Every morning when I wake up in my village, I remind myself of one thing: my disability will never stop me from dreaming.
My name is Rudo Mowa. I am 17 years old and I come from Simango Village in Southern Province of Zambia, a small rural community where most families survive through farming. I completed my primary education at Simango Primary School, and today I am proud to be a Grade 10 pupil at Choongo Inclusive Secondary School in Monze.
I am the fifth born in a family of eight children. I live with my mother and father, who are peasant farmers. Our family depends on rain-fed agriculture to survive. When the rains are good, we harvest enough food. When they are poor, life becomes very difficult. My parents work very hard to provide for us, but with such a big family, sending children to school can be a heavy burden.
I was born with a disability, and growing up in a rural village has not always been easy for me. There are moments when life feels challenging, when moving around or doing certain activities takes more effort. But these challenges have also made me stronger. I have learned that my condition does not define my ability or my future.
I believe with all my heart that disability is not inability. My greatest dream is to complete my secondary education and one day become an accountant. I want to build a better future for myself and also support my family who have sacrificed so much for me. Education is the path that will help me achieve this dream.
My journey in school would have been much harder without the support I receive from Response Network and their partner NIF. Through their sponsorship program, I receive help with school requirements that make it possible for me to stay in school.
This support has brought great relief to my parents and given me the chance to focus on learning and building my future. Knowing that someone ot there believes in me, gives me the courage to keep working hard every day.
At school, I enjoy studying with my close friend Tana. We encourage each other and spend time learning together. When I am not studying, I love writing poems. Writing allows me to express my thoughts, my struggles, and my hopes for the future.
From the bottom of my heart, I want to say thank you to every one who supports students like me.
Because of your kindness, I can go to school. Because of your support, I can continue dreaming. Because of you, I believe that my future is full of possibilities.
There are many other girls living with disabilities in rural communities who still struggle to access education. Many of them have dreams just like mine, but they do not yet have the opportunity.
I hope that you will continue supporting children like us. Your support does more than pay for school requirements—it restores hope, builds confidence, and changes lives.
Because of you, I am not defined by my disability. I am defined by my dreams.