As Coronavirus remains at large, people and communities are still waiting for that light at the end of the tunnel. People are in desperate times and looking to those who can provide them hope. KEF Scholar Jacqueline Jijide is one of those people to provide a beacon of hope. She is currently studying journalism at a university in Malawi, working hard to achieve higher education and give back to a world that is craving support.
She recently filmed and wrote a documentary talking about small businesses on her school's campus. It provides information on where to buy meals for students who are interested in exploring dining options at the school. The documentary shows a series of interviews with a faculty officer, as well as the head chef of a newly opened restaurant on campus. During these times, it’s revitalizing to see this small business and university work hand in hand to feed its students and provide a safe place to socialize. Jacqueline worked very hard to write, narrate, and edit this documentary which provided hope to all of the university’s students looking for tasty meals on campus.
Jacqueline’s passion for journalism started in secondary and primary school when she was inspired by the courageous journalist Tiwonge Kampondeni. Growing up, Jacqueline was surrounded by role models like Kampondeni and her mother, a true superwoman. She describes that her childhood was tough. Her mom worked tirelessly to make sure Jacqueline could achieve whatever she dared to dream. And her sister was there by her side when she needed it the most.
Her mom worked tirelessly to make sure Jacqueline could achieve whatever she dared to dream.
With all of this amazing support from the women around her, Jacqueline continues to explore the world of journalism and help those in need through her passion of storytelling and philanthropic endeavours. She has learned how to operate a camera and dove into the world of media studies, her skills clearly shown in the documentary. Where she grew up there was always an abundance of stories about the less privileged and about the inspiring women who lived there. She felt they all lacked a voice or any way to communicate to those who could help affect change. So Jacqueline made a vow when she decided to pursue journalism: “I want to become a voice for the voiceless.”
Her community has felt and suffered the pervasive trials of poverty, and knowing how to empathize with those who face or have faced obstacles similar to her own, Jacqueline works hard to be someone in life who can tell stories and affect change. She currently pays it forward by tutoring primary school students in mathematics and English, and plans to continue her journalism career by reporting and sharing the many stories she experienced as a child. Her goal and passion is to write and produce pieces that will inspire others and provide hope to whoever reads or watches them. In her future she sees herself as a good example to others, a person who gives, and a storyteller that can transform people’s lives.
“A role model is somebody who has gone through the fire, but she’s able to pick herself up, dust off, and achieve whatever she dreams to be.”
Jacqueline says she used to be someone who would undermine herself and was resentful to those around her because she was lost in her own struggles. If she could go back in time and give herself a piece of advice, she would tell young Jacqueline to, “Wake up. Life is all about ups and downs, but if you’re determined, if you have a goal to achieve, no matter the pain, keep going.” She shares this advice with all of the women of the world and those in this life who are currently facing their own adversities. Let us take Jacqueline’s words to heart and continue to stay safe and never give up no matter the obstacles we may face!