Our university programme currently supports 8 students. The majority of the students are studying teaching either primary or secondary, and a few are studying nursing. These courses ensure job security and a better standard of living for the whole family. It means that these young people, working hard may then be able to support other members of their family to attain a better education.
We have a process of students applying for the programme and we often meet and assess students on our visits to Zambia. Once checking through the application we then interview a number of them to find out their current situation and what they want in the future. From this we decide which students to support and which we could support in the future.
Real stories
We have so many personal stories that we could share with you – stories of students who have been sponsored out of poverty and have transformed their lives with opportunities offered through generous sponsors. Here are just a few of our university students who’ve finished and entered the work place.
Kevin
Kevin lived in Kabulamema and was working with local children for approximately Kw 250 per month (about £14), although he did not always get paid. He is married with children, had completed his secondary education but could not afford to go to college. Members of the Trust had observed him working with young people and it was clear that he was capable and would be an asset to any school. We agreed to support him to complete a diploma in education, which would enable him to secure a job as a secondary school teacher. The course was for three years, which he successfully completed. He immediately secured a job in a school in the Kabompo District. Within a matter of months, he had been identified as suitable for additional responsibility and earmarked for development. As he is earning a salary he has been able to support his family and is currently completing a degree course in education.
Anthony
Anthony was an orphan at the Children’s home in Kabompo District. He was a capable student and completed his schooling with high grades. He could not afford to go to college and there was no suitable employment for him to pursue in the village community. He developed a relationship with a girl from the orphanage and she became pregnant. He was sent away to live with his brother in Solwezi. We, at The Trust, were approached and asked if we could support him. With his high grades and obvious ability we agreed. Gerald completed a degree in environmental health, a five year course at Rusangu University. He successfully qualified and secured a job as an environmental health officer in the north of Zambia. As a result, he has been able to buy a house to provide for his wife and 2 children. He now has a promising future and is already keen to beinvoleved with steering and encouraging other students who are in similar situations as he was.
Gerald
Gerald was brought up in Kabompo District. He had a good education but his father could not afford to send him to college. The Trust was approached and we agreed to support him for a degree course in Environmental Health at Rusangu University. Gerald completed his course and immediately secured employment as an Environmental Health Officer in Ndola. He showed such promise that within 6 weeks he was promoted to Senior Environmental Health Officer. As he was earning, he was able to get married, secure a home and a car and now has two children, named after two of the Trust’s trustees. He is currently posted to a district as temporary Chief Environmental Health Officer. He has completed a Masters degree and is now studying for a Doctorate. He too is helping to oversee the education of others and is helping us to advise and supervise students in the area.
You can see by reading these stories , what a powerful change Higher Education gives . There is no greater gift.
If you would like to support a student and help change lives then please contact us.