Zion Michelo

14 years old, attending International School of Lusaka, Zambia. Zion was awarded a Beacon Scholarship in May 2023.

Zion previously attended St Ignatius College, Lusaka, where he proved himself to be a self-driven learner who strives for academic excellence, regularly achieving the highest grades in his exams and school reports.

Zion has a passion for sport: he enjoys playing soccer and basketball and has represented his school at tournaments. He was an active member of the SAGE club of young entrepreneurs at St Ignatius, whose objective was to equip young people with business skills, and was also a member of the JETS club (Junior Engineers, Technicians and Scientists).

Zion is an active young leader, holding positions such as Class Councillor, representing class members' welfare and interests to the School Council; he has led a maths study group helping juniors; he has been a dorm captain and completed a school leadership workshop.

An engaged citizen, Zion led a campaign to raise money for a community school in Lusaka. He is a member of the INTERACT club, helping deliver a reading and writing programme for children in his community and encouraging his younger siblings to join in too.

 As a new Beacon Scholar, Zion shared his experience of service to date, particularly supporting education initiatives in his community.