17/05/2024
How I crossed Lake Bangweulu without my parents knowledge!!
I still remember the night I made the boldest decision of my life, I was only 11 years. It wasn't just about defying my parents' wishes; it was about pursuing a dream that stretched beyond the confines of our small village Matipa, Northen Province.
The annual public speaking poetry contest was happening in an Island called Chilubi across the great lake Bangweulu, an event that could launch my dreams into reality. My parents almost drowned on that lake hence they deemed it too risky for me to go.
A day before the event, fueled by a mix of determination and quiet rebellion, I left our home without their knowledge.
As we crossed the dark, whispering waves, I rehearsed my public speaking lines under my breath, each word a step closer to the future I envisioned.The contest was highly competitive, standing on that stage, delivering my poetry, I felt every nerve alive with the electricity of the moment.
When I was announced the winner, the joy was overwhelming. I had proven not just my talent, but my conviction that some risks are worth taking.
Navigating back across the lake, with the trophy by my side, was a journey of reflection. I realized then that every stroke through the water was a metaphor for perseverance. When I finally reached home, trophy in hand, the look on my parents' faces was something I'll never forget.
Today, as I share my journey with audiences worldwide, I often reflect on that decisive night. It taught me the importance of courage and the power of pursuing one’s passion against all odds.
My parents, who once feared for my safety as I crossed that turbulent lake, now swell with pride as they see me cross continents, bringing my voice to international stages.
Each time I step onto an international platform, I carry with me the spirit of that quiet, daring escape—a reminder that sometimes, the greatest risks lead to the most rewarding journeys.
