ROBINA Namwinga is not your average 23-year-old. While many her age grapple with similar aspirations, Robina’s determination to become a nurse burns brighter than most.
Orphaned at a young age and facing financial constraints after her sister’s passing, Robina refused to let adversity dim her dreams.
She said her father is late and while her mum is living Mbala, Northern Province and could not finance her education.
Robina told Kalemba that she completed high school in 2019, harbouring ambitions of a career in nursing.
Her dreams seemed within reach, with her sister, her pillar of support, promising to help finance her education. However, fate intervened cruelly when her sister passed away three years ago.
“When my sister who was keeping me died in 2021, things became so tough, I started staying with a friend to my late sister,” revealed Robina.
The loss of her sister left Robina feeling adrift. Yet, she refused to be a victim of circumstance. She chose a path less traveled for a young woman of her generation by going to Choma where she found work.
“My sister was going to pay for my college but that was shattered after she died, I really wanted to go to school so I decided to start being a maid so that I can save for school currently,” she narrated.
“I’m proud to be a maid instead of sleeping around to get money. I buy things for myself without depending on men.”
Robina’s sights were set far beyond daily chores. Every penny saved brought her closer to her dream.
Her diligence and perseverance paid off – she managed to save enough to establish a small mobile money booth, a stepping stone towards financial independence and, ultimately, college.
She also disclosed plans to start farming in order to earn extra income.
What sets Robina apart is not just her willingness to work hard, but her refusal to compromise her integrity for the sake of convenience.
Her eyes is in the ball, and she is determined to score and attain her dreams.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, May 23, 2024
