Chifunilo Ndelemani: The Inspiration for Women Who Dropped Out of School

Malawi-Chifunilo Ndelemani's journey to complete her secondary education is not only an inspiration but also a message of hope to fellow women who have dropped out of school, writes Sapulain Chitonde Lee.

At the age of 40, Chifunilo decided to go back to school and pursue her secondary education, despite being a mother and having her own secondary school-going children.

Chifunilo's passion for education stems from her desire to be an educated female chief and not rely on finger-printing when a need to sign arises.

"I admire those women in leadership positions, I want to be one of the educated female chiefs. Fingerprinting is for the past generation," Chifunilo says, explaining why he chose to complete his secondary education.

Chifunilo says she is determined to achieve good Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) results that will enable her to go to university.

She encourages those who have dropped out of school to emulate her and says, "Everyone is a leader, and to lead, you need knowledge, and knowledge is power."

Chifunilo's efforts have not gone unnoticed, and her deputy headteacher, Mr Patron Yoweli, commends her for being a hardworking student.

He highlights that if well-wishers could support her by paying her school fees and buying her required pamphlets, Chifunilo would be a motivational figure for Malawi and not just herself.

"She needs support; it is taking her a month to finish her school fees, and she has even borrowed her examination fees, which she will pay double," says Yoweli.

Chifunilo's story is an inspiration to many, and she hopes that through her determination and hard work, she can be an example to other women who dropped out of school.

As she enters Form 4 at Mpando Community Day Secondary School in Dowa, Chifunilo is ready to sit for her Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) this year, and her story is a reminder that it's never too late to pursue your dreams.