Mercy Njeku

“Growing up in poverty throughout my childhood has fuelled my determination to make a positive impact on the impoverished conditions prevalent in rural areas. Coming from LUANO, a region renowned for its significant contribution to the National Food Reserve, particularly in maize production — the staple food of Zambia — I have observed the disparity in development policies between rural and urban areas. Rural communities often receive inadequate consideration in resource allocation, leading to persistent chronic poverty. My ambition is to address this disparity by advocating for policies and initiatives that specifically cater to the needs of rural areas. I aim to work towards ensuring that rural settlers have access to essential resources, fostering a sense of worthiness in their lives. Additionally, my goal is to actively promote education, especially for young girls who are often overlooked in these rural settings. It saddens me to witness my childhood classmates, now married with children, enduring extensive poverty. By obtaining my degree and actively participating in the implementation of change, I aspire to instil an academic ambition within both rural parents and young girls. I believe that fostering a culture of education will not only alleviate poverty but also inspire a positive transformation in the lives of those living in rural areas.”