Education leader and CAMFED Association member, Kenya
5 minute read
Growing up in Lilongwe district, in the Central Region of Malawi, was challenging at times. Raised by a single parent, life became even more difficult after I transitioned from primary school to secondary school. Since secondary school is not free in Malawi, I had to pay school fees, as well as cover the costs of essential supplies such as books and menstrual pads. I didn’t know what to do or who to turn to.
When I was in Form 1 (my first year of secondary school), CAMFED stepped in to support me with school fees and everything I needed to stay in school. That was one of the best moments of my life. I felt the weight of my family’s financial burden lift, and I gained a support system that felt like family. I was no longer alone.
With CAMFED’s support, I knew I was going to be educated without anything to bring me down or hold me back.
The moment that shaped my passion for leadership and mental health came when I was a prefect in secondary school. I noticed one of the girls had started to isolate herself, which was affecting her grades. I decided to reach out to her, and she confided in me.
This experience opened my eyes to the importance of having someone to talk to, and the vital role leaders can play in looking out for others’ well-being. It made me think: what if no one had reached out to her?
Being there for my peers sparked a deep sense of commitment in me to become the kind of leader who cares for others and advocates for mental health in everyday life.
After completing secondary school, I joined the CAMFED Association – a powerful and fast-growing network of women leaders educated with CAMFED’s support, now over 312,000 members strong across Africa!
In this sisterhood I met several inspiring CAMFED Association members who shared their stories and guided me in my transition to further education. One sister is Elizabeth Teleka–a successful entrepreneur and former Chairperson of the CAMFED Association in Malawi—who shared insights about what to expect at university.
I decided to let my passions shape my career path, and worked on my applications for degree courses. In 2023, I took up my place to study Psychology at university in Nairobi, Kenya, with support from CAMFED and the Mastercard Foundation.
I chose to study psychology because I want to support young people facing mental health challenges. I aim to become a therapist in my community.
Together with other young women being supported in their higher education by CAMFED in Nairobi, I co-founded the Kenya chapter of the CAMFED Association. Coming from different countries across Africa, but with similar disadvantaged backgrounds, we’ve created a supportive environment where we can learn from one another and cheer each other on. We have weekly check-ins, which help us to feel more connected while we’re studying abroad.
Being with my sisters who share similar backgrounds and stories has really been helpful to me. I know where to go when something is wrong, I know who to talk to.
I have been elected Treasurer of the CAMFED Association Chapter in Kenya. I’ve learnt many valuable skills in this role, such as recordkeeping and accountability. I’m proud to be entrusted with this responsibility, and believe it has strengthened my potential to work with other organizations in the future.
Here I am on the right, standing with Judith – a fellow CAMFED Association sister in the Kenya chapter!
Being a member of the Kenya chapter has also given me the opportunity to continue sharing my story with vulnerable girls who are in the position I once was–struggling to stay in school. One of my most memorable moments was visiting a rural school in Kajiado county for International Day for the Girl 2024.
That day, I not only helped by planting trees–I planted seeds of inspiration! As someone who has faced and overcome similar challenges, I motivated the students by sharing my journey and showing that they too have the potential to succeed in school and go on to university, just like I did.
Sharing my story–inspiring and uplifting others through what I say–is the best experience. It inspires me to do more, to reach even more students in school.
In 2025, I was named a Global Partnership for Education (GPE) Youth Leader, alongside my fellow CAMFED Association sister, Cleopatra Chisanga from Zambia. We follow in the footsteps of our CAMFED Association sister, Eliza Chikoti from Malawi, who served as a GPE Youth Leader in 2023-4.
In this role, I aim to continue amplifying rural young women’s voices on the global stage and help to shape a more equitable future for education worldwide.
Read my profile on the GPE websiteHaving seen firsthand how education can ignite inner powers, I’m committed to improving access for all–especially girls from underserved rural communities. When I’m back home in Malawi, I tutor and counsel students in my community, supporting both their academic journey and personal growth.
In Kenya, I lead a project to build a library at a school where access to resources like books is limited. I also lead ICT skills training sessions for students, recognizing the increasing value of digital skills in education, employment, and entrepreneurship.
At university, I serve as a committee member for an initiative that supports students who are unable to cover their tuition fees. My vision is to achieve zero dropout rates at the university by ensuring every student can complete their education.
Through our CAMFED sisterhood, we are multiplying the benefits of our education by inspiring the next generation of game changers. I am dedicated to making a lasting impact and will continue to grow as an influential leader, encouraging others to reach their full potential.
As National Chairperson for the CAMFED Association in Zambia, I'm a champion for other girls and young women in my communities, and committed to making quality education a reality for more girls.
Like a lion, I am focused, fearless, and determined to overcome challenges! I’m Diris from Tanzania, read my story to learn how education transformed my life and how I’m building lasting change in Tanzania.
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