helps to build foundations for the well-being of the next generation
Studies in many countries have shown that educating girls makes a
of Zambians.
significant contribution to development, as educated women keep
themselves healthier, protect themselves from HIV/AIDS and have
Cama is a growing network of young rural African women, most
fewer and healthier children, more of whom attend school.
of whom have been supported through school by Camfed. Many
Cama members receive business training and loans and through their
Camfed Zambia was established in 2001. Since then, the
enterprise become business women, role models, health educators
programmes have grown rapidly and Camfed is active in rural
and philanthropists, supporting themselves and others in their
districts in the north and west of the country, with a head office
communities.
Visit www.camfed.org to find out more
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Growing up in Zambia
Listen to my story
Listen to my Story is a books of images, and accompanying stories by
children and young people from across Zambia. It is a teaching resource
that we hope pupils and teachers will enjoy.
All of us at Camfed very much appreciate the financial support of the
UK Department for International Development in the production of this
book and accompanying materials. Camfed would also like to thank the
Zambia Ministry of Education.
Be inspired by Leah, Mwangala and the other writers who tell their
stories in this book. Find your talent and reach for the stars.
I believe education, hard
work, determination and
self-confidence are the
only way to success.