On Wednesday, 30 October 2024, YESI mentors led an inspiring session for 313 Demera and Maganga Secondary Schools students. The session addressed unique challenges faced by the students, particularly young girls, who often encounter societal pressures that disrupt their education. The YESI mentorship team had seven mentors and reached 65 Form 1 and 2 students from Demera and 248 students from Maganga.

The session at Demera Secondary School.

During the session, students explored career planning, academic excellence, SMART goal setting, and effective time management. The goal was clear: to help students envision realistic goals and develop a roadmap for becoming future leaders and community builders.

Mentor Praise speaking during the session at Maganga Secondary school

“It was uplifting to see students eagerly engaging with concepts that can shape their future,” said Praise Jota, one of the mentors, a Clinical Officer at the Salima District Hospital, “As mentors, we’re able to provide both the tools and the encouragement these students need to navigate their paths forward. Watching them discover new possibilities is incredibly rewarding.”

Mr. Kapatuka, the Deputy Head Teacher of Demera Secondary, attended the full session and was moved by the program’s impact. “The mentors shared real-life stories that truly connected with our students,” he remarked. “It’s one thing to hear about career goals and success, but hearing firsthand experiences brought these ideas to life. I believe our students will carry these lessons and confidently approach their futures.

Students from Demera posing with a YESI mentor after the session

The session was especially impactful for young girls, many of whom voiced concerns about societal pressures, particularly forced and child marriages, that often pull them out of school.

Hammidah Jimmy, a Form 1 student at Demera, bravely shared her perspective on the obstacles facing girls in her community. “Many girls are pressured to leave school and marry young, and those of us who choose to stay in school are sometimes made to feel out of place,” she explained.

A student at Maganga Secondary school asking a question.

YESI mentors responded with guidance on how these young women can overcome societal pressures, reinforcing that they have the power to stay in school, pursue their dreams, and ultimately become leaders who will rise and fight the vice.

The two sessions reinforce YESI’s seven-year mission to equip underserved young people with the resources and support needed to achieve their dreams and become Malawi’s next generation of community builders.