In March 2023, 22-year-old Sosten Jollam was a Form Three student at Msalura Community Day Secondary School in Salima, facing the possibility of dropping out of school because his family could no longer afford tuition fees.

Born into a family of nine in the remote Gwirize Village, Sosten had already overcome significant challenges to reach secondary school. His parents, both subsistence farmers, struggled to support his education, and there were times when he missed classes because school fees remained unpaid.

At one point, the financial burden became so overwhelming that Sosten and his family agreed he would leave school altogether. After sitting for his Junior Certificate of Education examinations, he returned to school only to bid farewell to his friends, convinced that his education had come to an end despite having performed well academically.

That moment, however, became the turning point in his life.

Sosten (second from right) with fellow beneficiaries of the sponsorship programme at Msalura Community Day Secondary School in 2023.

Through the education sponsorship fund supported by the family of Janet Allan, coordinated by Youth Empowerment and Support Initiative, Sosten received the support he needed to remain in school and complete his secondary education.

“I had already accepted that my education would end there, but the support I received gave me hope and a chance to continue pursuing my dream,” says Sosten.

That support opened the door to higher education.

In 2023, Sosten was selected to Mzuzu University to pursue a Bachelor of Education in Languages degree, becoming the first member of his family to attend university.

Today, he is in his second year at university, continuing to pursue the dream that once seemed impossible.

To help him remain focused on his studies, The YES Initiative, through the continued generosity of well-wishers, is supporting Sosten with a monthly stipend for food and accommodation. He was also provided with a laptop to assist with his academic work.

“University comes with many challenges, especially financial ones, so this continued support has helped me stay focused on my studies and move forward with confidence,” he says.

Sosten Jollam, once at risk of dropping out, now encourages other students through our student mentorship sessions.

This support has helped him not only access university education, but continue with confidence and stability.

Sosten is now the eighth student from the sponsorship programme to secure a place in a public university, a strong reflection of what long-term educational support can achieve.

His story is a reminder that timely intervention can completely change the course of a young person’s life—from the brink of dropping out to progressing through university.

We extend sincere gratitude to all friends and supporters whose generosity continues to make stories like Sosten’s possible. Your support is not only paying fees or meeting basic needs; it is helping shape futures and create first-generation graduates

Help Make More Stories Like Sosten’s Possible

Your support can change a young person’s life. By contributing to the YES Initiative, you help students access education, stay in school, and achieve their dreams.

Every contribution, big or small, makes a lasting difference. Thank you for helping shape futures.