From Rural Struggles to Academic Triumph: The Inspiring Journey of Blessings Leno

From a remote village to a future dental surgeon—Blessings Leno proves that hard work and perseverance can break any barrier.

Growing up in Lipho, a remote village in Thyolo near the Mozambique border, Blessings Leno faced the kind of challenges that often hold girls back from achieving their dreams. The roads are nearly impassable during the rainy season, and opportunities for young girls to excel academically have historically been limited. Yet, despite these hurdles, Blessings is now studying at the Malawi College of Health Sciences in Blantyre, on her way to becoming a dental surgeon—a dream she once thought was beyond her reach.

Her journey was transformed through the Let Girls Learn II project, implemented by the Creative Centre for Community Mobilization (CRECCOM) with funding from Echidna Giving. The initiative aims to equip rural Malawian children and youth with academic, social, leadership, and livelihood skills to enhance self-awareness, problem-solving abilities, and resilience. Through this project, Blessings gained access to vital mentorship, career guidance, and study support that changed the course of her education.

“In our village, you wouldn’t expect girls to perform well in school,” Blessings recalls. “But thanks to this program, in 2024, our school achieved a 100% pass rate. Right now, two of us from Lipho are here at Malawi School of Health Sciences.”

Blessings’ journey wasn’t easy. She completed her primary education at Lipho Primary School and moved on to Lipho Community Day Secondary School (CDSS). However, after writing her exams in 2021, she obtained 29 points—below the cutoff for university admission. Determined to improve, she made the tough decision to repeat from Form 3, a move that required perseverance and self-belief. In 2023, her hard work paid off when she passed with 21 points.

The Let Girls Learn II project played a crucial role in her success. Through youth clubs, she engaged in discussions about education, careers, and self-esteem. Without a school library, the study circles became an essential tool for staying updated with lessons. The project also linked students to career guidance sessions, remedial lessons, and community mentorship from mother groups.

“The mother groups were a great inspiration,” Blessings shares. “Even though many of them are not formally educated, their advice gave me confidence and the drive to aim higher. They always encouraged us not to look down on ourselves.”

When it was time to apply for university, Blessings submitted applications through the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) and directly to the Malawi College of Health Sciences. She was offered a place to study Education Science at Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) and was also accepted at the Malawi School of Health Sciences. Without hesitation, she chose the latter—staying true to her lifelong dream of becoming a health worker.

Malawi College of Health Sciences, Blantyre – Where Blessings Leno's dream of becoming a dental surgeon is taking shape through hard work and determination

“This can only happen when you work hard,” she says with conviction. “To all the girls in Lipho and across Malawi, please believe in yourself. Use the opportunities available—whether it's study groups, mentorship from the mother groups, or career guidance. Without CRECCOM and the Let Girls Learn II project, I wouldn’t be here today.”

Blessings’ story is a testament to the power of resilience and the impact of targeted educational support. Her journey is proof that with the right guidance, determination, and access to resources, girls from even the most remote villages can achieve greatness.