Spotlight of the Week: Thandiwe Chama
In the heart of Zambia, during a time when the HIV/AIDS epidemic was wreaking havoc, a young girl named Thandiwe Chama witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of this crisis. Schools were closing, communities were losing their members, and children’s futures seemed to hang in the balance.
Yet, amidst the chaos, Thandiwe, then only eight years old, rose to the occasion with a powerful sense of determination. She understood something deeply profound: education is a right, and without it, a child’s future dims.
Thandiwe’s story began in a poor neighborhood where access to education, especially for girls, was scarce. With the HIV/AIDS epidemic claiming the lives of many teachers, Thandiwe’s school shut down, leaving her and many others stranded. But rather than accept this as fate, she took action.
Thandiwe, at just eight, led a group of 60 children on a courageous march to another school, demanding their right to education. This bold step resulted in all 60 children being admitted to the new school, marking just the beginning of Thandiwe’s lifelong mission to ensure that every child, regardless of their circumstances, has access to education.
Thandiwe’s passion for education is rooted in her belief that sustainable development can only be achieved when the rights, education, and health of every child are valued equally. She insists that girls, in particular, must have the same opportunities as boys if societies are to thrive. “We cannot achieve sustainable development without ensuring that my rights, my education, and my health is just as important as that of my brothers,” she says.
One of Thandiwe’s most creative contributions to her community is her work around HIV/AIDS awareness. Recognizing the need to break the stigma surrounding the disease, she wrote a children’s book, The Chicken with AIDS, which uses storytelling to teach children about the illness. The book has since become an important educational tool in schools, helping children understand how to prevent and manage HIV/AIDS while combating misinformation.
Thandiwe’s efforts go far beyond the classroom. As a local changemaker, she has dedicated time to speaking in churches and public forums about HIV/AIDS, helping to reduce the taboo associated with the disease.
Her approach is always about empowerment through knowledge—she believes that if children are equipped with the right information, they will be better prepared to lead healthy lives.
In 2007, at the age of 16, Thandiwe was awarded the prestigious International Children’s Peace Prize in recognition of her incredible work. With the help of the KidsRights Care and Study Fund, she continued her education and has gone on to speak on international stages, raising awareness of the importance of children’s rights, education, and health.
From Kenya to New York, her voice has reached thousands, inspiring change and advocating for a world where every child’s potential is nurtured and valued.
Thandiwe’s activism hasn’t just been about words—it’s also about action. Thanks to the Children’s Peace Prize Project Fund, her school, Jack CECUP, which had once been in disrepair, was transformed with new classrooms, computers, and a library dedicated in her name.
This improvement has given countless children the opportunity to learn in a supportive environment, with access to scientific experiments and other educational tools that help develop their talents.
Thandiwe Chama’s journey is a testament to the power of youth-led activism. She is a founding member of The KidsRights Youngsters, a platform for International Children’s Peace Prize winners who work to advocate for children’s rights globally.
Together, these young changemakers speak out to world leaders, influence policies, and engage with youth around the world, amplifying their voices for lasting impact.
Her rallying cry—“If not you, then who? If not me, then who? If not now, then when?”—continues to inspire young and old alike to take up the cause for children’s rights, education, and health. Thandiwe’s legacy is already profound, and with each step she takes, she reminds us that the future belongs to those who fight for the rights and dignity of every child.
As we spotlight Thandiwe Chama this week, we celebrate not just her accomplishments but the ongoing fight for a world where every child, regardless of background, can access the education and resources they need to succeed. Through her unwavering dedication, Thandiwe is transforming lives, one child at a time.
