We would like to welcome Damaris who starts her blog series today. She will be writing about her experiences at Our Moon, her hopes and dreams for a better future for people in Zambia and how youth have been empowered to make change.

Like any other form of art, writing is an expression of thought and a product of the creative channelling of our minds to interact with the physical environment. I am excited to begin this journey as an Our Moon blogger; I will be expressing my thoughts on a wide range of topics which I hope will be informative and spark a sense of hope and motivation in my readers. Before I begin my blog series, I would like to give you a chance to get to know a bit about me.

I’m Damaris Nzala and I am blogging this live from Lusaka, Zambia. I love nature and I find pleasure in exploring my natural environment. My friends will tell you that I would rather go watch the sunset than watch the latest Marvel movie, while eating cassava and groundnuts rather than popcorns. I am currently studying under Our Moon’s Young Leaders Scholarship Program; through the program I have applied to universities and I am awaiting a positive feedback decision. I hope to major in Molecular and Developmental Biology and Environmental studies. I am passionate about using biology as a platform to intertwine my interests in environmental care and health care.

Looking back at a time when I was on the other side of the coin, I am inspired to make my blogs valuable to my readers. After I completed secondary school, I spent most of my time scrolling through websites and looking for scholarship opportunities. I came across Our Moon’s website and, lo and behold, I was hooked by their blog posts. From then on, I was determined to read every blog that was posted because I wanted to know more about the program – the truth is that it made me feel part of Our Moon. The fact that young people from a similar background to mine were able to write on diverse topics and express themselves intelligently, was my motivation to keep chasing my dream.

Damaris, Selah and Max planning the pathway design

While on the residential part of Our Moon’s Program, I was exposed to experiential learning and this gave me an opportunity to not only scrutinize my thoughts but to also learn how to learn. Through the reasoning and questioning class with Justin, the advanced English lessons from Helen and the never-ending writing assignments from both, I had an opportunity to question learnt ideas, cultivate my elevated thoughts, and express myself. The program has provided me with countless opportunities to build on my socially conscious skills and address some of the societal misconceptions that limit young people from being proactive. With an open mindset and courage to give my views on topics beyond my original interests, I have developed an enthusiastic desire to support and initiate positive changes in my country.

I was determined to read every blog that was posted ……. it made me feel part of Our Moon. The fact that young people from a similar background to mine were able to write on diverse topics and express themselves intelligently, was my motivation to keep chasing my dream.

My blog series will explore a wide range of topics centred around young people being agents of change in Zambian governance, the economy and in their sphere of influence. There are positive changes taking place in Zambia and there is an even greater potential for greater positive change. My goal is to highlight that Zambia has the potential to be the jewel of Southern Africa and that the future is promising. Remarkable things can be achieved if we, the young people, remain proactive and bold enough to engage in purposeful endeavours. I strongly believe that only informed minds make informed decisions. I am looking forward to getting you engaged as we voyage along great and exciting concepts of progression. Until next time, value your time and space!

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