Patricia Mangoma
Published May 22, 2009 @ 10:55AM PT
I remember when my father gave me Z$20 as bus fare to go to an interview at Nyadiri Teachers' College. I used Z$9 to get to the college and whilst I was there the transport costs increased, and on the way back I was supposed to pay Z$16, so I had to borrow money from a friend. At home that placed pressure on my mother who had to help me find that money. We had to do piece work until finally I had enough to send back.
It was after that that I applied for a grant to start my own business. My proposal was successful and I worked hand in hand with my local headteacher who gave me books and other support. He encouraged me to work hard. My business became a family business as they really supported me. I used the first profits to expand my business. The rest I used to support my brothers and sisters at school and I also contributed groceries for the family. And when interviews came up for other posts, I was able to use my own money to attend.
I began involving other young people in my community by creating employment for them and at the same time training them so that they too could start their own businesses. With this I gained community respect, and I did not stop there. Since people in my community acknowledged me, my confidence was boosted and I then started working with the local schools, teaching the children about opportunities after school. Members of the community were using me as an adviser. Even my parents consulted me on family issues.
Today, when looking to the past, it seems like a dream, but that was the reality - and because of it, right now I can stand in front of people and encourage them so that they too can transform their lives.
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