Across Zambia’s Central, Southern, and Western Provinces, FAWE reaffirmed a core principle that defines its work across Africa: meaningful impact begins with listening. Through a series of field missions and home visits conducted on 11 February 2026 and beyond, the FAWE Regional Secretariat and the Forum for African Women Educationalists of Zambia (FAWEZA) engaged directly with programme participants, their families, and local education stakeholders—strengthening connections, deepening understanding, and reaffirming the transformative power of education.
These visits, conducted under the Mastercard Foundation Phase II Programme, provided a powerful reminder that behind every scholarship is a story of resilience, hope, and determination.
Listening to Families, Strengthening Trust
In Chibomba District, Central Province, FAWE representatives Emily Gumba, Senior Programmes Officer, and Stanley Muigai, IT Officer, joined the FAWEZA team to conduct a home visit with the family of one programme participant. The visit created space for open dialogue with the participant’s mother and relatives, offering valuable insights into the family’s daily realities, aspirations, and challenges.
Such engagements are essential to ensuring that FAWE’s programmes remain rooted in community contexts. By listening directly to families, FAWE strengthens trust, enhances programme responsiveness, and ensures that its interventions address not only academic needs but also the social and emotional realities shaping learners’ journeys.
These conversations also revealed the critical role families play as pillars of encouragement—often making extraordinary sacrifices to support their children’s education and future.
Empowering Futures Through Second Chances
In Southern Zambia, a joint FAWE Regional Secretariat and FAWEZA delegation led by Teresa Omondi Adeitan, Deputy Executive Director, engaged in field visits that highlighted the life-changing impact of second chances in education. Accompanied by FAWEZA Executive Director Mr. Kanchele and district leadership, the delegation visited programme participants pursuing diploma studies in Accountancy, including Ms. Kelitah and Mr. Solomon.
Their stories reflect determination and ambition—young people rebuilding their educational pathways and pursuing careers that will enable them to transform their futures and contribute to their communities.
At the Livingstone Institute of Business and Engineering Studies (LIBES), the delegation met Mr. David Kakumba, a participant in Electrical Technology whose exceptional performance contributed to the institution’s recognition as 2nd overall champion at the Africa Skills Competition. His achievement stands as a powerful testament to the impact of access, mentorship, and opportunity.
These visits reaffirmed a fundamental truth: when young people are given the opportunity to continue their education, they become agents of change—not only for themselves, but for their families and communities.
Witnessing Resilience Across Western Zambia
Further field visits in Western Zambia—including Mumbwa, Sioma, Senanga, and Mongu—provided deeper insight into the realities faced by programme beneficiaries and their families. FAWE teams met with guardians, parents, and students, many of whom live in highly vulnerable circumstances, including single-parent households and child-headed homes.
Yet across every household, one message was clear: FAWE’s support has opened doors that would otherwise have remained closed.
In one home, a mother shared her unwavering commitment to ensuring that her daughters complete their education, determined to help them build independent futures and avoid early marriage. Her story reflects the courage and determination of families who see education as the pathway to dignity, empowerment, and opportunity.
At the Lewanika School of Nursing and Midwifery in Mongu, the delegation met with 47 sponsored students—confirming full programme retention and demonstrating strong academic commitment. Among them were students with disabilities, reflecting FAWE’s commitment to inclusive education. Students shared their appreciation for the programme’s comprehensive support, including scholarships, mentorship, accommodation, and peer support networks.
Education Rooted in Community
These field missions reinforce FAWE’s commitment to walking alongside communities, ensuring that programmes remain grounded in lived realities. Beyond programme implementation, these visits strengthen relationships, enhance accountability, and ensure that FAWE continues to deliver responsive and impactful interventions.
As FAWE continues its work across Africa, these moments of connection serve as powerful reminders of what is possible when education is accessible, inclusive, and supported by strong community partnerships.
Through listening, partnership, and sustained support, FAWE is not only expanding access to education—but helping to transform lives, restore hope, and build pathways toward brighter futures for young people across Zambia and beyond.