For a 14-year-old KJ, the journey to secondary school is more than an academic achievement.  It is a story of determination and the power of support. Sometimes, all a child needs is someone to see their potential before the world does.

‎‎For KJ that opportunity came through the St. John of God child Centre development (CDC).

‎‎Born into a family of five children, joseph began his journey with St. John of God at a younger age after his physical disability was identified. His first interaction with the child development Centre programme involved receiving physiotherapy to support his physical development. He later attended pre-school through the programme, where something else began to stand out, not only his physical challenges but his remarkable intellectual ability.

‎‎His teachers recognized his academic potential and believed that he deserved an opportunity to pursue a formal primary education. This led to referral to Sonda Primary school in Mzuzu, where his education journey took a step forward.

‎‎Sonda Primary school was chosen because of its closeness to josephs home, but also because the school had a specialist headteacher, Mr. Moses Mkandawire, who understood KJ’s needs and played an important role in supporting his education.

‎‎At Sonda Primary School, KJ continued to demonstrate that his disability would not determine his academic potential. Among 56 pupils selected to different secondary schools, joseph emerged as the only learner selected to a national secondary school, Blantyre secondary school.

‎‎For St. John of God, however, the referral to Sonda Primary School was not the end of the journey. The CDC programme continued to maintain contact with joseph and his family, providing both spiritual and physical support as he progressed through his education. This continued engagement helped ensure that joseph was not simply referred to a school and left to navigate the journey alone, but continued to have a support system around him

‎‎Today, KJ is preparing to begin a new chapter at Blantyre secondary school, a milestone that has brought pride to the family and those who have supported him. Joseph says his older brother’s educational journey has motivated him to work hard and pursue his own dream.

‎‎Joseph dream to be a politician and dream to bring positive change that will promote inclusive policies to ensure that every person has equal opportunities particularly children with disabilities like him.

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‎“I want to work hard and achieve my dream,” KJ says, while encouraging other children with disabilities not to undermine themselves because of their circumstances. His message is simply; disability should not be a reason for a child to give up on education or their dreams.

‎‎For KJ mother the news of her son’s selection is moment of joy, she expressed her happiness and thanked God for the achievement, while also acknowledging the role played by St. John of God CDC programme in supporting her son throughout his journey. She further appealed to well-wishers to come forward and assist the family with necessities joseph will need as he begins secondary school.

‎‎As KJ prepares to graduate from Sonda primary school and take next step toward his dream, his story stands as a reminder of what can happen when children are given the right support, opportunity and encouragement.

‎‎Through the child development Centre (CDC), St. john of God works to support children with disabilities and other vulnerabilities by providing services and interventions that promote their physical, educational, social and overall development. Joseph’s journey reflects the importance of this work. Showing that when children are identified early, supported according to their need and given opportunity to learn they can overcome barriers and pursue their dreams.