Student Profile
| Name: | Japhet Phiri |
| Gender: | Male |
| Date of birth: | 24th May 1992 |
| Place of birth: | Lusaka, Zambia |
| Mother: | Mary Phiri |
| Profession: | House Wife |
| Father: | Aliyele Phiri |
| Profession: | Local Businessman |
| Primary School: | Chibelo Basic School |
Family Background:
Japhet’s father moved from Chadiza in Eastern Province to Lusaka in 1980 in search of a better life. He had no skills and looked for a job as a house servant. He was hired as a servant and worked mostly in the Rhodes Park area of Lusaka. In 1981, Japhet’s parents married.
Japhet has six siblings. The first born is a girl who is now 21 years old and is married to a brick layer. The second born is a boy and currently goes to school at Munali High School in Grade 10. Japhet is the fourth born.
Mr. Phiri now runs a small, but successful, grocery shop in the Kalikiliki compound of Lusaka. He obtained the funds to open the shop from his previous job, working for United Link, which closed the business and left Mr. Phiri with some profit. Mr. Phiri invested his money into the shop.
Mr. Phiri wrote in Japhet’s application, that he needs financial support for Japhet’s education because he only works in an informal fashion and that it is very difficult for him to meet the family’s requirements. Mr. Phiri is financially responsible for five children and his wife.
Japhet's Education:
Japhet started school at Chibelo in Grade 1 and has continued there through Grade 7. He has been an extremely high achieving student throughout his career. Since Grade 5, Japhet has achieved no lower than the fifth position, and as high as the third best in his class. However, he achieved even higher in Grade 7, where he finished as the second ranked student in his class.
Japhet’s best subject is English, and his favorite subjects are English, Mathematics, and Science. He wrote on his application that the best part of Chibelo School is that the school is close to home and that he learns a lot.
Outside of class, Japhet enjoys the HIV/AIDS Resource Center at Chibelo School, where he learns more about HIV/AIDS. He also is an active and committed member to his church group.
At Leopards Hill Secondary School (Grade 8):
Japhet adapted very well to the new learning environment at Leopards Hill Secondary School, and applied great effort to achieve good results. At the end of the year he won an award in Geography and Religious Education. He also received an award for the student ‘Eager to Acquire Knowledge’. He managed to stay at the top of his class throughout the year, always being among the top three students. Japhet feels the subject he wishes to improve in the most is English, and he is confident that he will as he continues to work and study hard.
(Grade 9)
Grade nine has had its challenges for Japhet as the work has become more demanding. However, he remains committed to his studies and continues to aim high. He has shown improvement in Environmental Science, Mathematics, English and Geography. This year, his favorite subjects are Environmental Science, Mathematics, History, Civics’ and Religious Education – which illustrates that he is enjoying just about every subject he is taking.
At the 2008 Awards ceremony held at Leopards Hill Secondary School, Japhet received an award for 2nd position in Civics.
Japhet's Interests:
While still in primary, Japhet loved to play soccer and to study. His other interest was going to church every Sunday. Now at Ibex Hill, Japhet is showing what he is made of as he participates in various sports and clubs.
Japhet is also part of the JETS club, a science and mathematics after-school club, and participated in a school competition in which his team came second out of five schools.
Career Interests:
Japhet’s dream is to become a doctor.
What his teachers think of him:
The teachers say that he is a good boy who is intelligent. Japhet understands concepts quickly and is very obedient. He could use extra help in science and social studies, but overall, his performance is excellent.
Japhet's Thoughts:
“I enjoy socializing with the people here. I enjoy competing with my friends both in academics and in sports. I enjoy studying when all my friends are busy with academic work. I enjoy the food that we eat at this school and I enjoy the way we celebrate people’s birthdays. I also enjoy all the functions this school hosts.”