In Mphande Village, Northern Malawi, 17-year-old Lydia Kamanga’s journey has been shaped by resilience and determination. Lydia lives with her mother and five siblings in a household where their primary source of income is her mother’s farming. The unpredictable nature of the weather and limited financial resources have made it difficult for Lydia’s family to plan for long-term needs, including education. But despite these challenges, Lydia has remained focused on her dream of becoming a nurse, and with Temwa’s support, she is now on a clear path to achieving her goal.
Lydia’s family, like many others in Mphande Village, has faced financial instability. Her father passed away years ago, and since then, Lydia’s mother has worked tirelessly to make ends meet by farming. However, the low, unreliable income has meant that education has often been at risk. Lydia often had to go without a school uniform, and there were times when she didn’t have enough writing materials to complete her schoolwork.
Temwa’s Bursary Scheme
In 2023, Lydia was selected to join Temwa’s Bursary Scheme. This initiative is designed to provide financial support to students who, despite their potential, face barriers to education. Through the bursary, Lydia received school fees, uniforms, writing materials, and access to the Temwa hostel, allowing her to stay close to her school and focus entirely on her studies.
A New Path Forward
For Lydia, this support has meant that she no longer has to worry about her education being interrupted. “I now have the tools I need to succeed in school,” Lydia says. “I am so grateful for Temwa’s support. Without it, I would have dropped out of school long ago.”
“I want to finish my studies and become a nurse,” Lydia explains. “This is a profession I truly admire, and I am committed to achieving it.” The bursary has provided more than just the essentials for her education; it has opened doors to a future full of possibilities.
Through Temwa’s Bursary Scheme, Lydia and other students like her are learning that their circumstances don’t have to define their future. With the right support and resources, they can achieve their dreams and make a lasting impact in their communities.
As Lydia’s journey continues, she hopes to inspire others in her village. “I want to show them that with determination, support, and education, anything is possible,” she says.
A Brighter Future Through Education
Lydia’s story is a shining example of how education, when combined with the right support, can change lives. Temwa’s Bursary Scheme is helping to build a brighter future, one student at a time, by giving young people like Lydia the chance to dream big and succeed.
Read more about how Temwa is supporting education in Malawi and transforming lives through our programs.