Every Bright Spark Trust (BST) scholar’s story is one of absolute courage, determination and perseverance. A story that teaches us to dream big, to be grateful for every opportunity provided, to have a burning desire to succeed and to believe in oneself!
Our feature today is the inspiring story of 21 year old Mahalla Munthali (name changed). Her bright smile and pleasant demeanor further remind us of her extraordinary journey to academic success, made possible by the generous donations from BST patrons.
Mahalla comes from a family of 6 children. Her mother was the sole bread winner of the family as her father suffered from a leg injury and was not able to walk . Farming helped put some basic food on the table, but even that, barely so. Mahalla pursued primary education as that is free in Malawi. ’While I was in standard 7 my mother told me to drop out from school so that I could be helping her with some farm work, I refused to drop out from school and I started crying in pain because I didn't want to leave school. I was believing in myself that if I can work hard and finish my school I can make a difference and help my mother financially’
Mahalla’s sister, who had just got married, took her to her house and helped her resume school. ‘I was learning although I was struggling financially but I took it as an advantage to work extra hard so that I can be selected to nation secondary. Although I had no hope for who would pay my school fee at the secondary level’ Mahallas concerns were valid, as secondary education in good schools are not funded by the Government and most of the deserving kids cannot afford to pay the high fees of the good private schools.
Her hard work paid off and she was selected to continue her education at Lilongwe Girls National secondary school. ‘I was happy for the results at the same time I was crying that who is going to pay my school fees. At that time my sister get divorced from his husband and she had nothing to support me’
Mahalla got through for a few months with congratulation gifts given by some friends as she was the only one to be selected to nation secondary school from her primary school- a big achievement in itself!. But the money was not enough to pay school fees, to buy uniform, transport and all requirements.
‘I was just crying and my primary teacher called me and encouraged me that if I have a transport I should go join the school, and there maybe I will find well wishers to pay my fees. I just used the congratulations money which I had for transport. First term it's when Bright sparks volunteers met me and agreed to start to support me’
‘When Bright sparks was sponsoring me by paying my school fees and gave me pocket money I was using pocket money wisely. I was learning my school happily and I was working very hard. The help I was getting from Bright sparks acts as a motivator because I had all hopes that I will finish my secondary school because my fees are being paid and I wasn't worried at all. I worked hard and during the last level in secondary school I did well. I got 16 points.’
Elated with her academic success, Mahalla was looking forward to continue her education and pursue her dreams. Her meeting with Alastair Child- founder for Bright Spark Trust was exactly gave her new confidence and belief in herself. She remembers that day vividly.
‘When Alastair came here in Malawi, he met us (Bright Sparks students) we were 4 of us. His visit really gave me hope. When I was struggling I felt like I am not important and I can't be valuable by anyone. I had low self esteem that no one can give me hope. Since at my clan there is no one who succeeded with school. So there is no one to encourage me concerning school.
It gave hope to my parents, since that day my parents believe in me that I will achieve my goals and they always encourage me concerning school. My parents used to say remember to work hard because you have people who are helping you.
Bright Sparks encouraged us to work hard. It was really giving me confidence that I will do it. I promised myself to do what you advised us and I took that advice personally.
I feel loved and caring, this gives me a strong passion for helping others. I knew that when you're helpless and you have received this kind of love and caring. You work extra hard to be the best than ever. Since you feel honoured and loved’
We had a very funny day and a very interesting and unforgettable journey. On the way, I enjoyed the snacks and drinks. We ate our lunch to Chikho hotel. It was my first time eating expensive and delicious food. I had joy in my heart and it gives a hard working spirit. I always wanted to be the best in class.
With such a good mentor backing her, Mahalla is now at Kamuzu University of Health sciences doing Bachelor of science in Nursing and midwifery. ‘ I believe in myself that with the help of Bright sparks. I will have my degree in Nursing and midwifery because you're there for me.
Bright Spark Trust is helping me now by paying for my books, transport and other learning material. I am very thankful for this as Government only pays for my University fees’
Mahalla dreams of building an orphanage and helping deserving kids just like BST. She wants to give her family a nice comfortable life and wants to inspire many more girls like her to believe in their dreams!