Hope: I encourage girls and women around the world to take up careers in science

Secondary Student and Aspiring Civil Engineer, Zambia

Zambia

2026

4 minute read

Today, I enjoy going to school with my friends, pursuing my passion for science, and working towards my dream of becoming a civil engineer. Yet my story could have been very different.

I live in Mwense District in Luapula Province, Zambia, with my mother and four younger siblings. My mother has always done her best to provide for us with the small profit she earns from her business.

Despite her efforts, we often faced challenges including lacking enough food to eat. There were times my mother could not afford to pay my school fees or cover essential school items such as books, calculators, and a decent school bag, and I was at risk of dropping out.

I first heard of CAMFED when I reached Grade 8, the first year of secondary education. I saw how they supported girls at my school with groceries and other necessities, and my mother and I prayed that I would receive the same support. When I was selected, I felt so blessed. I knew I would now have everything I needed to learn and succeed, and that my mother’s burden would be lighter.

Education helps us understand the world around us and how we can change it for the better. Through education, I will become a successful person who supports my mother and siblings and uplifts my community.

I am also supported by a Learner Guide, a member of the CAMFED Association, who volunteers as a “big sister” and mentor at my school.

I especially enjoy her My Better World life-skills and wellbeing sessions, where we learn about creative and critical thinking. I have developed important qualities needed to create a better world, such as honesty and courage.

A handwritten quote by Zambian student, Hope, stating her favourite My Better World session is finding her power as a girl.

I can also lean on my Teacher Mentor, Madam Simasiku for guidance and social support at my school. She teaches us how to stay focused in our studies, and how to be role models in society.

Me with my Teacher Mentor, Madam Simasiku.

Rising as a leader in STEM

After scoring highly in science and mathematics, I felt motivated to continue studying them at senior level. Although these subjects are considered among the most challenging, I believed in myself and followed my passion, thanks to the encouragement of my mother and the CAMFED support network.

My favourite science subject is physics. I love it because it helps me to understand how light, sound, and measurement works in our everyday lives.

I am determined to achieve my dream of studying technical civil engineering at a university and becoming a successful civil engineer. I am excited to apply my knowledge of science and measurement to build stable infrastructure, including roads and bridges, to contribute to the development of my country and the world.

I would like to encourage girls and women around the world to take up careers in science. With our perspective and ideas, we can change the world and bring development to our countries and the world at large.

Uniting with future leaders in science and innovation

In 2025, I was one of 200 girls selected to participate in a STEM camp in Lusaka, Zambia. This experience was a powerful opportunity to meet like-minded students, break barriers, and challenge stereotypes.

Together, we collaborated on activities that sparked our creativity and problem-solving skills. My highlight was the invention session, where we designed and presented a prototype product to the camp.

This experience was a powerful example of girls supporting one another, and will stay with me as I continue my journey with renewed energy and confidence.

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Becoming a role model for others

I look up to women in the CAMFED network, such as the CAMFED Regional Program Officer for Luapula province, Madam Racheal, who came from a similar disadvantaged background and is now leading CAMFED programs.

I am also inspired by the CAMFED Association members who facilitated the STEM camp in Lusaka, and are taking incredible strides in the field. Role models are important because they show me that if they can reach that level, nothing can stop me and other girls from achieving our dreams.

Women can sometimes be underestimated in the STEM field. I want to be among the women who succeed and show others that it is possible.

I plan to join the CAMFED Association after I complete my secondary studies so that I too can become independent and influential in society. I want to plow back into my community, help lift families out of poverty, and show other girls how far they can go.