Jasmine Tembo completed his secondary education at St. Augustine Community Day Secondary School in Nkhata Bay District. Raised by a single mother who struggled daily to make ends meet, Jasmine’s dream of education was constantly under threat. Despite being a gifted student who consistently ranked in the top 5, his mother’s low income meant he often missed classes because she could not afford to pay his school fees.
Every single day, Jasmine walked 14 kilometers — 7km from Mkondezi to school and 7km back — determined not to give up. His absence from class did not go unnoticed. One of his teachers — a Physics and Mathematics teacher and also a member of EESO — identified him. After being called for an interview, Jasmine bravely shared all the challenges he was facing. That was the turning point. The EESO team was informed and immediately took the initiative to support him by paying his school fees.
With that burden lifted, Jasmine worked harder than ever. He maintained his position in the top 5 and triumphed in his Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) with an impressive 18 points.
Today, that boy who once walked 14km to school has been selected to the prestigious Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), where he is studying Aquaculture and Fisheries. In September 2026 he is now in his 7th semester of the final year.
Jasmine’s journey proves that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. With a little support, a determined child can walk from poverty to possibility.