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Changing the Paradigm
By Pascalinah Kabi, Lesotho, Africa
I am proud to be a Lesotho lady. I have learned to appreciate myself. Life is all about appreciation. I believe I can do anything. The challenges I've had in life have helped me grow up. You just cannot make it in life without enduring challenges - just ask Nelson Mandela, Mother Theresa, Moses, David and Jesus Himself.
"I should have enjoyed my youth like any other young person. Instead I became the surrogate mother. This is normal in African context." -Pascalinah Kabi
I was born into a family of five children. I am the third born. My grandmother raised me. After high school I attended Lerotholi Polytechnic and today I have a diploma in Marketing and Salesmanship. I am currently studying for a diploma in Journalism, Media and Communication in Zambia. I am sponsored by the World Council of Churches.
I guess you could say I am very unique. In Lesotho, most people earn their living in South Africa as miners or house workers. My father has been working in the mines for 31 years. He's the family breadwinner. My mum has been mentally disturbed since 1988. My father abandoned the family for five consecutive years. He left when I was doing my Form A. The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare sponsored my high school education.
When he left home, I was forced to do the housework and take care of my mum and siblings. It was really difficult. I only made it by the grace of God. I should have enjoyed my youth like any other young person. Instead I became a surrogate mother. This is normal in African context. But it is really unfair. It is a punishment for one to grow up like that.
I joined the Student Christian Movement in Lesotho in 1998, and have held several positions such as Treasurer, Regional Representative and National Acting Coordinator. Working with youth is a great challenge. Everyone comes from a totally different background. I think young people are the most demanding age group. They are strong and impatient. They want to do things immediately.
