In a world where disability often means exclusion, 24-year-old Evelyn Kujingo’s story is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to defy expectations.
Born with cerebral palsy, she was told she would never walk, never talk and never learn.
But this brave young woman had other plans. With the support of her family and a determination that inspires, Evelyn has defied the odds to access education, overcoming countless obstacles, silencing doubters along the way.
Today, she is a shining example of what it means to live with purpose, passion and a refusal to be defined by one’s limitations.
Evelyn’s educational journey has been nothing short of remarkable.
With the help of her devoted mother, who carried her to school on her back for years, she has navigated the challenges of a poorly resourced and often inaccessible education system.
She learned to communicate through a specially designed device which was available at her school and her love of learning has inspired her teachers and classmates alike.
Despite the many obstacles she faces, Evelyn’s grades have been impressive and her passion for humanities earned her a coveted spot in a prestigious University of Malawi (Unima).
As she looks to the future, her dreams are big and her determination to succeed is inspiring a generation of young people with disabilities to demand their right to education.
She says: “I was lucky to attend primary and secondary school which has special educational teachers and resources called SOS in Lilongwe. Without this, I would have been another casualty of a disabled person who solely relies on handouts.”
Evelyn adds that her education has exempted her from the burden of people being judgemental about her disability as they now see her as any other person.
She performed exceptionally well during her Malawi School Certificate of Education, puzzling everyone around her.
“Everyone was shocked even though I had been in the top 10 in class. Since I can’t write with my hands, I rely on my teacher during class work and examination for oral examinations,” she said.
Evelyn recalls how her life changed at the university where she needed more help with her studies or just moving from one class to another.
“I was used to my mother escorting me to school every day, but when I got to college, I was left all alone. Thanks to my friends who helped me navigate school activities without difficulties,” she said.
Evelyn added that although some people are more welcoming on issues of disability, there are others who still prejudiced towards them.
“Life at the university is already hard, but for a person with disability, it’s 10 times harder. People look at you differently which sometimes creates depression,” she said.
She graduated last year with a bachelor’s degree in arts and humanities.
As Evelyn’s story gains national attention, it is shining a light on the stark realities faced by children with disabilities in Malawi.
Despite progress in increasing access to education, students with disabilities remain marginalised, with many denied the opportunity to attend school altogether.
Evelyn’s determination to succeed is not only inspiring her peers, but also challenging policymakers and educators to rethink their approach to inclusive education.
With her courageous voice, she is helping to break down barriers and push for a more equitable education system, one that values the contributions and potential of all learners, regardless of their abilities.
Evelyn’s journey is also a powerful reminder that inclusive education is not only a moral imperative, but a sound investment in a country’s future.
By providing children with disabilities with access to quality education, Malawi can unlock their potential, foster greater social cohesion, and drive economic growth.
As Evelyn looks to the future, she is determined to become a role model for young people with disabilities, showing them that with determination and hard work, anything is possible.
Her story is a testament to the transformative power of education and a call to action for policymakers, educators and communities to work together to create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
As Evelyn completed her education, she faces a daunting reality; unemployment.
In Malawi, persons with disabilities face staggering unemployment rates, with many relegated to menial jobs or forced to rely on charity.
Her determination to succeed is undimmed, but she knows the odds are stacked against her.
To address this crisis, Malawi must implement inclusive hiring practices, provide vocational training and support and challenge the deep-seated stigma and bias that prevent persons with disabilities from accessing decent work.
By empowering Evelyn and others like her, Malawi can unlock the talents and contributions of a marginalised population, fostering a more diverse, equitable and prosperous society for all.
Her mother believes employment will highly inspire persons with disabilities to work hard in class knowing that they will be employed when they graduate.
“Persons with disabilities who have worked hard in school and graduate should be a priority when it comes to employment for this saves as a testament of inclusion,” she said.
She further added that persons with disabilities face numerous challenges including stigma, employment gaps just widens the discrimination.
