Mirriam Zgambo’s Triumph: From Near Marriage to Academic Distinction with Mzikuwola Trust’s Guidance

 
In a remarkable tale of resilience and community support, 24-year-old Mirriam Zgambo has overcome incredible odds to achieve academic distinction, defying the fate of early marriage.
 
After excelling at Mzimba Secondary School, Mirriam’s parents planned to marry her off despite her impressive Malawi Schools Certificate Examination results.
 
However, traditional leader Inkosi ya Makhosi M’mbelwa V intervened, recognizing her potential. With public university selections already completed, the Bana Ba Mzikubola Trust (BMT) sponsored Mirriam’s tuition and upkeep at the University of Livingstonia (UNILIA).
 
Today, Mirriam proudly graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Education Science, majoring in Chemistry and minoring in Biology, earning distinction honors. Her determination and collective support have paid off.
 
This achievement embodies the African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Mirriam’s success showcases the transformative impact of education and collective support in empowering girls.
 
Jennifer Mkandawire, children’s rights activist and Mzikubola Trust’s Deputy General Secretary, hopes Mirriam will inspire and rescue girls from child marriages, encouraging them to pursue education.
 
“Today, Mirriam proudly graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Education Science, majoring in Chemistry and minoring in Biology, earning distinction honors,” said Mkandawire.

Mirriam, now an associate lecturer at the University of Livingstonia, vows to do just that. “My journey inspires hope for young girls facing similar challenges. Education transforms lives,” Mirriam said, shedding tears of joy.
 
Her success story augers with the United Nations’ efforts in girl child empowerment, deeply intertwined with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. Gender equality being considered a fundamental human right and essential for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world.