Dreams Become Reality: Mercy’s Journey With Ashinaga UK
Ashinaga supporters are enabling talented Scholars to access career-relevant internships and quality leadership development opportunities. Mercy, an Ashinaga Scholar from Zambia studying Global Sustainable Development at the University of Warwick, has taken advantage of various leadership and internship opportunities on offer - motivated by her goal to improve rural livelihoods in Zambia through sustainable agriculture.
Mercy’s story is one of dedication to make a difference in the present while preparing herself to make an even greater impact in the future. We are proud of her achievements as she makes strides to contribute to her community.
My journey as the 2022 Zambian recipient of the Ashinaga Africa Initiative (AAI) scholarship is a testimony to the fact that by having access to resources and opportunities, anyone can excel in their leadership development. Through Ashinaga’s rigorous leadership programme, I have been able to take advantage of many opportunities that I never would have imagined.
To name a few, I have represented my Global Sustainable Development year group at university, have influenced change through being a member of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, have taken part in additional leadership programmes at the University of Warwick, as well as completed two summer internships in Zambia.
My summer internship in 2025, focused on how mining impacts Agricultural Activities in communities located closer to the mining areas, at Mopani Copper Mines (one of my dream companies!), involved conducting independent scientific research and allowed me to connect with industry leaders in Zambia. This experience has given me access to spaces that many from my background may never reach.
Looking ahead, I see every achievement and experience as a stepping stone toward my lifelong goal - my kokorozashi: a vision to improve rural livelihoods in Zambia through sustainable agriculture. Every leadership opportunity, academic lesson, and personal experience is shaping me into the leader I need to become to realise this dream.
I remain actively engaged with youth-led initiatives on the ground in Zambia focused on rural livelihoods and sustainable agriculture to climate change and poverty alleviation. One of the organisations is called MasterMind Leadership Foundation which has empowered more than 200 youths with knowledge and expertise in sustainable agriculture, climate adaptations and leadership through workshops and boot camps. My Ashinaga community-based project, a key piece of the Ashinaga scholarship, will empower people from the rural communities with knowledge on climate change adaptation through reformed agricultural practices.
To the supporters of Ashinaga, I say this: your impact extends far beyond enabling academic study. You are nurturing leaders, restoring hope, and building the foundation of a stronger Africa. The progress we make individually as Scholars will one day come together into a larger story: a story of resilience, strength, and independence. On behalf of my fellow Scholars, I say thank you. You are not merely funding education; you are making dreams come true.
Mercy’s journey has been made possible by the generosity of many Ashinaga supporters. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us empower bereaved youth to grow into the next generation of African leaders. Join us in supporting these young changemakers by donating here, or get in touch with us by emailing partnerships.uk@ashinaga.org.