Martha Nkhata, once a full-time housewife and mother of four, has risen to become Mzimba South’s Best Teacher of 2024, earning praise and recognition across the district for her resilience and determination.
Martha’s journey began in 2008, a decade after her marriage, when she made the courageous decision to return to school despite having only a Junior Certificate of Education (JCE).
Re-enrolling in Form Three at Chikangawa CDSS, she obtained her Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) in 2009.
She then trained as a primary school teacher, graduating from Teacher Training College in 2012 and securing employment with the Ministry of Education the following year.
Yet Martha wasn’t satisfied; she wanted to further her education. She re-enrolled in secondary school in 2015 to improve her academic points, attending Robert Laws Open Secondary School in the same classrooms where she taught during the day.
Balancing her roles as a mother, teacher, and student wasn’t easy. Many questioned her choice.
“Many discouraged me, saying I wouldn’t make it because I was an adult. Some said I was running away from household chores and failing to take care for my children,” Martha shared.
But she pressed on, driven by her dream of a better future.
Her dedication led her to Nalikule College of Education in 2017, where she pursued a Bachelor of Science in Education, completing her degree in 2022 after delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2024, she was promoted to secondary teaching and posted to Embangweni CDSS, later transferring to Robert Laws for the September term. It was here that her dedication and impact were recognized, earning her the title of Best Teacher for secondary schools in Mzimba South.
Martha’s journey has inspired many women in her community, showing them that it’s never too late to chase their dreams. “Work hard so you can achieve your dreams,” she often tells those around her.
Today, Martha stands as a powerful example of resilience and determination, proving that with courage, a housewife can become a community’s most respected teacher
