A Sponsored Child’s Dream, 15-Year-Old Martha’s Path to Becoming a Nurse

15-year-old Martha from Isoka District once faced an uncertain future. Many days, her family survived on only one meal. School felt difficult because her parents struggled to afford uniforms, learning materials, and other school needs. Access to clean water was another challenge. Martha and her siblings often went several days without bathing because the family walked long distances to collect water from a stream shared with animals.

“I want to become a nurse when I finish school,” says Martha, a Grade Nine learner in Isoka district of Muchinga Province.

Martha lives with her parents and six siblings. Her mother, 48-year-old Mirriam, says life before World Vision Zambia was filled with hardship and uncertainty.

"Life was very hard," says Mirriam. "We did not have water, and we walked long distances from the stream. For my children, it was a challenge. They were looking so dirty." With seven children at home and no stable income, Mirriam and her husband, Kelly, struggled to afford school fees, uniforms, and basic necessities. Four of their children, including Martha, Benjamin, 12, Mercy, 8, and Luswepo, 4, were eventually enrolled in the World Vision Zambia sponsorship programme in 2020.

That year marked a turning point.

Everything began to change when World Vision Zambia introduced integrated interventions in the community through sponsorship programming. The family gained access to clean water close to their home, livelihoods training, faith and family strengthening sessions, and support for children’s education.

“Now we have clean water just outside our house,” says Mirriam. “Everyone looks healthy and happy.”

The availability of clean water transformed more than hygiene in the household. With access to water throughout the year, the family started a small orchard and vegetable garden at home. They now grow fresh fruits and vegetables, which improve nutrition for the children and provide extra income for the family.

The family also participated in Empowered Worldview and Celebrating Families trainings facilitated by World Vision Zambia. Through these sessions, they learned business skills, family values, positive parenting, and biblical principles that strengthened their faith and relationships at home.

“Our mindset has changed,” says Mirriam. “Before, we depended on borrowing from others. Today, we work hard and provide for our children.”

Using the knowledge gained from the trainings, the family started a poultry business and now keeps 200 chickens for sale. Income from the business helps them buy food, clothes, school uniforms, and other school requirements for their children.

“School is now enjoyable and easy because we have everything we need,” says Martha. “World Vision Zambia brought us desks, water, and support for learning.”

Martha says her parents now involve the children in family discussions and decisions. This has helped her feel valued and confident about her future.

“Our parents teach us the word of God,” she says. “They encourage us to respect others, care for people, and become responsible.”

The family now regularly holds Bible studies at home, something Mirriam says has brought unity, peace, and hope.

“Our lives have really changed,” she says with a smile. “We never thought our problems would end and that we would live happily like this. It is only God who made this possible through World Vision Zambia.”

For Martha, the future now looks brighter. With support from her family, access to education, and renewed hope, she continues working hard toward her dream of becoming a nurse and helping others in her community.

“Thank you to all the sponsors for making this possible for my family and me,” says Martha. “Your support has changed our lives. Today, we have clean water, food, school materials, and hope for the future. Because of your kindness, I am able to stay in school and work hard toward my dream of becoming a nurse. May God bless you for caring for children like me.”