Cathy Born into a family of five in Dedza T/A Kachere, Cathy faced adversities that threatened her future. However, with the intervention of FOCCAD’s Breaking Barriers project and the support of the Kalilang’anga FOCCAD AGYW club, Cathy’s life took a remarkable turn.

Initially, Cathy found herself among the many girls who dropped out of school due to pregnancy, feeling lost and uncertain about her future. But FOCCAD’s initiatives brought a glimmer of hope. Through health talks on reproductive health and STI prevention, Cathy gained crucial knowledge, empowering her to make informed decisions about her well-being.

Moreover, the supportive environment fostered by FOCCAD and the involvement of school governance structures helped address stigma and discrimination, paving the way for Cathy’s educational journey. With the encouragement of peer leaders, Cathy embarked on the challenging path to reclaim her education, re-entering school despite the hurdles of being a young mother.

Today, Cathy’s perseverance has yielded remarkable results. Resuming her studies in STD 7, “I am  driven by the desire to build a better future for myself and my child.”Said Cathy.

Beyond academics, Cathy’s involvement in the club has equipped her with valuable life skills, including financial literacy, through village savings initiatives facilitated by FOCCAD.

Cathy’s journey has not only transformed her life but has also brought pride and joy to her family. Her mother acknowledges the positive impact of FOCCAD’s intervention, recognizing Cathy’s dedication to her education and newfound sense of responsibility.