Valerie Chatindo
For Lorraine Mujaki, traveling to the International Quality Education Conference was nothing short of a dream come true. Hosted by the Tanzania Education Network/Mtandao wa Elimu in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This year’s segment took place from November 12th to 14th under the theme: “Fostering Resilient Education Systems for Sustainable Development in Africa.” For Lorraine, it was the opportunity of a lifetime.
Her participation was made possible by the Kuyenda Collective, an Education Out Loud initiative addressing the education crisis in Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. With partners which include Teach For Zimbabwe, Policy Forum, PSAM, FAWEMA and CESC, the initiative focuses on strengthening education systems, amplifying rural youth voices, and advocating for better learning outcomes for marginalised groups.
Born and raised in Chiredzi, in south-east Zimbabwe, Lorraine is currently an A-level student at Hlanganani Secondary School. Growing up in poverty, she never imagined she would one day board a plane. While air travel may seem ordinary to some, for Lorraine, it symbolized something far greater—the chance to engage in global conversations about equal access to education.
Like many changemakers, her story has humble and difficult beginnings. As a young girl growing up in a rural community, Lorraine was labeled as too talkative and outspoken. But the very voice that once got her into trouble became her greatest strength. She refused to be silenced.
As a budding activist, she spoke up about the challenges in her community—issues she could no longer ignore. Her determination led her to the Junior Parliament, a national platform dedicated to developing leadership skills in promising students, while educating them on governance and policy.
Through this experience, Lorraine gained valuable insight into national decision-making processes affecting young people like herself. More importantly, it was where she sharpened her skills in public speaking and advocacy.
Her confidence was on full display when she took the stage at the International Quality Education Conference, passionately advocating for equal access to education in marginalised communities—communities like the one she comes from. As Lorraine powerfully stated in her speech:
“Education is the key to success. Without education, no child will succeed. A child without education is just like a bird without wings.”