After seven years away from the classroom, 22-year-old Isaac Doga walked back through the gates of Dinde Primary School in Nsanje with one goal: to finish what he started.
Financial hardship forced him to drop out, but he says the desire to learn never left him.
Doga is among students who sat for this year’s Primary School Leaving Certificate of Education (PSLCE) exams few weeks ago, and is hoping to pass and proceed to secondary school.
“I left school because my guardians could not afford school fees, it was painful to watch my friends continue while I stayed home,” Doga said.
With help from the Nsanje Seventh-day Adventist Church, Doga trained in auto mechanics at Matandani Technical Training Centre, a development that earned him skills that gave him a livelihood, but they did not erase his unfinished dream.
This year, he made the decision to return and sit for PSLCE.
“I feel like i have finally fulfilled a personal promise,” said Doga.
Dinde Primary School Deputy Head Teacher Charles Sakondeka said Doga’s story is already having an impact in the classrooms, with some learners using him as a good example.
“Isaac’s determination is motivating other learners to believe that it is never too late to pursue their education,” said Sakondeka.
Education activist Innocent Kabango says Doga’s journey highlights a wider issue in rural schools.
“Isaac’s story shows us that poverty interrupts education, but it does not have to end it,” Kabango said.
Currently, Doga is spending his time at the garage as he anticipates for the release of the PSLCE results.
