Student Profile
| Name: | Edson Tembo |
| Gender: | Male |
| Date of birth: | 16th January 1994 |
| Place of birth: | Lusaka, Zambia |
| Guardian: | Liness Phiri (Aunt) |
| Profession: | Unemployed |
| Primary School: | Ngwelele Basic School |
Family Background:
Edson lives with his aunt Liness Phiri, in Chipata compound. He used to live with his mother in Petauke until she passed away. He then moved in with his father who had remarried. After a while of feeling mistreated by his stepmother, Edson informed his father that he would much rather move in with his mothers sisters. Liness Phiri also looks after Edson’s three brothers and her late sister’s two daughters in a non-electrified house that was given to her by her brother. She rents it out for K70,000.00 a month. From the rent money she buys and sells groundnuts.
Keeping all these people is a challenge for Liness Phiri. The family often doesn’t have enough food, and not having electricity makes life a little more difficult. It would be practically impossible for her to afford Edson’s education in secondary school. She feels that Edson is a good boy who is very obedient and very clever.
Edson's Education:
Edson began his education at Ngwelele Basic School, but moved to Petauke in grade three where he attended Ukwimi Middle Basic School. After his mother died he moved back to Lusaka and returned to Ngwelele to begin Grade 5.
Edson is one young man who enjoys education and understands its value in his life. He is usually first place in his class because studying is something he is more than willing to do. When he is not first in his class, he is among the top three. He lives in a house with no electricity, but that doesn’t stop him from studying in the night. Just after supper if you happen to stop by his home, you will find Edson studying by candlelight.
Edson has been was selected as a class monitor in grade four, and has been selected this year again. Edson doesn’t find it difficult to control the class when necessary, because the students respect him.
Career Interests:
Edson wants to be an accountant once he has completed his studies. He plays football and volleyball. He loves listening to music and loves to read novels and school text books.
What Teachers Think of Edson:
The boy is the most outstanding pupil in class. He has been doing very well in the weekend tests as well as the end of term tests. He has the ability to guide others, is hardworking and very cooperative.
Edson's Thoughts:
“My name is Edson and I am the second born of the family. I have three brothers. My brothers and I are really trying hard to finish our education and be good citizens in the future.
I love to sing although I am not planning on being a musician. I love singing gospel songs when we are praying with my auntie who lives in Chipata compound.
The greatest challenge I have ever faced was when my mother died in 2004. It was difficult because I was very sad for my youngest brother who was only four years old. I overcame it because I have time has healed my brothers and I.
The Kucetekela Foundation can help me with my education because my father’s company closed down in 2000 so from that year on he has been unable to support my brothers and me. One of my brothers is in grade ten. I would like to finish my education so that I can help my father and brothers.
If I was successful in my career choice I would encourage the government to do something about the road network because there are a lot of bumps. I would also like them to do something about the sewerage pond because many lives have been lost and I would not like it if many more lives were lost.”