Edina formed Lillian Foundation a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) in 2018 with a vision to sustainably educate people and empower women. However, in the course of running the foundation, she realised that she had no experience in the NGO sector. She lacked the requisite knowledge to bring her organisation to the level she envisioned. That is when she realised that she had to seek the help of those who have walked the path however, excellent mentors do not come easy.
Isaac Newton once said, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” Such is the story of 26 year old Edina Tatenda Kumwenda who has sought mentorship to achieve her dream.
She Lacked The Requisite Knowledge To Bring Her Organisation To The Level She Envisioned
Edina formed Lillian Foundation a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) in 2018 with a vision to sustainably educate people and empower women. However, in the course of running the foundation, she realised that she had no experience in the NGO sector. She lacked the requisite knowledge to bring her organisation to the level she envisioned. That is when she realised that she had to seek the help of those who have walked the path however, excellent mentors do not come easy.
Prior to this, Edina had struggled with career indecision in her final year at university. She had always done well in school and was convinced that becoming a medical doctor was a great way to find success and fulfillment through helping people. Conversely, it began to dawn on her that pursuing this career path was not her passion. Her plan had been to study Applied Chemistry then join medical school after.
“I was frustrated, confused and lost. I knew the kind of lifestyle and work I wanted but I just didn’t know where to begin,” she said. After considerable reflection, she made a decision to enter a field which would provide her with a sense of achievement and, at the same time, produce a positive impact on mankind. She faced a hurdle of convincing her parents who believed that she was making a career suicide. Eventually, her parents had to come to terms with this upon noticing her unwavering determination to pursue her passion.
After graduating with a Bsc (Hons) in Applied Chemistry, she went on to enroll in a life coaching course then did a basic counseling course. This was the starting point in her journey to impacting lives in a way that she enjoyed. As her desire for philanthropy and community engagement got clearer, Edina came across a flyer for an 8-week training for women community leaders. The training covered issues on community based organisations such as starting an organisation, resource mobilisation and raising funds. Viola! This was exactly what she needed to get her vision started. She enrolled in the training together with 15 other women. “I was the only one at that training who was not representing any organisation. It was awkward for me in the beginning being among women who represented or owned established organisations,” she stated.
130 Students Relied On 2 Teachers And Had Inadequate Textbooks And Stationery.
At the end of the training, the women would graduate and participate in a pitch contest where one of them would walk away with funding to carry out a desired project. Edina felt intimidated and discouraged by the experience of her fellow women. She had no track record of her own community initiative to build on. Fortunately, the competition was lenient and open to even those who had ideas/concept the wished to pursue after winning the competition. Still pondering over what to pitch, Edina remembered a school her mother had talked about in Mabvuku High Density Surburb. It is an Adult Literacy Centre that offers subsidised primary education. However, due to economic challenges, young pupils now attend the school because of its low tuition fees. When Edina visited the school she was moved by the prevailing situation. 130 students relied on only 2 teachers and had inadequate textbooks and stationery.
With this school in mind, Edina had found an idea to pitch in the competition. On the night of her graduation, she was gripped with fear as it was her first time to pitch. Furthermore, each contestant had only 3 minutes to impress the judges! That night, Edina came first and won the competition’s seed fund to kick-start her project. She purchased textbooks and stationery for the literacy centre. She continued to work with the Literacy Centre, organising for the women and girls to attend business seminars to deepen their knowledge and exposure.
In 2019, her work received recognition as she was nominated in the education sector of the Force 4 Good Awards hosted by EatOut Movement. On attending the awards ceremony, she had the opportunity, to network with various leaders influencing and impacting their communities. One of the people she came across was Henry Chigama, the founder and CEO of EatOut Movement.
I Have Learnt So Much From Being Part Of A Disruptive Group Of People Who Challenge And Inspire Me
“After the awards I got in touch with Henry and set-up a meeting. During our meeting, I shared my vision and the challenges I was facing such as setting up a team, securing funding and structuring the organisation,” she said. Henry noticed her determination and need for guidance to push her vision then went on to offer her an opportunity to join his team and learn from them. Unknowingly then, this was the opportunity that Edina had been waiting for, to learn from an organisation that is making an impact in a way she aspires to do. “Joining EatOut Movement was one of the best decisions I made. I have learnt so much from being part of a disruptive group of people who challenge and inspire me. The organisation has given me lots of exposure and knowledge I wouldn’t have accessed on my own in the space of time I have been serving there.”
Sometimes The Way To Achieve Your Own Success Is To Be Willing To Help Somebody Else Get It First
Although she has not yet achieved the financial rewards that she desires to have, Edina is satisfied with her choice to serve humanity. She is certain she would never have been this fulfilled had she pursued another career path. For those, that may ask what happens to her vision, this is what she had to say, “Sometimes the way to achieve your own success is to be willing to help somebody else get it first.”
