In 2010, a young Grade 10 student from Kasisi Girls Secondary School stepped into a life-changing experience that would shape her future in ways she couldn’t yet imagine. Her name was Nsatusile Mgonde, and her journey is a powerful testament to what happens when opportunity, mentorship, and purpose align.
That year, Nsatusile was selected to participate in Junior Achievement Zambia’s "Career with a Purpose" Program, popularly known as First Lady for a Day. This unique program brought together high school students from across Zambia for an immersive career readiness experience in Lusaka. The week-long initiative concluded with a rare and empowering visit to State House, where students met the First Lady of Zambia—an experience designed to inspire young minds to dream big and lead with purpose.
During the program, Nsatusile and over 100 other students received mentorship from professionals across various fields. They explored career paths, learned about leadership, and were encouraged to set bold goals for their futures. It was during one of these sessions that Nsatusile wrote in her journal: “I want to become a lawyer.”
Fast forward more than a decade later, and that dream has come true.
After completing her secondary education, Nsatusile was admitted to the University of Zambia, where she earned her Bachelor of Laws degree. Today, she is a practicing tax lawyer, using her skills to help businesses navigate complex regulations while advocating for fairness in financial systems. But her story doesn’t end there.
Nsatusile remains closely connected to JA Zambia, mentoring current students and engaging with fellow alumni. Her journey—from a Grade 10 student with a dream to a professional making real-world impact—continues to inspire the next generation of leaders.
At JA Zambia, we believe in the power of early intervention, purpose-driven learning, and experiential education. Our flagship programs focus on work readiness, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship—equipping young people with the tools they need to succeed in today’s dynamic economy.
The Career with a Purpose Program has now impacted thousands of youth across Zambia, encouraging them to think critically about their future and take intentional steps toward their goals.
We are especially grateful for our ongoing partnership with Stanbic Bank, whose support has made this program possible over the years. Together, we are helping young people turn ambition into action—and dreams into reality.
As Nsatusile’s story shows: with the right support, guidance, and opportunity, dreams do come true.