From Shy Student to Confident Facilitator

Sixteen-year-old Clara Zakeyo, a Form 3 student at Thunga Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) in Thyolo District, is proving that when girls are empowered with the right skills and mentorship, they can inspire change among their peers and beyond.

Clara, the second born in a family of three children, once described herself as a shy girl who struggled to speak in front of groups, but this changed when CRECCOM, with financial support from Room to Read, began implementing the She Creates Change project in Mulanje and Thyolo districts.

Central to this initiative is a six-part film series featuring true stories of courageous young women from historically low-income communities, designed to not only inspire but also teach critical life skills such as critical thinking, leadership, decision-making, collaboration, and resilience.

Clara was selected and trained by CRECCOM as a facilitator for her school, where she now confidently guides her fellow students through structured discussions after watching the films, ensuring sessions are interactive, reflective, and action oriented.

“Because of the training, coaching, and mentorship from CRECCOM, I am now a confident facilitator. Before, I was shy and unable to speak in groups. Now, I can stand in front of my peers, guide discussions, and articulate issues clearly,” she proudly shares.

Her transformation has been remarkable, making her one of the most active facilitators at her school and a role model to many. Clara now dreams of becoming a medical doctor, a vision she is determined to pursue by working hard in her studies.