Cecilia Kwenda, 18, is a determined and bright student currently in Form 2 (Grade 10) at Chayamba Secondary School in Central Malawi. She lives at home with her mother, younger sister, and younger brother.
Since the death of her father due to an epileptic seizure a few years ago, Cecilia—being the eldest—has stepped up to support her family. Her mother takes on casual jobs like doing laundry and selling fried pastries to make ends meet, but it’s never been easy. “She’s a great support to me and such a good role model for her siblings,” her mother shared with pride.
During school holidays, Cecilia pitches in however she can—sometimes sweeping or fetching water at a nearby bar to help earn a little extra. It’s not the kind of place any teenage girl should have to work, but it speaks volumes about her strength and sense of responsibility.
A Lover of Learning
Despite the challenges at home, Cecilia is deeply committed to her education. At Chayamba, students are expected to attend evening study sessions from 6:30–8:00 p.m., with an optional second session from 1:00–3:00 a.m. Cecilia does both.
Cecilia (second from right) gathers with some other Education is Power students at Chayamba to meet with Sonder staff.
Science is her favorite subject by far. She dreams of becoming a chemical engineer. “I’d love to learn how to produce things like Panadol from different substances,” she shared. “I have some friends at the Malawi University of Science and Technology, and I’d love to do what they’re doing.” She hopes to continue her studies at the Malawi College of Medicine or the University of Science and Technology.
Cecilia has long been a top student, consistently performing at the top of her class in primary school. But tragedy struck when her father passed away suddenly, and the burden of school fees in high school became too much for her family to bear. Although she had been accepted into a high school, she made the difficult decision to repeat her final year of primary school, hoping to improve her exam results and buy time to secure the financial support she needed to continue her education.
A Glimmer of Hope
“I was very disappointed to have to repeat the year,” she admitted. “But my mother encouraged me to work hard—she told me I might have a better chance of getting a scholarship if I got into a better school.” Her determination paid off when she was accepted to Chayamba Secondary School.
Still, her family faced an impossible question: how would they afford the fees year after year?
That’s when Education is Power stepped in.
Cecilia vividly remembers the moment she found out. She had come to school without the full amount of her fees, hoping she wouldn’t be turned away. But instead, the principal gave her incredible news: she had been selected as a Power Student by The Sonder Project.
Cecilia with her mother and siblings celebrating her acceptance into the Education is Power program.
“I called my mother right away to tell her,” she recalled. “I told her she didn’t have to worry about my school fees anymore.”
We recently visited Cecilia at Chayamba and were struck by her calm confidence and quiet strength. Her presence uplifts those around her, including the other Power Students we sponsor at the school.
Cecilia, we are so proud of you. We can’t wait to see you soar.