Each week, our team receives inquiries from children seeking assistance with their education. The demand for support continues to rise as the economic situation in Zambia worsens.
We recently received a request from a young man who is striving to pursue his education while dealing with the harsh realities of survival.
“My name is Ethan, I am 16 years old and live in Chibolya Compound with my mother, Pamela, my younger sister Becky, aged 2, and our grandmother Nelly. My grandfather has passed away, and I have never met my father. My mother has been our primary caregiver, selling wooden cooking sticks to support us, but it has been challenging to secure adequate food. Recently, she has gone to rural villages to work for friends of my grandmother, who is now responsible for selling the cooking sticks. If she doesn’t sell, we do not eat.
I attended Chibolya Primary School from grades 1 to 7, achieving a score of 647 (above 500 is good). I then continued to Ipusukilo Secondary School for grade 8 but unfortunately failed my grade 9 examinations in 2023. Since then, I have been out of school, as my mother has only promised to enroll me if she can find funds for uniforms next year.
Our family’s financial situation is dire; we struggle to have proper meals and often only have one meal in the evening. There are times when we go without food for up to two days. I face social challenges as my friends avoid me because of my appearance; I often lack soap for bathing or washing clothes. I attempted to earn money by making blocks, but due to my age, I have been advised against employment. I help the community by fetching water, cleaning yards, or performing other tasks, and whatever I earn is used to support my family. My friends think I am not well, but I am only trying to find ways to assist my family and secure food.
My request is that Well Spring can help me return to school, as education is essential for improving my situation. I aspire to become a chemical engineer, and I struggled with some subjects due to comprehension difficulties, possibly stemming from the teaching methods used. My family and I do not consume alcohol or drugs; we all attend the United Church of Zambia (UCZ).
During a recent home visit, the team found that my grandmother was in town attempting to sell some cooking sticks. The aunt, who looks after my grandmother, confirmed my story and mentioned that my mother is currently out of Mufulira. She also shared that I have two more siblings living in Lusaka with my father’s family, as my father has passed away, which I was not previously informed about.
With your monthly contribution, we can provide hope to Ethan and other children on our waiting list. A monthly donation of $50 or $75 can significantly impact the lives of many.
