Those who have been lucky to get scholarships are hard at work in academic institutions. Some have joined the unemployment queue where they wait despondently for jobs that elude thousands of hungry youths. Others are trying to make a name for themselves in sports and while those without the strongest of wills have surrendered to a life of crime, drugs and alcohol. But at 21, Makwinja could have just done what many of us do, find herself a niche and hold on to it to succeed. Instead of being content in a comfort zone, the young Makwinja is touched by the plight of children. The same that you and I see in the streets and always want to do something to help, but for some reason find ourselves handicapped.
Makwinja is concerned just like many of us. Perhaps unlike many of us, she does not have the resources, access and other strategic vantage points that we have. No! But she did not beat herself up for that. All she knew is that she could help and she had to find a way. She walked for our children. Listening to her speak before she started the walk, she could easily be dismissed as one of those who always talk of scaling Mount Everest, but never get themselves to do it. The only difference with Makwinja is that she had the determination of a lioness and had set her mind to achieving her goal. In the process, she has not only walked for the children but has also inspired many of us to see the power of belief and determination. If she could walk the gruelling distance, then all of us need to search ourselves deeper and go out to do something for the less fortunate. Everything can be done once we put our minds to it.
