Wekha Jackson Khonje

In brief tell us who you are?

I am in my thirties. I am the first born in a family of five: two brothers Sanderson and Masa and two sisters Dalitso and Fatsanawo. I come from Thyolo and am the first born. My father is Jackson Khonje and he works in the tobacco industry. My mother Dorothy is a teacher working with the Ministry of Education.

What memories do you have of growing?

I grew up in a family with parents that tried as much as possible to give us the best. I remember we did a lot of travelling with my parents. We went almost all over the country, the lake, kumudzi kwathu, Nyika, Zomba, Mulanje just to mention a few and also did a few trips outside Malawi.

Take us through your education journey.

I did my primary school at Bishop Mackenzie School and after Form One, I joined Lilongwe Girls Secondary School for the remainder of my secondary school. I did a degree in Business Administration at Midrand Graduate Institute, South Africa. I came back to Malawi and started working after which I did the Commonwealth Diploma in Youth Development Work.

What made you develop a passion for the youth?

I repeated my Form 4. I was not in the best student list. But it’s a drive I have which makes me want to prove all those that think I would never make it that I can. I remember one of my teachers at Lilongwe Girls telling me that I will never make it in life. This got me more determined. I didn’t manage to get into the University of Malawi. This was a big setback for me. But I dusted myself, and managed to go to Midrand. It was during this time I was at the University that I got involved in serious youth work. I realised that that is where I belong.

Tell us about your first involvement with the youth.

I worked with a church youth group Christian Family Church in South Africa that dealt with children living on the streets especially those that sniffed glue to get high. We tried to keep them off the streets by giving them skills in arts and craft, since I couldn’t communicate with most of the children because I couldn’t speak Zulu or any of the South African languages, I worked more on the administration side. This is the time I realised that after returning home I had to work with the youth. When I came back I got a job at SOS Children’s Village for five years and 10 months before joining National Youth Council of Malawi.

How do you describe your working with the youths?

The SOS job was the most challenging one. I was mostly dealing with young girls with a traumatic background. As such, I had to be very careful with what I said to them; lest it be taken the wrong way. You had to listen and let them vent their anger as part of the healing process. But it made me realise that I can face anything and because of that I am immune to insults. I won’t let anyone bring me down for any reason.

I have learnt from the youngsters I serve that they can do anything you want them to. It may not be the way you want it done but they do it, as long as you trust them. One thing I can say is that as Malawi we are not fully making use of the young people. We feel young people are just childish and irresponsible. However, I see a new Malawi where young people are self empowered and in the forefront of everything, especially politics.

What does your current job involve?

It involves facilitating, training and updating youth on various topics such as HIV/Aids, abusive drugs, teen pregnancies, relationships, sexuality and social awareness. Assisting youth in writing proposals and business plans. I encourage them to take part in the managing of small income generating programmes. I also coordinate job attachment programmes for the youth in local companies and organisations.

Has holding your current position changed you in any way?

Yes it has. firstly, I know I have a lot of young people especially ladies looking up to me, so I try to practise what I preach and it’s not easy. Being single and working in this type of environment has its challenges. When I first started working in youth development, I met a certain man who used to tell me that if I went out with him he would help me advance in my career. However, I didn’t fall for that but managed to cross the bridge and here I am. There is no such thing as sleeping your way through a career. How many men will you sleep with in order to get where you want? These are the challenges that some women face.

What principles do you think have helped you succeed in life?

I am a Christian and I know that the Bible has a solution for all of my challenges. I just need to bury myself in the word. I try to live my life as a Proverbs 31 woman.

How did your parents and people around you mould you into what you are today?

I am a people person and I value the advice I am given from all classes of people around me. I may not take the advice wholly, but I listen and make a decision. My dad was very strict but I think it is what has helped me realise that I deserve the best of what life has to offer. As for my mum she has taught me how to be strong.

What do you think makes you stand out?

That’s a hard one. But I guess my openness and telling you as it is.

Some women are not confident enough about themselves in taking challenges. What do you think drags them back?

I feel they lack self-confidence. I believe each and every person on this earth was put here for a purpose and make a difference and no matter how small it is. It contributes to a better future and well being for others. So as young women out there let’s get out of our cocoons. Let’s be assertive. No one will do it for us. Don’t let anyone tell you, you are just a woman.

Are there any significant challenges that you think Malawian women are facing and needs immediate address?

Yes, the biggest challenge is that society has told us we are just women and they don’t really take us seriously. We don’t have to start big. Let’s begin by making a difference in our lives, families, community and so on. We should also learn to ask what is it I can do myself to make a difference. John F. Kennedy said “Ask not what your country can do for you ask what you can do for your country”

Successful is the right term to describe you. Have you received any recognition in your life?

Yes I have, not in the form of awards but in seeing some of the young people, especially the amazing young ladies I work with being confident and successful. That’s what keeps me going. Just those words “thanks Aunty Wei or Miss Jackson” that is the most priceless recognition.

Every person has strengths and weaknesses, what are yours?

My strength is in my ability to open up and listen. My weakness is that I am a perfectionist and I like things to be done my way or no other way. Which is rather selfish; but I feel if you are given a chance to do something squeeze every little bit of you and do it. As women, we always have to work twice as hard as the men around.

Who aspires you most?

Locally, I admire Mrs. Rosemary Masiye. She is one of those women who not many people would know, but a woman who told me that if I am confronted with a situation and I want to cry (something most of us women do a lot) I should not do it in public. Excuse yourself gracefully; walk like a queen; go to the toilet; cry; look at yourself in the mirror; wash your face; go back and continue what you were doing. She said I should never let anyone see my weakness cause that may be used against me.

I also admire professionally her sister Mrs Hawa Ndilowe. A woman who stands out, works hard and is focused in her career.

I am sure you have a fun club. Who are the people in your group of friends?

Yes I do, I have the most amazing friends both in Malawi and abroad. I value the power of friendship and have loads of friends but my closes friends would have to be Noris, Qochiwe, Carol, Tinyade and Wathando.

In your free time, what can we find you doing?

In my free time you will find me at home or my parents’ home. I try as much as possible to spend my time with my family. I also read a lot.