In Malawi, 19-year-old Evidence Mhango is in her final year at Chipunga Secondary School. She has endured numerous challenges to reach this milestone, including walking 15 km daily. 

Despite the long distance and societal pressures to abandon her studies, Evidence remains determined to become a university lecturer. 

The PWS&D-supported Every Youth Empowered project has played a crucial role in motivating Evidence to work harder. Joining the in-school club introduced by the project, she discovered a passion for quiz competitions and gained the confidence to participate in interschool contests. The competitions enhanced her critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, boosted her academic performance and provided her with self-assurance. 

Evidence’s determination and newfound confidence shone when she represented her school in a quiz competition against three other secondary schools. She achieved third place overall and first among women participants. Recognizing her hard work and dedication, the project awarded her with a school bag, a calculator and notebooks.

The project’s mission to empower girls, build their confidence, and support their education through hard work and determination deeply resonated with Evidence. The club patron was a supportive mentor to Evidence and helped her stay focused and driven, even amidst her personal challenges. As Evidence prepares for her final secondary school examinations, she is more determined than ever to succeed, thanks to the motivation and empowerment she has received from Every Youth Empowered Project.

Evidence has become a role model for her peers, demonstrating that with dedication and support, they, too, can excel academically and proudly represent their schools. “My dream is to become a university lecturer, and nobody will take that away from me,” she shares.