Celebrating Success Stories: Highlighting Achievements in the Community

A resident of Rufunsa District, Geoffrey serves his community as a dedicated Parent Family Educator (PFE). His journey with CCDA began quietly, almost unexpectedly, when one of his children was enrolled in the organization’s child sponsorship programme. What started as support for a single child soon became the beginning of a transformation that touched every corner of his home. It set off a ripple effect—steady, hopeful, and deeply life-changing.

“Through CCDA, I was empowered with five goats,” Geoffrey recalls. “These goats became more than just animals—they became the foundation for a better life.” What he received was modest in appearance, yet powerful in impact. As the goats multiplied and provided a source of income, they gave Geoffrey and his family the opportunity to dream beyond their immediate needs. With their improved earnings, the family invested in a plough and a pair of cows, strengthening their farming activities and allowing them to work their fields with a new sense of purpose.

Over time, their agricultural efforts began to flourish. The livestock grew, and so did the family’s confidence. Today, Geoffrey’s household proudly owns more than 30 chickens and a steadily increasing number of goats. Their livestock is no longer just a symbol of economic security—it has become a source of nourishment, income, and even community connection. “Because we have a steady number of livestock, we sell some to make money for the family, we eat some as a source of protein, and also share with our neighbours,” he says with a warm smile, reflecting the spirit of generosity that guides their home.

But perhaps the most meaningful change has been in the lives of Geoffrey’s children. With the proceeds from their farming business, he has managed to support the education of all seven of his children—a milestone he speaks of with visible pride. One is now a professional driver, four have completed secondary school, and two are still progressing through primary school. Each step they take is a reminder of how far the family has come, and how opportunity, when nurtured, can reshape a future.

“I am very grateful to CCDA,” Geoffrey says simply, yet with heartfelt sincerity. “They don’t choose who to help. Many families in Rufunsa and Chongwe have benefited, and my family is just one of the many success stories.”

From a handful of goats to a thriving family farm, from uncertain beginnings to educational achievement, Geoffrey’s journey is a powerful example of what sustained community support can build. His story shows that empowerment doesn’t end with one individual—it grows, multiplies, and strengthens entire generations.

In the heart of Chongwe District, small-scale vegetable farmer Irad Simutowe is quietly reshaping the future of his family. What began as a modest effort to provide for his children has grown into a story of steady progress and transformation—all strengthened by the support he has received through the Chongwe Child Development Agency (CCDA). As a caregiver to three children enrolled in CCDA’s sponsorship programme, Irad has walked a long but deeply rewarding journey, one marked by growth not only in his garden but in his sense of stability and hope.

“I have been a caregiver to sponsored children since 2008, and I must say that my small vegetable farming business started growing because of the support my children received from CCDA,” he explains. The assistance provided to his children eased many burdens, allowing him to focus more fully on his farming. With their basic needs cared for, he could invest his energy and time into nurturing his crops and strengthening his household’s livelihood.

June 2025 marked another turning point in Irad’s story. With additional economic support from CCDA, he expanded his garden beyond the familiar rape, garden eggs, and eggplants he had always grown. His field soon transformed into vibrant rows of red and yellow peppers—bright, healthy crops that quickly proved their worth. “The peppers have added value to my garden,” he says with pride. “They sell at a higher price and are always in demand. This means more income for my family.”

That income has brought more than financial relief; it has opened doors to meaningful improvements in his family’s daily life. With a father’s quiet satisfaction, Irad shares, “I managed to buy a bicycle for one of my children, so he no longer has to walk long distances to school or arrive late.” The extra earnings have also allowed him to begin building proper houses for his family—something he once viewed as out of reach but now sees gradually becoming reality.

Irad’s journey is a testament to what happens when long-term support meets personal determination. The partnership with CCDA has not only strengthened his farming business but has also empowered him as a father and provider. “CCDA didn’t just help my children; they helped me become a better father, farmer, and provider,” he reflects. His gratitude is deep and heartfelt, rooted in the knowledge that the progress he sees today will shape his family’s future for years to come.

His story stands as a powerful reminder that when caregivers are supported, entire households thrive—and that every seed of investment, when nurtured, can bloom into lasting change.“Through CCDA, I was empowered with five goats,” Geoffrey recalls. “These goats became more than just animals—they became the foundation for a better life.” What he received was modest in appearance, yet powerful in impact. As the goats multiplied and provided a source of income, they gave Geoffrey and his family the opportunity to dream beyond their immediate needs. With their improved earnings, the family invested in a plough and a pair of cows, strengthening their farming activities and allowing them to work their fields with a new sense of purpose.

Over time, their agricultural efforts began to flourish. The livestock grew, and so did the family’s confidence. Today, Geoffrey’s household proudly owns more than 30 chickens and a steadily increasing number of goats. Their livestock is no longer just a symbol of economic security—it has become a source of nourishment, income, and even community connection. “Because we have a steady number of livestock, we sell some to make money for the family, we eat some as a source of protein, and also share with our neighbours,” he says with a warm smile, reflecting the spirit of generosity that guides their home.

But perhaps the most meaningful change has been in the lives of Geoffrey’s children. With the proceeds from their farming business, he has managed to support the education of all seven of his children—a milestone he speaks of with visible pride. One is now a professional driver, four have completed secondary school, and two are still progressing through primary school. Each step they take is a reminder of how far the family has come, and how opportunity, when nurtured, can reshape a future.

“I am very grateful to CCDA,” Geoffrey says simply, yet with heartfelt sincerity. “They don’t choose who to help. Many families in Rufunsa and Chongwe have benefited, and my family is just one of the many success stories.”

