Report from Elizabeth, a Grade 10 Mwanzo High School Scholar

Elizabeth is a graduate of Mwanzo, who is attending Mudavidi Girls High School with the support of the Mwanzo High School Scholars Fund. She reflects on her experiences in high school:

Elizabeth Andar: Grade 10 student at Mudavadi Girls High School

Written May 15, 2024

My name is Elizabeth, I am a grade ten student.  I wish to extend my appreciation to the entire Mwanzo Family for supporting me to stay in school by paying my school fees for 2023 and now 2024.  I appreciate all the support I receive as a student at Mudavadi Girls High School.

Since I joined grade nine many changes have occurred in our school.  I will try to capture some of those changes.

My 9th grade year, due to lack of rain or too much rain, we had frequent blackouts, and we could spend days without power.  In 2024 the electricity challenge was solved by the school buying a new big generator.  The school has added a $100 fee this term to each student’s tuition to pay for the generator, and many of our parents struggle to come up with the money.  The good news is we can now focus on our studies.

We alumni of Mwanzo were lucky to be admitted to good schools with good structures.  Recent flooding has destroyed many school buildings while ours was not as heavily affected.  The only challenge is that the school has also increased tuition to pay for increased school maintenance.

In grade 10 I was surprised by the option to specialize in subjects that mirror your hoped-for career, and the dreams you want to achieve in life.  As a result, I'm taking 8 subjects compared to 12 in grade 9. This has made learning more fun and simpler.  All I am doing is working hard to one day become a doctor.

Mudavadi is a huge school, so it is difficult to get to know many staff. Now that I am in grade 10, I know many more school staff which is so helpful in supporting any needs I may have.  I know the teachers, non-teaching staff and even student leaders. This has helped me to manage my time, do things the way they're needed in school, and always be at the right place on time.

I am a member of the Handball Team in our school; we often go for friendly matches with other schools.  I can report that I enjoy every bit of being a team member of the school team and getting a chance to meet new friends.

Finally, I want to thank the Mwanzo family for funding and organizing our alumni meeting held in Katito Calabash Hotel which was breathtaking.  None of us students had ever had a chance to eat in a hotel in our lives.  We shared a lot, interacted with our former classmates, teachers and even some parents joined the meeting, which I can say was fun and educational.  We promised to support each other in whatever ways we could.

To all who are invested in my education, I am growing to be a confident student.  I am grateful that when I am in school Mwanzo staff ensure that I am doing okay, checking on all of our welfare and encouraging us.

I promise to not let all of you down and will work hard to achieve my dream of being a doctor and helping others.  When I grow up, I too want to give back to my community.  All this is because of the love Madam Director Loyce and all of the Mwanzo staff show us and the example they set for us, and support of the entire Mwanzo family.  

Thank you and may the Lord continue to bless you.

Elizabeth