Shakira Khonje

Job title: 
Class of 2025
Department: 
2025 Democracy Camp in Berkeley
Bio/CV: 

I grew up in Malawi, where education—especially for girls—is often seen as a privilege. My guardians valued education deeply, and my grandmother, despite being restricted by patriarchal traditions, attained the highest level of education available to her. This shaped my view of education as both a powerful tool and a rare opportunity.

As a dyslexic student in a system that wasn’t designed to accommodate learning differences, I faced unique challenges. I developed my own learning methods, which taught me the importance of research, resilience, and learning from failure. These experiences ignited my passion for creating inclusive educational environments that cater to diverse learning needs.

Education, for me, is about identity and intersectionality. In competitive educational settings, I've witnessed how challenges like imposter syndrome can hold students back. I believe that by fostering inclusive spaces, where every individual’s identity is valued, we can empower students to thrive and build a sense of community.

My ultimate goal is to work in the education sector, either nationally or internationally, to help create systems that make education accessible and equitable for all. I’m particularly interested in exploring how literacy trends and policies, like the banning of books such as The Bluest Eye, impact students’ understanding of diverse perspectives. I also aim to address the spread of misinformation in education, particularly through social media. Through these efforts, I hope to contribute to an education system that empowers and supports all learners.

Research interests: 

Major(s): Political Science

Minor(s):