LUCKY ONES: Muhlabase Mughogho, Taabu Msiska, Chipiliro Kansilanga and Winsome Chalanda (left to right) all graduates from the University of Malawi. The country's current student quota system deprives many high school leavers from entering university (PENELOPE KAMANGA)

For 18-year-old Memory Kamesa, becoming a medical doctor was the only thing that mattered. She had her life all planned. After finishing her secondary school she was going to do nursing and then specialize as a surgeon, eventually working in one of the country's referral hospitals where there is always a shortage of surgeons.

But her dream to become the most respected surgeon in Malawi was shattered when she was not selected to study at the Malawi College of Medicine. Kames fell victim to the re-introduction of the controversial quota system in which entry into university was determined by place of origin rather than merit.

"I have seen the need for more surgeons so I felt if I was selected to study medicine I could make a difference. But I was never selected even though I had good grades. The proper private institutions are very expensive unless I get someone to sponsor me. I am just hoping for a miracle," said Kamesa.

Kamesa is now working as a shop assistant manager, and was forced to take Business Studies at a regular college against her will. She said she had to do something.

Christina Zgambo's story is the same. She wanted to become a lawyer but she never attained her dream and is instead now working as a vendor. The fact that she is from the northern part of Malawi where students benefited most from merit-based selection into university meant that even though she passed with straight A's she could not be selected because the required quota had been reached.

Thomas Mkandawire said that he even tried to change his name in the hope that he could be selected to university, but it never happened.