Student Profile
| Name: | Biemba Kayawe |
| Gender: | Male |
| Date of birth: | 4th March 1994 |
| Place of birth: | Mufulira, Zambia |
| Mother: | Juliet Lubumbe |
| Profession: | Sells Vegetables and Chickens | Primary School: | Mumana Basic School |
Family Background:
Biemba’s father left his mother when he was a young child. At the time, the family was living in the Copperbelt district. Biemba’s mother has only one sibling, a sister who lives in Chamba Valley, outside of Lusaka. After her husband left her, Biemba’s mother decided to move with her two sons to her sister’s house in Chamba Valley.
Biemba’s mother was not welcomed into her sister’s house by her brother-in-law. Instead, the brother-in-law offered her a place to rent – a small, unfinished, primitive structure for which she pays K300,000 (approximately $80) each month.
After her two boys leave for school each morning, Biemba’s mother cleans her sister’s house and helps to feed their chickens. She then buys twenty chickens from her brother-in-law and walks for one hour to the market in Kaunda Square. She has her own customers and she is usually able to sell all the chickens by evening. She also tends a vegetable garden, from which she is able to pluck vegetables every five days and sell them. Biemba’s mother is hard working and she is currently trying to extend her vegetable garden so that she can increase her sales. She is barely able to pay her rent each month, but she has persevered and she is proud that her family has never gone hungry.
Biemba’s mother says that Biemba is hard working and has never let her down. He often helps her in the garden and helps to feed the chickens. When he’s not working in the garden, Biemba is studying.
Biemba’s mother says that she will do anything to help her sons succeed in life. She will visit her son at his secondary school, even if the distance is great. She does not have enough money to take the bus, but she will walk to the school in order to support her son.
Biemba's Education:
While attending his primary school, Biemba woke up everyday at 4:30 a.m. His mother helped him get ready, and fed him and his brother some porridge. At 5:30 a.m., Biemba and his brother walk to school. It takes them one hour to reach school. His favorite subjects at school were English, Social Studies and Science.
Biemba and his brother choose to walk in order to save money for their mother and family.
At Chalo Trust Secondary School (Grade 8):
Biemba now attends Chalo Trust School as a member of the Kucetekela Foundation program. Since his enrollment at Chalo, Biemba’s mother has noticed an improvement in his work ethic. It has also been reported that he helps other students with their studies.
He earned the 3rd position in his academic placement this term, moving him up from the 5th position he earned last term. He also earned the most improved student award.
At the Awards Ceremony held this year, Biemba received an award for achieving 100% in Information Technology.(Chalo Trust gives awards to students who have achieved more than 95% in a subject.)
According to Biemba, the teachers at Chalo trust school are great! The best part of the school however, is the entertainment. He works hard, but still makes time for fun and games. What else would we expect from a fourteen year old? Along with being given the opportunity to improve his education, Biemba is also being exposed to an environment that allows him to adapt to this ever progressing world. This young man is progressing steadily towards his goal of becoming a doctor.
Biemba's Interests:
Before enrolling in the program, Biemba enjoyed reading, playing football and listening to gospel music.
Now as a student at Chalo Trust School, Biemba is part of the Chess Club, and also plays on the schools football and basketball teams. He also does cross country and came 3rd place in one event.
Career Interests:
Biemba hopes to be a doctor so that he can relieve pain in others.
What Others Think of Him:
Biemba’s teachers at Mumana Primary School felt that Biemba was an amazing student. Despite the long walk each morning, his teachers proudly state that Biemba has never been late to school.
Biemba’s mother also says that her son is a good listener, intelligent, and very obedient.
Biemba’s Principal at Chalo Trust School made this comment in his report:
Elijah is a brilliant and hardworking and respectful pupil who is always determined to excel in his academics. He has displayed a mature disposition in his conduct. Elijah’s exam result is an excellent performance, a reflection of his dedication and commitment to excellence. I encourage him to explore the best of his intellectual capacity and excel beyond this result. It is possible!
Biemba's Thoughts:
“Being a member of KF is a great thing. We are able to go to different places like Pamodzi hotel and Dream Valley. I also enjoy the way the teachers teach at Chalo Trust School. They treat everyone as if they are their own children. I also like the programs they offer here like the entertainment and the IT lab. We are allowed to go to the IT lab and surf the Internet on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. May the good Lord bless you KF and may you continue supporting children.”