02/01/2025
Part 1
Story of My Life.
By: Alfred James Mungwa
Some years ago, in the 1980s, there was a young, vibrant, and hardworking man named James Mungwa. He was blessed with remarkable intelligence, wisdom beyond his years, and good looks. After completing his military training with the Zambia National Service (ZNS), he was part of the peace mission that served the nation in various capacities. James was dedicated to his work, which made him an exemplary figure in his community.
After his time in the military, James transitioned into a career in education. He became a teacher at Luona Middle Primary School in what was then Chipata District, later renamed Kasenegwa District of Eastern Province. He was highly respected for his discipline and commitment to his students' success.
In his personal life, James married a beautiful woman named Faidess Njobvu, hailing from the nearby N'Chimunya village. They were deeply in love and dreamed of having children to raise together. However, fate was unkind to them as Faidess could not bear children. In Ng’oni culture, this posed a significant challenge, and as per the customs, James was permitted to take another wife (Shanzi) to fulfill his desire for children. This second wife, Madrin, was from Faidess’s family.
Madrin, a loving and devoted woman, gave James a large family, bearing him nine children—five boys and four girls. Among these children was a son named Alfred James Mungwa, born as the second child. Alfred’s name was derived from his grandfather, Alfred James Njobvu, his mother’s father, a man of great respect and honor in the family.
Alfred began his educational journey at Yosefe Middle Primary School in Mambwe District of Eastern Province. His father, James, had been transferred from Luona to Lunyike, then to Kamoto, and eventually to Chiwawatala, before landing at Yosefe. This meant Alfred's educational journey took him to various places, but it was never easy. At just 10 years old, Alfred found himself in a difficult situation after a family dispute caused his parents to separate for a year. With no close relatives around, Alfred was left to fend for himself at Katemo Primary School, a place where he knew no one.
During this time, life for young Alfred was incredibly hard. Without the support of family, he struggled to survive. He would often follow his classmates—friends like Standwel Tembo, Jabes Sakala, and others—to their homes, where he hoped to find a meal. It was a humbling experience for Alfred, one that shaped him into a resilient and determined individual. Though his family did not believe in him, his spirit remained unbroken, and he learned to persevere against the odds.
Alfred’s journey in education was not without its challenges. He was often underestimated, even by those closest to him. His own family didn’t believe in his potential, and the lack of support from them only fueled his determination to succeed. He fought hard for every opportunity, constantly proving that he was capable of more than anyone gave him credit for.
Through perseverance, Alfred eventually overcame the hardships of his childhood. Despite the odds stacked against him, he went on to achieve great success. His resilience and strength were a testament to the difficult times he endured. His story serves as a reminder that no matter the struggles we face, there is always a way to rise above them. The journey of Alfred James Mungwa is a testament to the power of perseverance, belief in oneself, and the determination to succeed, even when the world around you may not seem to support you.
To be Continued......