From a handful of goats to a thriving family farm, from uncertain beginnings to educational achievement, Geoffrey’s journey is a powerful example of what sustained community support can build. His story shows that empowerment doesn’t end with one individual—it grows, multiplies, and strengthens entire generations.

 At just 16 years old, Martha (not her real name), a learner at Nkholoma Primary School in Mpanshya, Rufunsa District, carries a story filled with hardship, resilience, and profound transformation—one made possible through the Chongwe Child Development Agency (CCDA)’s Child Sponsorship Programme. Her journey began in a place of deep struggle. After losing her father in 2017, her family’s already fragile circumstances worsened. Her mother, now the sole provider for seven children, faced overwhelming challenges in meeting even the most basic needs.

“We stayed in an incomplete house, with no water to drink or proper food to eat,” Martha recalls. It was a life marked by uncertainty, where daily survival overshadowed dreams of school or stability. Recognizing her vulnerability, CCDA identified Martha as a beneficiary of their Child Sponsorship Programme—a moment that marked a turning point for her and her family.

“I didn’t expect to be in school or have access to necessities like books and uniforms so easily. It’s more than what many of my peers have in the community,” she says. Through the programme, she not only received educational support but also gained exposure to financial literacy—knowledge that would soon reshape her family’s future. When she received funds from her sponsor, she and her mother made a thoughtful decision to invest in livestock. Today, Martha proudly owns seven cows, six goats, and sixteen chickens. “We sell some of the livestock when we don’t have money at home. It’s become a source of income,” she explains, her voice steady with a sense of newfound responsibility.

One of the most life-changing improvements for Martha has been access to clean water. For a community plagued by droughts and long distances to safe water sources, the difference is almost unimaginable. “I can’t believe I now have clean water right at my house. Water is a big challenge in Rufunsa due to droughts, but now we are safe,” she says with a smile. The borehole installed through CCDA doesn’t just serve her family alone—it now provides clean, reliable water to 12 other households in the community. “I’m grateful because the help I have received has also benefited other community members,” she adds.

With a heart full of gratitude, Martha reflects on the transformation she has experienced and her hopes for others. “I would like to thank my sponsor and CCDA for the help that my family and the community have received. I hope many more children are considered for the same opportunity so that their lives are helped.”

Her story stands as a powerful reminder that when a child is supported, an entire community can begin to heal, grow, and reach for a better future.“I have been a caregiver to sponsored children since 2008, and I must say that my small vegetable farming business started growing because of the support my children received from CCDA,” he explains. The assistance provided to his children eased many burdens, allowing him to focus more fully on his farming. With their basic needs cared for, he could invest his energy and time into nurturing his crops and strengthening his household’s livelihood.

June 2025 marked another turning point in Irad’s story. With additional economic support from CCDA, he expanded his garden beyond the familiar rape, garden eggs, and eggplants he had always grown. His field soon transformed into vibrant rows of red and yellow peppers—bright, healthy crops that quickly proved their worth. “The peppers have added value to my garden,” he says with pride. “They sell at a higher price and are always in demand. This means more income for my family.”

That income has brought more than financial relief; it has opened doors to meaningful improvements in his family’s daily life. With a father’s quiet satisfaction, Irad shares, “I managed to buy a bicycle for one of my children, so he no longer has to walk long distances to school or arrive late.” The extra earnings have also allowed him to begin building proper houses for his family—something he once viewed as out of reach but now sees gradually becoming reality.

Irad’s journey is a testament to what happens when long-term support meets personal determination. The partnership with CCDA has not only strengthened his farming business but has also empowered him as a father and provider. “CCDA didn’t just help my children; they helped me become a better father, farmer, and provider,” he reflects. His gratitude is deep and heartfelt, rooted in the knowledge that the progress he sees today will shape his family’s future for years to come.

His story stands as a powerful reminder that when caregivers are supported, entire households thrive—and that every seed of investment, when nurtured, can bloom into lasting change.“Through CCDA, I was empowered with five goats,” Geoffrey recalls. “These goats became more than just animals—they became the foundation for a better life.” What he received was modest in appearance, yet powerful in impact. As the goats multiplied and provided a source of income, they gave Geoffrey and his family the opportunity to dream beyond their immediate needs. With their improved earnings, the family invested in a plough and a pair of cows, strengthening their farming activities and allowing them to work their fields with a new sense of purpose.

Over time, their agricultural efforts began to flourish. The livestock grew, and so did the family’s confidence. Today, Geoffrey’s household proudly owns more than 30 chickens and a steadily increasing number of goats. Their livestock is no longer just a symbol of economic security—it has become a source of nourishment, income, and even community connection. “Because we have a steady number of livestock, we sell some to make money for the family, we eat some as a source of protein, and also share with our neighbours,” he says with a warm smile, reflecting the spirit of generosity that guides their home.

But perhaps the most meaningful change has been in the lives of Geoffrey’s children. With the proceeds from their farming business, he has managed to support the education of all seven of his children—a milestone he speaks of with visible pride. One is now a professional driver, four have completed secondary school, and two are still progressing through primary school. Each step they take is a reminder of how far the family has come, and how opportunity, when nurtured, can reshape a future.

“I am very grateful to CCDA,” Geoffrey says simply, yet with heartfelt sincerity. “They don’t choose who to help. Many families in Rufunsa and Chongwe have benefited, and my family is just one of the many success stories.”

From a handful of goats to a thriving family farm, from uncertain beginnings to educational achievement, Geoffrey’s journey is a powerful example of what sustained community support can build. His story shows that empowerment doesn’t end with one individual—it grows, multiplies, and strengthens entire generations.