With each passing day, the GEMS Project is transforming the lives of young girls at Guwe High School, proving that when girls are given the right support, they can overcome challenges and achieve greatness.

For 17-year-old Gladys, attending school used to be a daily struggle. As a student at Masamba Secondary School in Zambia, she often faced challenges that made learning difficult. One of the biggest obstacles was the lack of access to clean water.

World Vision Southern Africa, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the Global Fund, is implementing adolescent-friendly spaces (AFS) across Zambia to support young people in making informed Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) decisions. Through the IMPACT+ model, a life skills approach integrating education, behavior change, and service-learning, over 36,000 out-of-school adolescents have been reached with SRH interventions, empowering them to navigate challenges like early pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, and peer pressure. By equipping peer educators and health workers with IMPACT+ skills, the initiative fosters safe spaces where adolescents can access SRHR education, receive guidance, and build confidence. With increased community involvement and government support, this model is paving the way for sustainable adolescent health and well-being in the region.

Many children in Zambia lack access to quality Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE), affecting their ability to develop essential literacy and numeracy skills at an early age.

World Vision rehabilitated an educational center in Chisinau, Moldova, designed to provide a space for children with disabilities to continue their activities after school hours. The center underwent vital cosmetic renovations and was fully equipped with essential furnishings, including couches, desks, shelves, carpets, and educational materials. This effort was made possible through the generous support of World Vision Finland.

World Vision supplied Rose with school materials and financial support to help her enrol in the Kpando-Agbanu Community Inclusive Special School. Now, Rose is thriving, learning skills to achieve her dream of becoming a fashion designer.

Story of an inspiring Rupantaran peer educator of World Vision from Sarlahi district. Being a child marriage survivor herself, she fights against child marriage and empowers other girls like her to stand against child early and forced marriage.

Phue is a Grade 5 student who lives with her parents and four siblings in a dilapidated house on borrowed land. Her father does odd jobs, and her mother sells fish and occasionally does other labor work. Despite their hardships, Phue remains cheerful and optimistic.

Even though I had hit rock bottom, I refused to give up on my future. Instead, I searched for opportunities to rebuild my life. In 2023, I heard about the Girls Education Mentoring & Support (GEMS) Project from World Vision.