“I began my journey as a dreamer—curious, passionate, and deeply rooted in the desire to uplift others. Even as a child, I was known for always advising my siblings, often misunderstood as being “too forward”. But my intentions were always anchored in love, wisdom beyond my years, and an…
My name is Valencia, and I’m from Lusaka. I worked on the “Reduce Waste in Schools” project, and I’m pleased to share that I successfully reduced waste at Kabulonga Girls Secondary School. I accomplished this by labeling all the bins according to what should be thrown in each one….
Akira was a young girl who grew up in a poor neighborhood. Her childhood was marked by violence, abuse, and neglect. Her parents were addicted to drugs, often engaging in violent fights.
Akira recalled the sound of her parents’ screams, the smell of smoke and alcohol, and the overwhelming feeling…
Sometimes I wonder why it always has to be me,
The one who is left behind,
The odd one out,
The one making jokes that nobody laughs at,
Never anyone’s cup of tea.
I mean, you wouldn’t understand,
Since my face hides it so well.
You won’t see what’s behind this beautiful smile,
Or beneath this extroverted…
Why does it seem,
like nothing will work out?
It feels like,
all hope is lost.
Why do I feel,
indecisive?
I struggle to do things,
that make me happy.
It seems like,
I haven’t found my personality yet.
No matter how hard,
I try to trust God,
I feel like giving up.
I struggle,
to trust God consistently.
I feel like,
I can never…
Dear youth,
remember you shine.
Celebrated and embraced,
just for being you,
divine.
A little kindness,
goes a long way.
Making the world brighter,
starting today.
Embrace your capabilities,
your unique flair.
Be yourself,
with or without others there.
Find your voice,
make a difference too.
In a world of challenges,
inspire others anew.
Share your stories,
spread hope and light.
Dear youth,
may your spirit take flight.
By Lorna…
Curled up on the floor,
At the corner of my room feeling sour.
Few nights I cried myself to sleep,
Yesterday was day four.
Cascade of emotions and thoughts,
Nostalgia and regret taking the fore.
What should I have done differently?
For this, I have fought with my thoughts.
I’m so angry – sad and angry at…
Life With Me
Why does life with me
Feel so hard?
Like a maid,
Like a slave,
Worst of all —
Like an orphan.
Everything I do
Feels heavy, cursed.
I’m treated like a trashed bin,
A donkey led astray —
No one hears my cries.
Death whispers daily:
This world isn’t for you.
But I cling to strength,
Though I feel useless.
I trust…
Alice was the first woman
who told me I am beautiful.
We sat across from each other,
and she looked at me and asked,
“Do you know you are beautiful?”
Before I could answer Alice, she
she smiled and said,
“You are beautiful.
Don’t let anyone else make you feel otherwise.
Especially boys.
If they make you doubt it…