From riding a kabaza to laying bricks, Mathews Mwenye’s journey to becoming a secondary school teacher underlines his hard work and determination.
Mwenye, originally from Mponela in Dowa District now teaches Geography and History at Mziza Mission Secondary School in Kasungu. But becoming a teacher was not easy.
“I was raised by a single mother and life was very hard.”
The 29-year-old said his mother sold doughnuts, mandasi (freeters) just to pay his secondary school fees.
“She couldn’t afford to pay for university,” that’s why I failed to go to LUANAR.”
Determined to survive and pursue his dream, he took on all manner of odd and taxing jobs.
“I used to ride a kabaza, lay bricks, and dig pit latrines. It was tough, but I’m grateful. Those jobs made me strong,” said Mwenye.
Between 2016 and 2020, he balanced hard labour with a burning desire to continue with his education. In 2019, he finally enrolled at Mzuzu University. Despite the pressures associated with rigorous studies while still working, he never gave up.
Said Mwenye: “Studying while working was not easy because there was pressure from both sides, but I didn’t want to fail.
“My elder sister and my mother stood by me. They gave me hope when things were hard.”
His perseverance paid off. In 2023, he graduated with a Diploma in Education with a credit. Two years later, he earned his Bachelor’s in Education, majoring in Geography and History with an upper second class.
Now, as a teacher, he uses his past to inspire his students.
“My students know my story, and this helps them believe in themselves,” said Mwenye.
He advised young people to believe in themselves and stay away from immoral friends, focus on their goals and always pray to God as what a person can’t do, God can.
From the dusty roads of Mponela to the classroom in Kasungu, Mwenye’s life is proof that no dream is too big when you have faith and determination.
