Meeting her was like meeting any other teenager. But, trust me when I say her story is far from a typical teenager. Well, on second thoughts, unfortunately, her story is not that unique. Joyce Kananji, you see, has been married, has become a mother and has just completed standard 8.
Meeting her was like meeting any other teenager. But, trust me when I say her story is far from a typical teenager. Well, on second thoughts, unfortunately, her story is not that unique. Joyce Kananji, you see, has been married, has become a mother and has just completed standard 8.Joyce got pregnant aged 14. She then married as that is seemingly the ultimate show of responsibility in Malawi once a girl gets pregnant. At 15, her baby was born - a child giving birth to a child.She wowed me with her storyThis is Joyce’s story and many others - a baby, divorced, and then the death of her child, and she is only 17 years old. But, unlike the typical case, this one has an inspiring ending.When we chat she sounds so young, even when she talks about her experience being married and having a child (and no, I am not being condescending, really she sounds so young). You know that moment when a girl is sharing details of an old boyfriend, a flame, a thing, a fling, something… a failed relationship? She talks of her marriage this way. Like it were just a blip, a passing phase, a forgotten time, a moment in her life so far. It certainly is not the way older divorcees, or even a 25 year old healing from a failed relationship might highlight in a rant or re-telling of her failed marriage or relationship….I digress.This young girl wowed me! I could not believe she existed, she was so incredible.Speaking out for girlsAbout six months ago I heard there was a girl in the MamaYe club at Pitala Village who had been married, had a baby, baby had died and miraculously she came back to school. And on top of that, Joyce is now an activist giving a voice to the girls who get married and give birth at a young age and speaking against early marriage and pregnancy. Joyce, who persevered when people laughed at her coming back to school. While, it was difficult, she turned her sour lemons into lemonade.I finally met at her Standard 8 graduation ceremony a few weeks ago where she got a certificate for being the most engaged and influential activists in the MamaYe Club.Her Standard 8 Teacher and MamaYe Club leader, Mr Mwale showers her with praises and is very grateful to have her in the club as she is in invaluable to the club and her community as well as the surrounding villages and schools.“She has been influential in convincing other girls to return to school. Particularly when the club goes into the communities” says Mwale.She, in turn, was influenced by Sub TA Pitala and Mr Mwale to return to her studies. Joyce is in now top five in her year. She is expected to pass with flying colors, having come second in her class of 52 in her mock exams.Her life has changed“She is exceptional among other students and other girls. She is a very focused and her life has changed. If she can continue she will be a success.” continues Mwale.I was there to witness her graduation ceremony. Everything is now falling into place in my mind. Looking back I can now explain her mother’s excitement. What a wonder Joyce is, I imagine.Joyce getting a big hug from her mother as she receives an award from her schoolThis is truly how it should always end. We cannot give up on our girls. As a nation, we need to not only help our girls avoid pregnancies, but should they fall pregnant, they need to know it is not the end of the road.As unfortunate as her early teenage life was, she is now winning the rest of her life back. She has more than hope, she has the backing of her community leaders and a mother who is biggest fan. I will settle for fourth biggest fan with the chief, teacher, and mother leading the fanfare.Joyce told me: “It’s not what I wanted. To be honest it just happened. But I am glad it didn’t work out for me. I got to come back and finish my primary school.”Joyce was fortunate – well, she made her own fortune. But she should not be the exception. She has to be the rule! What will you do?