Ruth's Journey with World Vision’s Sponsorship Programme
By Kambani Phiri, Communications, Zambia
Ruth’s story is a powerful example of how a little support can go a long way. She’s just 13 years old, living in the quiet village of Chibombo district in Zambia. Life was tough for her and her family before World Vision’s interventions in her community.
Ruth lives with her mom, Gladys Kashinka, who’s 44, and her nine brothers and sisters, two sets of twins among them. Their daily life was full of struggles, but thanks to World Vision’s Sponsorship Programme, things started to improve.
Before World Vision’s involvement, basic needs in their community were hard to meet. Water was a two-hour walk away, so Gladys would spend hours each day fetching it.
“Fetching water was exhausting. I would go early in the morning and return late, leaving little time for chores or rest,” she says.
Healthcare was another challenge. The only nearby clinic was 22 kilometres away, so Gladys often delivered her babies at home, risking complications.
“I gave birth at home because the clinic was so far. It was difficult, especially during emergencies,” she says.
Farming had also declined. What used to be a good harvest of 50 kg of maize had shrunk to just 10-15 kg, leaving the family with less food and income. Gladys shares her worries: “Our harvest used to be a bag of 50 kg maize, but now we only get 10 to 15 kg. We had less food and less money, making life very hard.”
Then, everything started to change when World Vision Zambia arrived. They helped the community with clean water, healthcare, farming, and spiritual growth. The community now has access to water points closer to their homes.
Gladys says, “Now, we no longer have to walk long distances for water. It’s a big relief, and I can spend more time with my family instead of fetching water all day.”
Healthcare also improved with outreach clinics and mobile health programs. Gladys received prenatal care, helping her deliver safely.
She shares, “Since the clinics came closer, I felt more confident to give birth safely with health workers’ help.”
Farming improved thanks to training in better techniques and crop diversification. Gladys proudly states, “Our harvest has increased. We now get 30 to 50 kg from our fields, so we have enough food and some to sell.”
Beyond physical needs, World Vision helped her family grow spiritually. They started reading the Bible together, which Gladys says has brought them closer. “Before, we didn’t read the Bible as a family. Now, I gather my children every evening to read the Word. It has strengthened our faith,” she explains.
Ruth is inspired by this spiritual growth. She says, “Reading the Bible with my mother makes me happy and safe. It helps me understand how to be kind and honest. I want to become a nurse when I finish school so I can help others and care for the sick.”
At home, Ruth enjoys playing with her twin sisters, Mervis and Monde, and helping her mother with chores. “Playing with my sisters makes me happy. We laugh and forget our worries,” she says.
Despite hardships, Ruth is full of hope. She’s now in Grade 6 and dreams of a brighter future. “Thanks to World Vision, I can focus on my studies and become a nurse to help sick people,” she says confidently.
Gladys feels proud of Ruth’s eagerness to learn. She says, “Seeing Ruth happy and eager to learn makes me grateful. The changes in our community, including family reading and spiritual growth, give us hope.”
Ruth’s story shows how support, clean water, healthcare, education, spiritual growth, and family time can truly transform lives. She ends by saying, “I’m thankful for the help we received. Now I believe I can achieve my dreams and help others too.”