Girls’ Secondary School Scholarship Recipients Announced!

“Nicali booba, nicali cibotu.” Mrs. Mungenisa jumped to her feet and
sang these words again and again while she danced in her small family
room. In English, the words translate to, “If it was always like
this, it would be nice everywhere.” She was singing a traditional
prayer song used for celebrations and she had much to celebrate. The
KnowledgeBeat team as well as several Ngoma teachers had just visited
her home to announce that her daughter, Memory, is one of two
recipients for this year’s first annual KnowledgeBeat Scholarship for
secondary school.

Memory Mungenisa and Liness Nakanyika received scholarships for
secondary school as part of KnowledgeBeat’s Girls’ Advancement
Program. Ninth grade girls at Ngoma Basic School started the
application process earlier this year. Ngoma teachers, program
facilitators and KnowledgeBeat staff managed the review process and
selected both young women based on their history of academic
achievement, extracurricular involvement and their written application
essays.

I was honored to be a part of this process from beginning to end.
Each of the submitted applications broadened my perspective and
reminded me why we are here. Many of the applicants reflected on
challenges they had endured, some were orphaned, others experienced
abuse, while still others described such extreme poverty that they
were forced to repeat grade levels. Amidst these obstacles, the
applicants articulated unwavering commitment to their education and
their goals.

Below I’ve included personal entries from each of the two scholarship
recipients. I asked them to share a bit about their backgrounds as
well as their initial reactions to being announced as this year’s
winners. Their voices truly express the excitement of this milestone.

In their own words…

Liness Nakanyika
Secondary School Scholarship Recipient

My name is Liness Nakanyika and I am 15 years old. I was born October
28, 1993 at Kaisisi Mission in Lusaka. I am the first born in a
family of five, three brothers and one sister. I live with both of my
parents.

My father’s name is Ackim Kanyika. My father only reached grade
eleven but he did not complete secondary level of education. Luckily,
he was employed and e has been working for ZAWA for several years now.
The salary he earns is not enough to take care of our entire family.
My mother’s name is Ruth Nyimibi. My mother only reached grade seven
in school. She does everything she can to support our family. Both
of my parents did not complete school because they lost their own
parents.

Sometime ago I applied for a KnowledgeBeat scholarship and I have been
selected. I am very grateful that the organization has granted me and
Memory the scholarship. This makes me feel happy and it promotes high
learning spirits and encourages me to take part in all activities at
school.

My dream is to become a doctor so that I can treat people in my
community and promote good health habits. I am also planning to
attend University. This scholarship enables my dream of becoming a
doctor to come true.

I wish the KnowledgeBeat organization all of the best wishes and thank
you very much for your assistance in my education. I am really
grateful. Thank you.

Memory Mungenisa
Secondary School Scholarship Recipient

My name is Memory Mungenisa. I was born May 21st, 1992 in Lusaka.

My father’s name is Forggy Mungenisa and he works at ZAWA as a village
scout. My father’s tribe is Lozi. My mother’s name is Phaides
Shanyimba. She is a housewife and her tribe is Ila.

On behalf of my parent’s, I really appreciate and thank God for what
KnowledgeBeat has done for me by giving me a scholarship. I am so
delighted; I didn’t think I would be a recipient. Continuing
education is a challenge for me, but my prayer has been answered.

Now that I’ve been blessed, I am aiming to complete my education and
complete University. I want to achieve all of my goals, career,
financial and social. I also want to be a pillar for my parents and
the nation at large. Lastly, I would like God to continue blessing
and guiding KnowledgeBeat. May the organization continue the same
spirit. I am delighted. Best Wishes to KnowledgeBeat. Thank you.