ASUNGWANA A TSOGOLO LOKONGOLA (GIRLS WITH A BEAUTIFUL FUTURE)!!!

ARE YOU A MERE AVERAGE STUDENT IN CLASS? I WAS TOO, and I have also had my fair share of performing below average. I started standard 1 at an early age of 3; I was not the smartest kid in class. I never got the 1^st position but somehow managed to not repeat a class, until standard 8. After two unsuccessful attempts at Primary School Leaving Certificate of Education (PLSCE) in Blantyre, a relation invited me to Bangula in Nsanje where I gave yet another shot at secondary school selection, which was my only way to secondary school. There was no way my parents were going to afford private secondary school. The environment in Bangula was tough, because now I had to make several borehole rounds every morning before school and in the afternoons after school, now I had to study under a kerosene lamp (koloboyi)…anyway, the Juicy part is, at the 3^rd attempt, I got selected to a national Secondary School!

My four years at Secondary School were quite eventful and remarkable, but I will not bother you with details. It is worth mentioning, though, that I came from a low income family, and used to cry every time I was going to school because the pocket money was just never enough. My mum never stopped reminding me how education would change my situation and her advice gave me a lot of energy. At school, I made some deliberate choices and decisions, to make sure that I remain one of the top students. No boys, studying hard and choosing good friends were some of the choices I made. Boys were a NO NO!! for me at this stage, they were a distraction.

After being successful in both Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) and University Entrance Exams, I joined Chancellor College (Chanco) to pursue a Bachelor degree in Social Science.  After the first week orientation I was convinced that I wanted to major in Economics. However, in my very first test in college, which also happened to be my economics, I scored a meager 12%! That was a huge setback! Not only was I at risk of being withdrawn from college, but it also dented my chances of ever majoring in economics. I knew I had to work extra hard. I wouldn’t have done it if it were not for the amazing girls I made friends with.  Collectively, we would be known as “Pooled Intelligence”, apparently because we used to study together. We ate together, walked together, laughed together and most importantly, studied together. Here, I learnt team work builds!! Four years later in 2001, we graduated with Credits. CHOOSE FRIENDS WISELY!!!!!

A year after graduation, I returned to Chanco to pursue a Masters degree in Economics, at which point, I also joined as a Lecturer in the Economics Department. At the age of 27, I proceeded to the University of Cape Town, South Africa to pursue a PhD in Economics. Tears (IT’S NOT A TYPO!!!) later, I became Dr Grace Kumchulesi.

I recently joined the Population Council, an international research organization headquartered in New York City, where I am based. At Pop Council, I am in a research group called “Malawi Team”. We conduct research in Balaka and Machinga districts that helps adolescent boys and girls who face the dual challenges of poverty and HIV/AIDS make reproductive choices that put them on a safer, healthier, and more productive path to adulthood.

 It hasn’t been easy. At times, I felt like giving up, but, my supportive family and my friends cheered me on.  I wouldn’t have done it on my own. God was with me every second of the clock. I learnt from my experience that everyone has potential. We cannot all become Economists (or be in the best profession we can think of), but we can certainly do best in whatever we put our minds on. Kaya ndi (be it) school, for those who are still studying; Kaya ndi (be it) business, however small it maybe; kaya ndi maganyu omwewa (be it piece work), tiyeni atsikana tilimbikile (let us work hard girls). With hard work and determination you can become anything you want to become. Having a good support system can also make a difference in whatever you set out to do. And remember, the least we can do is also to be supportive to others. WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE By SUPPORTING SOMEONE AND CHANGING THEIR LIVES FOREVER!!!!!

My story will not be complete if I do not mention that after “putting my life on hold”, God blessed me with the such a selfless and loving husband. At the ripe age of 34, we were blessed with a beautiful baby girl. I am able to provide for her and I can’t wait to tell her my story when she grows older. That I worked so hard so that I should be able to provide anything she needed. That she must do the same if she wants to be able to provide for her children-my future grandchildren.

For those of you wishing to become Economists, I say it is POSSIBLE. YOU ARE NEVER LATE IF YOU DON’T SHOW UP J, so they say. Have a blessed day ASUNGWANA A TSOGOLO LOKONGOLA!!!