Meet our Scholars
Chikondi, CHATS Scholar / NBS Bank Team Leader
When people saw Chikondi managing adolescent girls as a Matron at a private secondary school, they questioned whether someone so young was up to the task. "Ntchito za mzimayi wankulutu izi, osati iwe Ana azikudeleratu" — work for an older, experienced woman, not a young girl like you.
She proved them wrong.
In her first month at NBS Bank, Chikondi was selected as Team Leader out of a team of seven new hires. Her first thought?
"I was built by CHATS."
From secondary school through university, AGE Africa's CHATS program gave Chikondi the life skills and confidence to lead — in rooms where no one expected her to.
Lukia, University Student
Lukia is a shining example of resilience and determination, her story embodying the profound impact of education and support. Once a young girl who had to drop out of school, she is now a university scholar with AGE Africa. Her incredible transformation is a reminder of what’s possible when young women are given a second chance to chase their dreams.
Reflecting on her own experiences, Lukia shares a powerful message for girls who’ve faced similar struggles. “I’ve been through so much, and because of that, I want to inspire other students—especially girls who’ve dropped out of school—to go back. If Lukia can do it, so can they.” This conviction drives her to advocate for education as a pathway to hope and opportunity.
Lukia believes that girls who return to school after facing hardships are some of the most determined. They’ve endured pain and stigma but re-enter the classroom with focus and purpose. “Supporting girls like us is not in vain—it’s an investment that brings great change,” she says.
Through her success, Lukia is proving what’s possible. Her story inspires others to rise above, reminding us all that empowering young women not only transforms lives—it transforms communities. Girls like Lukia will not disappoint. They will rise, and they will lead.
Jane, Alumni
Jane’s life began amidst immense challenges. Orphaned at a young age, she was raised by her grandmother in a rural community where hardship was a constant companion. Despite these struggles, Jane’s resolve to pursue education never wavered.
Her potential opened doors to Mulunguzi Secondary School, but financial obstacles nearly ended her dream. That is, until AGE Africa stepped in. Beyond covering tuition and essentials, AGE Africa’s CHATS program provided Jane with mentorship, leadership training, and a renewed sense of self-worth.
“The support went beyond financial aid; it instilled in me a sense of purpose and self-worth,” Jane recalls. With this foundation, she excelled, earning 16 points on her Malawi School Certificate of Education and securing admission to the University of Malawi.
Tragedy struck again with her grandmother’s passing during university, leaving Jane adrift emotionally and financially. Yet AGE Africa was there once more, offering vital mentorship that gave her the strength to persevere.
Today, as a teacher at Nsala Community Day Secondary School, Jane inspires a new generation. “We want to be like Madam Jane,” her students proudly proclaim. Jane’s story is proof that empowering one individual can spark change that reaches an entire community.
Angella, University Student
Introducing Angella's stirring journey—an odyssey that moved from hopelessness to a beacon of hope and undeniable success. Angella Chilingulo, a novice Medical Laboratory Sciences student in Malawi, lived a life shackled by financial limitations. Today, she stands tall as a figure of inspiration and fortitude.
Angella grew up in a family of seven, financially drained and constantly battling odds. Raised by a primary school teaching father, Angella's high-school fee amounted to nearly three times his monthly salary—making her education a distant dream. But, a CHATS (Creating Healthy Approaches to Success) session at school opened new avenues for her. Angella's courage to voice her struggles found her a life-changing opportunity—she was chosen as an AGE Africa scholar.
AGE Africa’s support, covering her school fees and providing supplies, paved the way for Angella to concentrate on her education. She thrived under the guidance, gaining confidence, honing leadership skills, public speaking, and essential life skills. Angella’s ultimate ambition of chasing higher education found fruition as she enrolled in a university, supported again by AGE Africa.
Today, she is a university student, the first in her maternal family—a landmark that fuels immense pride and motivation. Angella envisages teaching lab skills to underprivileged students and launching a community lab. Her journey reiterates the fact that girls’ education can revolutionize families, communities, and future generations.
Charity, Form 4
In Ndalama 1 Village, Charity's narrative is one of resilience, determination, and empowerment that transcends the typical hardships faced by young women in her community. At 19 years old, Charity represents both the struggles and the potential of many girls in Malawi who confront significant barriers in their pursuit of education.
The second-born child in a family of six, Charity's academic aspirations were abruptly challenged during the COVID-19 pandemic when she had to drop out of school due to pregnancy. This period of her life could have permanently derailed her educational path, but Charity's story is one of remarkable comeback and transformation.
Following the birth of her child, Charity was readmitted to school. Joining CHATS marked the beginning of an incredible transformation. Initially burdened by low self-esteem and the societal stigma of being a teen mother, Charity found herself navigating the delicate balance between motherhood and her educational aspirations.
The turning point in Charity's journey came with her involvement in CHATS. "My perception about myself has changed so much," Charity reflects on the impact of her role as a peer facilitator. This platform not only nurtured her self-confidence but also unveiled her potential as a leader, capable of inspiring and guiding her peers.
Today, Charity's transformation is evident to all who know her, with teachers lauding her resurgence and academic prowess. Supported by AGE Africa through scholarships and educational supplies, Charity is not just dreaming about her future; she's actively shaping it. With her sights set on becoming a surgeon, she demonstrates the profound impact of support and empowerment on changing one’s worldview and pursuing ambitious goals.
