Racheal’s Journey: Overcoming Challenges and Empowering Others Through Mentorship and Education

Racheal Ng’andu’s story is a powerful testament to resilience, perseverance, and the transformative power of education. From her early school days, Racheal excelled in numbers, always at the top of her class. “I always knew I was very good at numbers,” she says, knowing from a young age that her dream was to become an accountant.

When she finished school, an opportunity to work as an intern for an NGO dealing with sexual and reproductive health solidified her path towards accounting. “I knew the dream was going to be an accountant,” she recalls, excited about the future. With the unwavering support of her family, who sacrificed so much to send her to school, Racheal was ready to take the next step.

A Life-Changing Setback

But life took an unexpected turn when Racheal found out she was pregnant. “I was in shock,” she admits. Having taught others about sexual health and safety, this moment felt like a betrayal of everything she believed in. With a heavy heart, she had to tell her parents, who were disappointed but ultimately decided to let her stay at home, offering her shelter and support. But the path ahead was far from easy. “I had no job, no money, no plan,” she says, and the father of her child refused to take responsibility.

Racheal’s world felt like it had crumbled, and the dream of becoming an accountant seemed lost. She faced judgment and isolation, her friends distancing themselves, and society labeling her as “damaged goods.”

Rebuilding Through Education

Despite the setbacks, Racheal remained determined. She met her now husband who encouraged her to go back to school. “I realized the only way to have a better future was to go back to school,” she shares. She enrolled in a teaching course that would allow her to study while working. Balancing work, school, and motherhood was incredibly challenging, her job as a research assistant required her to walk miles each day. “I had work, school, a baby, assignments, a lot going on,” she remembers.

But her drive to provide a better life for her daughter kept her going. “I knew I had to make sure she had a good future,” Racheal says.

From Survivor to Mentor

In 2017, Racheal graduated with her diploma, and the moment was nothing short of a triumph. “I cried because I couldn’t believe it was happening,” she says. Her hard work and sacrifice had paid off. Shortly after, she met Gloria (a mentor), who introduced her to the GSGC community. Racheal became a mentor at the Believe Girls Club, using her own experiences to guide and support girls who, like her, faced difficult challenges. Believe Girls Club, situated in Livingstone, Zambia is one of the community based organizations that GSGC supports.

In 2021, Racheal encountered two girls from the club who had become pregnant. “My heart sank,” she admits, recalling her own painful journey. But instead of casting them aside, Racheal chose to support and guide them. “I looked back and wished I had someone to hold my hand,” she says.

Racheal and Gloria worked closely with the girls, mentoring them and helping them overcome the obstacles in their way. “Luckily enough recently, one of our girls graduated their grade 12,” Racheal shares proudly. The other girl who also sat her exams and is now working

A Story of Empowerment and Change

Racheal’s journey from a bright student with big dreams to a mother facing unimaginable challenges, and finally to a mentor helping others rise above their circumstances, shows the profound impact that support, education, and mentorship can have.

Through community based organizations like Believe Girls Club, that GSGC supports, adolescent girls facing adversity can find the guidance and support they need to overcome their struggles and achieve their dreams. 

Racheal is now passing this onto her daughter who is also now excelling at school “My daughter got one of the highest marks in her school,” Racheal beams. “She qualified to a good school” Racheal also has her own celebration “I also finally got my teaching degree, something I thought I would never have.”

Racheal still dreams of becoming an accountant.