Former Street Child Overcomes Odds, Excels in Malawi National Exams
John's success story highlights the potential of street children when given proper support and opportunities.
LILONGWE, Malawi— After 15 years on the streets, Chimnedza John has defied expectations by scoring 17 points in Malawi's national secondary school exams, writes Peter Chilongo.
John's transformation began when Life Coaching Ministry, a local nonprofit, discovered him in Lilongwe.
"When we first met Chimnedza, he was just another boy lost on the streets, but his determination was clear," said Hamilton Banda, CEO of Life Coaching Ministry.
The organization provided John with housing and enrolled him in an open schooling program at Likuni Girls Secondary School.
Despite his long absence from formal education, John excelled in the Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) exams.
"I never imagined I could achieve this," John said. "Life Coaching Ministry believed in me, and that gave me the strength to push forward."
Senior Chief Samuel of Phunzi Village praised the ministry's efforts.
"This ministry is doing incredible work by rescuing and empowering children like Chimnedza," he said.
"We need more organizations like this, making a real difference in the lives of our vulnerable children."
John's success story highlights the potential of street children when given proper support and opportunities.