The Sunday Mail
Hazel Juliet Magwisa
AS one of the children coming from a disadvantaged background, I have learnt or rather come to realise that my roots and upbringing should not be a barrier to what I need to achieve in life.
Instead, it should be a motivation for me to pursue my education and aim high so that I can change my life.
A famous speaker once said, “For one to understand others’ problems and challenges, in order to obtain a solution, there is need for you to try and wear their shoes and see it as your problem.”
It is said education is a progressive discovery of our own ignorance and that it becomes one’s responsibility to obtain it (education).
But this statement has been challenged due to the fact that some children are unable to reach their goal to attain education as envisaged under culture capital.
Because of poor backgrounds, most of us suffer from lack of opportunities.
However, I see this as a reason for children to work harder and break barriers.
Walking seven kilometres to get to school has been the biggest motivation for me to pursue education. I believe that through learning, I will be able to dodge poverty and succeed in life. Life is not always like a perfect blue sky or sunset.
At times there are bad clouds, some storms and thunder that cover the beautiful sky and sunset and there is nothing we can do to change this.
But it is imperative that we always make use of opportunities thrown our way.
Never mind the challenges you have at home or wherever, each time you get the opportunity to go into a classroom, make the best of the chance.
There are some children who have everything and try by all means to discourage us, but advice is that do not let anyone dishearten you.
Success is open to everyone despite our different backgrounds.
Coming from a disadvantaged background should be a good enough reason for you to work hard.
Do not let anyone limit you.
Torn uniforms, lack of finance and other necessary resources should always motivate you to be better in life and conquer.
