Finding my voice: How I learned to stand tall through the power of education

What brings me joy is being in an environment where there are happy people — people who are open, people who are caring, loving, and people who are able to encourage me, and people who are going to hold on tight to me whenever I am down.

My name is Mapalo. I live in Mpika District, Machinga Province in Zambia. Since my mom passed away in 2010 when I was five years old, I’ve stayed with my dad and step-mom.

My childhood has been difficult because I have faced many financial challenges. It’s been hard for me to even reach this school grade that I am in now (Grade 11). As a family, we grow maize and vegetables, and sell any surplus to help us raise money. Then the money is shared between us to buy the things that we need. Over the years, our harvests have become very unpredictable due to changes in weather, and it has been a real challenge for me to get the essentials.

When I started my menstrual cycle, I had no money to buy pads so it was better for me to remain at home for the whole week and miss school. Sometimes we don’t manage to have three meals a day because our crop yields are poor, let alone afford things like menstrual supplies, lotion and school items.

After I passed my Grade 9, I had to wait for a whole year for me to proceed to the next grade to save up to buy all the things that I didn’t have — the books, required uniform and other essential school items.

My friends would come and visit me after lessons and tell me about what they were learning and how they were doing well in their studies. It used to pain me a lot to know that I was staying home while my friends were learning. I used to think, why me? Is this the only life that I’m going to live?

The first time I heard about CAMFED was when I started my Grade 10 at a new school. A teacher registered my name and CAMFED stepped in to support me with school fees and everything. It helped me a lot! All the things I was not able to have, CAMFED provided for me. Now there’s no reason for me to feel ashamed to go to school during my period — because I have the menstrual supplies I need.  

At school we are supported by a Learner Guide* and Teacher Mentor**. My relationship with our Learner Guide is very important to me because she is able to help me overcome challenges. She gives us tips on how to focus on our education and all of the CAMFED supported girls here at school have been motivated by her. 

My favorite idea that the Learner Guide has passed onto me was about living in a community with different types of people. I learned that we should have a kind heart and to try to understand other people because we all face different types of challenges in life. I talk to my Teacher Mentor a lot. She encourages and mentors me. If I go to her with a problem and explain, she assists. She’s always there for me. She’s like a mother to me.

I’m also encouraged in school by Sara and Christine, members of the Mother Support Group (local moms who are CAMFED Champions) who bring drinks and snacks to the school to encourage and motivate us students. They also help with ensuring we get our bursary packages on time.