By Linda Wilkinson | Founder of Chikumbuso
Every time I visit Chikumbuso I am surprised by some aspect of the project. This time it is the maturity and eagerness to learn that I see demonstrated in our students. Ten years ago, at the outset of Chikumbuso, there were 30 very bedraggled students ranging from six to ten years of age. They were frightened by the white woman, thankful to be invited into school, and hoping for food for lunch and a bit extra to take home to their families.
Today these same students and 420 more portray a new picture. These students are bright, well dressed and healthy. One of these students is Teddy a 17 year old eighth grader. Teddy grew up in the far eastern corner of Zambia with a single mom and a younger sister. Life was a struggle and he did not go to school. At seven years old his uncle came to the village to take him to his father in Lusaka where they hoped he would be able to finally get an education.
Teddy said nothing changed. His father did not have the means to send him to school. What a disappointment. One day his neighbor, a teacher at Chikumbuso, came and took him to school. He did not speak English and he could not read but the teachers at Chikumbuso were tender with him and today Teddy is ranked number one in his eighth grade class. Given the opportunity of a life time he grabbed hold of it. He works hard and his peers respect him.
Your donations help to keep Teddy and others like him in school.
Thank you so much.
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