It is commonly said that there are three kinds of people in this world ; those that make things happen, those that watch things happen and those that have no idea what goes on.
This post is about one of those accomplishing great things and she's only 18!
Here's Pelagia Majoni's story in her own words...
"I am amazed at the inexplicable way I have changed. From being a hopeless poor girl to being this person whose life inspires thousands.
During the era of economic hardship we would sleep on an empty stomach, in a roofless plastic house. I would walk for two hours to get to school only to be kicked out for late fees payment. I got used to it but l knew this was a passing season.
My family situation has made me realize that there are some things which you cannot change but for those things that you can change, give them your best shot. I decided to live my life like someone whose future was predictably bright treating problems as opportunities to do great. I am often surrounded by sickness, energy shortages, yet these things inspire me to think about what I can do to contribute to a better world. I often think about solutions grounded in science, research and innovation.
When l was fifteen, I participated in a national climate change essay competition because I wanted to know about global warming and ozone depletion. In my essay l suggested that growing potatoes in buckets saves space and provides a sink for the excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere as potatoes photosynthesize. I was surprised when my essay came out second nationally, because everyone had told me I was wasting my time as students from well-resourced schools often won such prizes.
Winning a national competition motivated me to continue looking at other challenges in the energy sector. I started working on a cheap sustainable source of electricity. I came across a section in a German potato magazine which stated “in 1917 Henry Ford tried to make a car run using potatoes but was unsuccessful.” This stirred up my curiosity. Whilst researching about potato power I carried out hundreds of unsuccessful experiments, trying to generate energy from potatoes. After fourteen months, I finally came up with a thirty day life span battery from decayed potatoes. After excelling in seven national Science fairs I presented my battery at Eskom International Science Fair in South Africa and I won a silver medal. Then, I became the first Zimbabwean to participate and win an award at Intel International Science Fair (ISEF) and to have an asteroid named after her by Massachusetts Institute of Technology. I received a second category award.
I never imagined that one day the girl who used to sleep in a plastic house, with no electricity would one day be searchable on Google.
What matters to me most are not the prizes but the knowledge and experience I have gained from participating in several competitions. The countless failures did not deter me from trying one more time. Despite missing over sixty lessons visiting the research facilities I always came out with the great end of term results in my stream because I worked extra hard.
My love for Science keeps growing, and if given an opportunity, I will demonstrate that even African girls can have their names in the Science halls of fame. Currently l am working on putting the potato battery into practical use in my community. My next research is centered on preventing nuclear explosions using basic Physics principles.
In as much as l love Science, I also host motivational sessions where I counsel and inspire my fellow students. I was elected to serve as an honorable junior Councillor for the country’s capital city because of my zeal to serve the less privileged children in my community. I also have leadership positions in the Science and Debate clubs. As the prefect in charge of all the clubs at school I emphasize on commitment, hard work and teamwork.
I’m inspired by my mother and my family and my community. They work really hard. I want to one day help my community. Steve Jobs, Marie Curie and Benjamin Franklin are my role models. I also look up to Albert Einstein."
" Where do you see yourself in 10 years?"
"I see myself having finished my master’s degree and now doing full time research work.
I will be a very successful Scientist making world changing discoveries.
I also see myself with more money and bringing my dreams of making sure that there won’t be any street kids in Zimbabwe. I will have built many great homes even for old people.
I want to change my country for the better.
I believe that the sky is just the beginning."
👏👏👏
May you continue to bless the world, Pelagia, with the limitless greatness that's within you. Thank you for inspiring other African children to join you from the sidelines to the very front lines of ground-breaking history-making.
The future belongs to those who believe and work towards the fulfillment of their dreams!
