In the remote Kapililonga community of Northern Zambia, daily life used to be a constant battle for survival. Women and children bore the harshest burdens—water scarcity, food insecurity, poor healthcare, and vulnerability shaped their reality. For Mercy Nachande, a 31-year-old mother, these hardships were more than just statistics; they were deeply personal struggles that affected every aspect of her family’s well-being.
Mercy remembers the overwhelming challenge of securing clean water. “The clinic had no water. We used the maternity annex without any supply, fetching water from shallow wells where animals also drank,” she recalls. Contaminated water led to frequent illnesses, and the long distances to water sources drained families of time and energy. “Food was also hard to find because we lacked knowledge on farming and nutrition,” she adds. Many days, Mercy’s family barely had enough to eat. “Sometimes we only ate once a day, and even simple chores like washing plates were difficult because we lacked strength,” she explains. To survive, they did small jobs to earn money, but it was never enough.
Beyond water and food shortages, maternal health was a looming crisis. Without antenatal care, expectant mothers were vulnerable to complications and, in the worst cases, death. “Before the Safe Motherhood Action Groups (SMAGs), we faced so many challenges,” Mercy says. “Some women lost their lives simply because they couldn’t access proper care.”
For children, the struggles were just as severe. Hunger, poor sanitation, and limited opportunities placed them at risk. “Because of hunger, children were vulnerable. Some parents married off their daughters early, and gender-based violence was common in our homes,” Mercy shares. The weight of these challenges affected her own daughter, 12-year-old Foster.
A New Beginning Through Sponsorship
Then, in 2020, everything began to change. When World Vision Zambia introduced child sponsorship in Kapililonga, Mercy’s family felt a glimmer of hope. “When our children were registered, we felt very happy because we knew change was coming,” she says.
That change arrived in many forms. Boreholes were drilled, and piped water systems ensured that families had clean water within reach. No longer did they have to rely on contaminated sources or spend hours fetching water. “Now, we have water right at home,” Mercy says proudly.
Sponsorship also brought business training and savings groups, equipping families with financial independence. Mercy shares how this empowered her: “We now have poultry businesses, and we are saving money. This has helped us provide for our children and improve our homes.” She beams as she explains that these opportunities have not only improved their livelihood but also changed societal perceptions. “Men are now giving us respect because we can support ourselves.”
For Foster, sponsorship opened doors to education and stability. “We learn about reading, writing, and even the Bible,” she says with excitement. “The teachers taught us how important school is, and I want to become a teacher someday.” World Vision Zambia also brought running water to her school, ensuring students could learn in a hygienic environment.
A Future Filled with Possibility
The impact of sponsorship rippled through the community. Women gained respect, families found stability, and children like Foster could dream beyond survival. “We now have savings groups that help us buy food and pay school fees. We are taking better care of our children, and life is becoming better,” Mercy shares.
Reflecting on the transformation, she feels nothing but gratitude. “Thanks to World Vision, our lives have changed. We are no longer living in fear or hunger. Our children now have a future to look forward to.”
The story of Kapililonga is a testament to the power of child sponsorship. When children are given the chance to thrive, they transform not only their own futures but entire communities. It is proof that with targeted support, resilience can replace despair, hope can flourish, and lives can change for generations to come.