About Penelope

By age 12, Penelope had lost both her parents and been forced to drop out of school because of poverty. With each passing month, her hopes for the future dimmed. But things changed dramatically when she received a Camfed high school scholarship. She graduated from high school, and now, she’s leading change in her community.

I have a voice

As a young woman, Penelope joined Camfed’s filmmaking initiative and agreed to share the painful story of her childhood on camera in order to help others. In 2009, she was recognized for her courage in speaking out with the Goldman Sachs & Fortune® Global Women Leaders Award. She used this award to produce a powerful and moving new film.

I fight for justice

“Hidden Truth” premieres on International Women’s Day, March 8th. An intimate portrayal of the effects of domestic violence on women and children in rural Zambia, the film provides insight into a world that is rarely exposed.

Penelope and her fellow filmmakers plan to show the film to the Zambian Parliament and lobby for the passage of a law prohibiting domestic violence. They hope to bring profound change to their community.

I teach the next generation

Today, Penelope works as an IT expert, bridging the digital divide in her community. She runs a Camfed-funded computer resource center in rural Zambia and teaches children, young women and other community members how to use the computer and the Internet. Her students see her as a role model.

I'm leading my community
out of poverty

In 2010, Penelope spoke at the World Economic Forum in Tanzania about the power of education to free girls from poverty. “Without an education, I would be nowhere,” she says. “Now, I want to help other girls go to school. When women stand together, we can make a difference.”

About Camfed

Since 1993, Camfed has fought poverty and HIV/AIDS by educating girls and empowering young women.

More than 1,415,600 children in impoverished areas of Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, Ghana and Malawi have benefited from our innovative education programs.

Our approach

We believe every child has the right to an education. Camfed uses a community-based, holistic approach to bring about change in Africa. The girls we support are selected by the community as being the most in need.

We don’t just provide her with books or school fees. We help her throughout her development, from her elementary school years until adulthood.

Get involved

Whether you join our Twitter community or Facebook Cause, or make a donation at www.camfed.org, take action on behalf of girls’ education.