A letter to a girl in the Zambezi valley



Saru is a form three student at a secondary school that I teach in Dande,. Growing up she used to have an interest in making kites,cars from wire,designing and building play houses with clay and sticks.Unfortunately, her mother discouraged her by telling her that she behaved like a boy.Instead sheencouraged her to play with dolls and pots.15 years later, she has developed an interest in science, maths and technology.She is one of the most intelligent and creative girls in my class.During a class discussion on information and technology,she said,"I want to be like Charles Babbage who invented acomputer .I want to bring something new into this world.I want people to use something I wouldhave created myself but its impossible for me to do that because my parents don't value education that much and our community is so remote and backward."Hearing this my heart sank.



The situation in Dande area......



Dande is a remote area found in the Zambezi valley.This area suffers from perennial poverty cycles, worsened by bad weather conditions which hamper agricultural activities.The area is also prone to droughts.Therefore parents force their daughters to marry early so as to ease their financial burden and poverty.Over the years, Dande has suffered from teacher exodus due to unavailability of their accommodation,clean water,phone network and incentives.Thus, most schools are staffed with unqualified teachers.Children walk long distances to school.There are few secondary schools which only provide education to Ordinary level,therefore,there is no Advanced level in these schools.Furthermore, hunger and poverty coupled with poor education facilities are certainly a stumbling block for school-going age in this area.Therefore, to imagine one passing in these areasto university, without leaving this place for the better,is actually expecting too much,if not a miracle.For the rest of the children ,education ends with the ability to read and write.Period!



I n such an area we find a 15 year old girl who wants to become an innovator but sees a bleak future because she comes from a poor background and and a marginalized community.Therefore, I have written a letter of hope to this girl so as to give her strength and to encourage her to follow her dream of pursuing a STEM career





To my beloved student



I see you are confused as you are sitting in your computer studies introductory class.You are thinking about your uncertain future in the Zambezi valley.I want to provide the reassurance that you need.



I envision a day whereby you and other girls in marginalized communities get to know their unconfined potential and are free to pursue STEM careers confidently.I believe that one day you will have the resources and opportunities to maximize your potential and achieve your dreams.I am looking forward to a day whenpeople in your community willsee you as an asset and not a liability.In you I see the ability to create, a great innovator.



Lack of experienced teaching personnel,science kits and laboratories,fees and pressure from parents to get married soon are all avalanches that want to bury your dream. Don't worry my little sister, these situations have only marked your life and do not define your life.The fact that you are in a marginalized community should not discourage you.I know that you are strong and you will fight all these situations and live your dreams.



You are feeling lost but you will find your way.And when you do your light will shine brightly that others will follow in your path.In a few years people will value and appreciate what you will have to offer.So go on girl,follow your dreams and never give up.Your dreams will become a reality one day.



I know your dreams are a bit unclear right now but just give them time, they will get clearer as each day goes by.Your journey to your dream might not be easy .But no matter how hard things may become just keep your faith.



You are an innovator and you are capable of great things.Your scientific and technological solutions will be used to address global challenges one day.Remember you have to go through the storm to see the rainbow.Just know that you can follow your dreams regardless of what your society and people around you say.



I know what it is like to be in a place so dark that you cannot see the light.I have been there myself.I did my primary and secondary education at schools in a remote area just like yours.But I fought and I won the battle.Here I am today, pursuing a STEM career.This year I am going to graduate with an (Hons) degree in Information and Technology.So its possible for your dreams to come true despite all those situations.You will face a lot of challenges along the way but I know you will overcome them.



I had to make do with the resources available.I had to improvise at times.At one point, I had to read using the moonlight in preparation of my final examinations.After I passed I was awarded a scholarship to university.You know what my little sister, when you make a commitment the world will conspire to help you.



My journey in pursuing a degree in technology was not easy, to be honest with you.Since the field is dominated by boys, the classroom environment was not favorable to girls.We were only 3 girls in my class.Boys were seen as geniuses ,therefore, they were given more attention and praise by lecturers.As if that was not enough, we were underestimated and all challenging tasks were assigned to boys.At first I felt inferior and lost my confidence, but now I have picked up myself and have regained my confidence.During class discussions and field trips we were isolated by our male counterparts as they felt that we did not fit into "their" class.People from other departments started to see me as a tomboy.I lacked encouragement and support from my family at first because they were not happy with me studying a degree that they think is meant for boys.I had to toughen up and bring out the warrior in me. Perseverance and endurance led me to where I am today, otherwise I could have quit.I had a lot of sleepless nights studying.However, the good part is I got to travel to some of the biggest I.T companies in the country,attended workshops and exhibitions.This gave me exposure and I got to meet and interact with a lot of influential people.I also learnt a lot of skills that I use on a daily basis.Do not be afraid of challenges like these, just know I myself have been there and have overcome d. That should give you strength.



Pursuing such a degree has been a life changer for me and my family.My life has changed for the better.My family members and people in my community now respect me.Last year I was on attachment and I used my salary to opena grocery shop in my home area.I have also managed to impact my society through paying fees for three orphaned girls in my community.I bought myself a car and I can now take good care of my parents since they are retired.I am building them a house which is almost half complete.Although, I am yet to finish my degree this year, already I can see that its highly rewarding to pursue a STEM related career.



While I realize that you are confronted with a lot of situations,I hope that you will be able to defy all those challenges you face everyday.The most important thing is to pick yourself up again and concentrate on your studies.I want you to finish your secondary education and pursue a STEM career of your choice.Just keep on dreaming big and follow your dreams.I would love to see you create something new into this world.



I am hopeful that you will lend a hand in finding technological and scientific solutions to solve problems in our country.It is in my hopes that when you have achieved , you should give back to your community and help your people see the light I would love to see you help make this world a better place and leave behind a legacy so that others may follow in your footsteps.



Remember you are not in this alone,I am here to hold your hand all the way.I want you to know that I am very proud of you and I know that you will do great things.



Sending light and hope.



Wishing you the best for your future.



Loving teacher



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