Stopping at Nothing Short of Success: The Story of Alinafe Rojasi

While many pupils in most parts of rural areas of Malawi think improved livelihood is key to regular school attendance, Alinafe Rojasi, an 11-year student has a different story all together. To Alinafe, “regular school attendance is not all about being food secure at home, but also your ability to read and learn”.

Alinafe is in Standard 2 at Malonje Primary School located in Traditional Authority (TA) Chikowi. Her nuclear family consists of herself and two other siblings. Both her mother and father passed away when Alinafe was 9 years old. The death of her parents resulted in Alinafe and her siblings moving in with their grandmother, Andirawa Pangani. Financially, things are not the easiest for the family who live on less than a dollar in a day. Needless to say, the task of fending for her grandchildren has been a challenging one for Andirawa. The family usually goes to bed on empty stomachs. Having one meal, especially plain porridge made from maize flour has been the order of a day in their household. However, the economic hardship has not affected Alinafe’s school attendance in any way. “I attend school each and every day, even in hard times when we literally have nothing to eat. I feel that once I am absent from school I will miss out on lessons, which will eventually affect my performance,” said Alinafe looking composed.

“My dream is to become a doctor and my ability to read is my driving force. This gives me confidence that I will make it. I usually rank at second position in a class of 160 students. It is more enjoyable for me when I am able to help my fellow classmates with reading activities,” she said proudly.

After school Alinafe gets support with her assignments and reading activities from her 16-year-old sister, Elizabeth who is her reading buddy. Their grandmother who is illiterate arranged this because she recognizes the importance. She mentioned to me that she had attended a workshop organized by Save the Children that promoted the need for parents to support their children’s reading abilities. With her own limitations in mind, coupled with the positive experience from the workshop, she was motivated to create Alinafe’s current support system at home.

Different areas of Alinafe’s life are contributing to her overall educational development and potential towards a bright future. She receives support at home, participates in Save the Children’s Literacy Boost reading camps, consistently attends school and generally has a passion for reading. These have all shaped Alinafe into the intelligent girl that she is. Her teacher Mrs. Bakali would attest to this. “At least 40 of my learners have perfected their reading skills with the support they get from Alinafe,” she remarked. Her teacher was influenced by Alinafe’s passion for reading, which prompted her to start lending books to her students. As a result of this initiative, three quarters of her students were soon able to read, as opposed to only a few at the beginning of the school semester. In noticing Alinafe’s potential, Mrs. Bakali has even given her responsibility in class. Alinafe performs roll call and supports her fellow students with homework and remedial work.“ Alinafe has a bright future which just requires a little push in terms of encouragement and psychological support,” says her teacher.

Alinafe’s determination is a source of encouragement to people around her, but also to everyone reading this article, I am sure. Amidst the hardship she faces in her everyday life, she still manages to keep focused on her dream of one day becoming a doctor. Despite the circumstance, keep striving to achieve your dreams!

Inspired by Alinafe Rojasi

Written by Bertha Chizuula, Literacy Boost Specialist