Biziwiki Mengezi is the youngest of six children in the Mengezi family. His parents are poor, and they face many challenges in raising their children. Biziwiki is 17 years old and comes from Mphava village, T/A Malenga, Ntchisi District.
Recently, Biziwiki completed the Primary School Leaving Certificate of Education (PSLCE) Examinations at Kwezani LEA School.
Realizing that he will soon begin secondary education and that his parents, who are in need, will struggle to pay his school fees, Biziwiki decided to start a small business to prepare himself.
To get started, he took on some piece work in the area and was paid K2000. He used this money to start a business selling fried sweet potatoes, known as Mbalaga.
Biziwiki managed to build a grass-thatched shelter where he sells his potatoes. Gradually, he saved up some money, which he used to buy fertilizer.
He then established a garden where he grows Irish and sweet potatoes, as well as beans and mustard seeds.
“I have decided to start irrigation farming in order to save money to pay for my secondary education, as my parents won’t be able to fully support me due to their unstable financial situation,” Biziwiki said as he watered his crops.
He shared that his dream is to attend boarding school and he prays for it. However, he is doubtful about achieving his aspiration because of his family’s financial struggles.
Despite putting his hope in agriculture, Biziwiki mentions that the lack of reliable and profitable markets is a setback. He worries that his produce may not fetch good prices at the nearby market, as many farmers in his area end up selling to vendors and making minimal profits.
Biziwiki’s mother, Merry Mengezi, expresses that her son has a vision and she prays for his ambitions to be fulfilled.
“I didn’t think he would be able to start irrigation farming, but I was surprised to see that he has cultivated over an acre. It’s my wish to see him continue his education,” Mengezi said.
She appeals to well-wishers to support Biziwiki by helping him find the best markets for his farm produce, instead of selling to vendors.
If his dream becomes a reality, Biziwiki will be the only child in the family to pursue further education.
His determination to find a way to support himself through secondary school has inspired many people in the surrounding villages.
Unfortunately, many learners from economically disadvantaged families are unable to continue their education due to lack of school fees.
Initially, Biziwiki may not be able to afford school fees for his entire secondary school education, as he will have less time for farming. It is hoped that individuals or organizations, locally or internationally, with goodwill may intervene and assist him in fulfilling his ambition.
