At just 24, Vitumbiko Phesele of Chimoyo Village, Traditional Authority Kafuzira in Nkhotakota District, has lived through a life-changing struggle — and triumphed over it.
Her journey began in 2016 while undergoing training at Mtakataka Police Training School in Dedza District. What started as simple malaria symptoms soon turned into something far more serious.
“I started feeling malaria symptoms, but after being given treatment, my situation worsened. I began mumbling uncontrollably for three days,” Vitumbiko recalls.
She was later admitted to Zomba Mental Hospital for two weeks, where she was diagnosed and treated for a mental illness.
“After my condition improved, I was discharged and went back to school, but management told me I could not continue with the training because of my mental health history. I was devastated,” she says softly.
Returning home to her village in Nkhotakota was even tougher. The uncertainty about her future — and how to survive — weighed heavily on her mind.
“It was a difficult moment. I could have easily given up and gotten married just to survive, but I didn’t. I still had dreams,” she says.
Determined to pursue her education, Vitumbiko applied for a Bachelor of Arts in Education programme at Mzuzu University in 2017 — and was selected. Unfortunately, financial constraints stood in her way.
“I was happy to be selected, but I couldn’t afford the school fees. It was heartbreaking,” she says.
A glimmer of hope came when she was employed as a Data Clerk at Dwambazi Rural Hospital, giving her both financial stability and renewed confidence.
Through the three-year Comic Relief–funded project titled “Passing and Supporting: Building Tactics for Community Mental Health Care,” implemented by Youth Net and Counselling (YONECO) in partnership with Zomba Mental Hospital and Tackle Africa, Vitumbiko received counselling and financial literacy training.
“Through the training, I learnt that mental health issues can affect anyone. I accepted my past and decided to move on with my life,” she says.
Armed with new skills, Vitumbiko joined a Village Savings and Loans (VSL) group and took a small loan to start her own business.
“I sell commodities like bottled water and yoghurt, which I produce myself. I make about K3,500 in profit per day. I use some for-household needs and save K1,000 daily,” she explains with pride.
Today, Vitumbiko is a stable, confident, and financially independent young woman. She has returned to school to fulfill her dream of higher education.
“I am now studying for a Diploma in Tourism Management at Mzuzu University on weekends,” she says with a bright smile.
Her story is one of courage and resilience — a reminder that mental disorder is not the end, but a detour toward rediscovering one’s strength and purpose.
