From a Shy Student to a Confident Leader: How EOP Transformed Chungu Faith’s Journey
“I never thought I could stand before people and speak with confidence. Today, I am even aspiring to become the Vice General Secretary at my institution.”
These are the words of Chungu Faith, a second-year Registered Midwifery student at Mansa College of Nursing and Midwifery in Mansa District, whose life has been reshaped through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program implemented by FAWEZA, particularly through the Extended Orientation Programme (EOP).
For Chungu, the most powerful change did not begin in the classroom, but within herself. Before joining the programme, she describes herself as very shy, unsure of her abilities, and hesitant to take part in school activities. Today, she speaks with confidence, participates actively, and is stepping into leadership roles she once thought were beyond her reach.
The EOP played a central role in this transformation. Through the programme, Chungu gained essential life and employability skills including communication, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, conflict resolution, and career planning. These skills, she says, helped her discover her potential and build confidence in both academic and social spaces.
“Before joining the programme, I was very shy and rarely participated in activities. But through the skills I learned, I discovered a side of myself that I never knew existed,” she explains. “Now I can communicate effectively, express my ideas, and even take up leadership roles.”
Chungu comes from a family of four children in Ndola on the Copperbelt Province. Her father is a general worker while her mother runs a small business at the market. Despite their efforts, supporting her education has always been a challenge.
When she first heard about the Mastercard Foundation bursary opportunity through her class tutor in her first year, she saw it as a turning point. “Just getting into college was difficult because of the costs involved. When I heard about the bursary, it felt like a door of hope had opened,” she says.
Before receiving support, Chungu faced multiple challenges. She lived off-campus and had to travel long distances daily to attend lectures. The early mornings, household chores, and long commute affected her focus and performance. She also lacked essential learning tools such as a laptop, which made completing assignments difficult.
After being selected into the programme, her situation changed significantly. She was given access to campus accommodation and essential academic tools such as a laptop, calculator, charger, and extension cable. These resources made her academic journey smoother and more manageable.
The impact has been reflected in her performance. Chungu has emerged as the best student in theory and overall performance in her class for two consecutive semesters. She attributes this improvement to both academic support and the stability provided by the bursary.
Beyond academics, EOP has also influenced her entrepreneurial mindset. She has started a small business selling hoodies, robes, and pajamas, something she never imagined doing before. “I used to wonder where I would get money to start a business. Now I understand financial literacy and how to save and invest,” she says.
Her aspirations have also expanded. While she remains committed to midwifery, she now envisions exploring catering and baking in the future, alongside building her own business.
At home, the bursary has eased financial pressure on her parents, allowing them to focus on supporting her younger brother’s education. In her community and institution, Chungu is becoming a source of inspiration, especially to young women who see her growth and confidence.
Looking back, she describes the programme as life-changing. “Through FAWEZA and the Mastercard Foundation, I am achieving goals I never thought were possible. I am more confident, focused, and ready for the future.”
Her message to other young women is simple: “Believe in yourself and take the opportunity. You never know how far it can take you.”
Today, Chungu stands not only as a nursing student but as a young leader in the making shaped, strengthened, and empowered through the Extended Orientation Programme.
