Student Profile
| Name: | Merilyn vallabh |
| Gender: | Female |
| Date of birth: | 31st October 1995 |
| Place of birth: | Ndola, Zambia |
| Grandmother (Guardian): | Ada Jorda |
| Profession: | Butcher |
| Primary School: | Northmead Basic School |
Family Background:
Merilyn comes from an elderly and single-headed household. She lives with her grand mother who took guardianship after her mother, Themlata, who had become pregnant at the age of 16 while still in school gave birth. The mother has since been unable to take responsibilities of Merilyn. Merilyn’s grand mother works at a butcher shop and cares for her other two grand daughters. Her income cannot sustain the education of her grand daughters and as such she has been dependant FAWEZA, an NGO which provides assistance to young girls, for the education of her grand daughters.
Merilyn's Education:
Merilyn is a very attentive and hardworking girl. Her scores in all subjects in end of term examinations in primary school have been above average. She was a favorite of the teachers at her school because she was the only one who asked questions in class. She has always demonstrated great intelligence and has acted as a role model for her peers. Her former teachers rate her academic performance as good and feel that she can do much better when she is in an environment that is conducive for studies.
At Chalo Trust Secondary School (Grade 8):
Merilyn is ambitious about what she can achieve here at Chalo Trust. She feels she can always do better, and therefore is always striving to improve. Her favorite subjects are French, History and Mathematics. The end of the year is coming close, and Merilyn hopes to attain some awards in class.
Merilyn's Interests:
Merilyn is currently a part of the school drama club where she has learned how to act, and how to speak in public. She mentioned how she feels her confidence has improved since joining this club. She also loves to play netball.
Career Interests:
Merilyn wants to be a medical doctor so that she may help the people of Zambia, especially the impoverished in her community who cannot afford to go to hospitals. She sees a lot of misery in her community and her heart goes out to these people, especially the children.
What Others Think of Her:
She is opinionated and has a strong sense of morality; she will not participate in what others are doing if she believes it to be wrong. Merilyn is quiet and obedient. Her teachers describe her as a well-behaved and hardworking girl.
Merilyn's Thoughts:
“I just want to say thank you for everything. I have liked my new school because it is a very good school. It teaches people to be obedient to teachers, workers and even parents at home. I also like the way they teach students who haven’t understood something. The people are kind here at Chalo Trust. I thank you for everything and I will do my best in academics. May God bless you.”