Femia, Form 4
In the heart of Munlo Village, a bright young mind is making waves and defying odds. Femia, a 17-year-old student at Providence Girls Secondary School, embodies the spirit of determination and excellence that we champion here at AGE Africa.
Living with her supportive parents, Mr. & Mrs. Sapatheka, Femia has consistently demonstrated outstanding academic performance. Since stepping into form one, she has secured the top position in her class, achieving distinctions in all eight subjects she undertakes. Her unwavering dedication to her studies shines through her remarkable grades, positioning her as a frontrunner for achieving single-digit points in the Malawi School Certificate of Education this academic year.
Femia's aspirations reach beyond her current accomplishments. With a vision set on the future, she dreams of either entering the medical field as a surgeon or exploring the realms of technology as a computer engineer. Her ambitions are not just a testament to her personal goals but also an inspiration to young girls across Malawi, demonstrating that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible.
Grace, Form 4
Growing up in a small village, Grace has faced many obstacles, such as impassable roads during rainy seasons, a lack of school materials, and, most notably, losing both of her parents. Grace is a hard-working girl; in fact, she always ranks in position #1 in her class of 146 students (including boys). Grace is happy and thankful to be one of the selected students on AGE Africa bursary at the school. She now has all the support a secondary school girl could possibly ask for, and as such, she has more time to focus on her studies.
This year, Grace was chosen to be a library prefect as an example to the whole school. She is the one who makes sure books are on their correct shelves, makes sure the library is conducive for studying and is in charge of library keys. Grace said she is managing the position thanks to what she's learned at AGE Africa's CHATS afterschool girls' club. “At CHATS, we are advised to take leadership positions at school, home, and even at church. I am able to manage this position because of CHATS, where I have learned a lot, such as the qualities of a good leader and my role as a leader.”
Grace knows that this is her only opportunity to fulfill her dream of becoming a medical doctor when she finishes school. It would not have been possible without AGE Africa.
Margaret, Age 17, Form 2
When Margaret began secondary school at Namalowe CDSS in Malawi’s Mulanje District, she was worried about the long distance she would travel to and from school. Every day, before sunrise, at 5:45, she began her nearly two-hour trek to try and make it to class. Often times, Margaret would miss two to three days of school a week because of this burden. On days she was able to attend, Margaret was usually late, which resulted in after-school detention and returning home in the early evening. At school she was going hungry in addition to her exhaustion. This only added to her burden and made it even more difficult for Margaret to concentrate on her studies. Due to all of these obstacles, she was at risk of dropping out of school.
As part of her comprehensive scholarship to help Margaret finish her education, AGE Africa provided her with a bicycle to allow her to get to and from class faster. On her new bicycle, she says, “It takes me 30 minutes to go to school and another 30 minutes home, unlike in the past when it used to take me two hours. Thanks to her AGE Africa scholarship, Margaret is back on track to finishing school.
Mariam, Age 18, Form 4
When Mariam was 15 years old, her mother passed away, thrusting her into the role of sole provider for her brothers and sisters. Faced with a tremendous responsibility, Mariam tended a small harvest of corn and peas to feed her siblings. Often, there was not enough food for Mariam to eat, and she went to school hungry. Despite this struggle, Mariam continued to attend school while being a role model for her siblings.
With a comprehensive AGE Africa scholarship, Miriam also received a small food stipend and toiletries, which have given her the ability to attend school despite her struggles and responsibilities at home. The scholarship and CHATS Clubs have helped Mariam manage her school and home life while becoming an active member of her community. Mariam aspires to become a nurse and help people in her village who are suffering from malaria, cholera, and other ailments that are common in rural Malawi. She is a strong believer in the power of education and has a message for other girls: “Continue your education because it is the key to your success!”
Patuma, Age 13, Form 1
At home in her Village, Patuma receives little support from her parents for her educational endeavors. Neither her mother nor stepfather have much interest in education. They believe that girls Patuma’s age should marry, have children, and maintain a household. Living in a nation with one of the highest child marriage rates in the world, Patuma has defied the odds by resisting marriage and staying in school.
Patuma receives a comprehensive scholarship from AGE Africa to help pay her school tuition in addition to providing her with toiletries and school supplies. Patuma feels that her AGE Africa scholarship has enabled her to stay in school by providing her with a support base of peers and mentors through CHATS as well as alleviating some of the financial burden of attending school without support from her family. As her graduation approaches Patuma dreams of one day becoming a nurse.
Odeta, Age 16, Form 2
Odeta was born with a physical disability and is only able to walk short distances. The rocky base of Mount Mulanje, where Odeta lives, makes it difficult for her to get around. The walks to and from school used to be long and extremely painful. Odeta was frequently absent, and her grades began to suffer. When Odeta was selected to become an AGE Africa scholar and receive a comprehensive scholarship to support her school fees – she also received a bicycle. Odeta no longer walks to school. Her brother rides her on the back of the bike to school. You can see the excitement in her eyes when she speaks about excelling academically in school. “With the bicycle, I am able to get to school early and study more.” She tells us. “I am able to study at home a little too.”
Odeta wants to give back to her community after she finishes secondary school. She hopes to one day work as a nurse and help others with disabilities. AGE Africa is proud to support Odeta’s next three years of secondary school and beyond!