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Tomorrow’s Role Model
By Royce Phiri, Zambia
Life is a walking shadow - the shadow is illiteracy and it is Zambia's biggest problem. Illiteracy has given rise to the prevalence and increasing incidence of HIV/AIDS, poverty and other related problems that result from a lack of knowledge. Waking up each morning is really a blessing because many people in the neighborhood don't make it.
"I have dreams and I think big. I want to be a successful woman who will be recognized like Condoleezza Rice." -Royce Phiri
Being the first born in a family of seven is a challenge. I have to behave differently from the others. I am expected to do things perfectly without making any mistakes so that my siblings can follow my footsteps.
This might sound easy but it can be difficult. Most people in my community have messed up. Many teenagers are married. Others have died of HIV/AIDS.
My parents are among the only relatives who have obtained a level of education. The rest of our relatives live in typical villages and cannot read or write.
I want to be well educated so that my family and others can look up to me as their role model. I want to be the voice of the voiceless, especially for those who are illiterate.
I have dreams and I think big. I want to be a successful woman who will be recognized like Condoleezza Rice. I want to drive a car and have my own house. I want to be self made. Journalism is just a stepping stone. There is more ahead.
