Success Stories
Our sponsorship programme is life changing for many. Here are six stories of some of our successful students:
Charles Phiri
Charles joined our sponsorship programme in 2022 while studying Medicine at the Copperbelt University. Following the loss of his mother, who had supported him through a small business, he faced serious financial challenges and was close to dropping out of university. Through our sponsorship, we provided accommodation, upkeep, books, and mentorship, enabling him to focus on his studies.
Charles graduated in 2026 with a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery. Alongside his academic success, he served as President of the School of Medicine and is now volunteering as a Junior Resident Medical Officer in the paediatric ward at Chawama Level One Hospital. He hopes to specialise in cardiothoracic surgery and establish a private hospital in the future. We are incredibly proud of Charles' journey and look forward to seeing all that he achieves.
Memory Njobvu
Memory joined the Baraka Sponsorship Programme in 2019 when financial challenges threatened her education. Through school fees, books, mentorship, and full university sponsorship, Baraka allowed her to focus on achieving her goals.
In 2024, Memory graduated from Levy Mwanawasa Medical University with a degree in Biomedical Sciences. She is now pursuing a Master's degree in Molecular Biology at the University of Zambia, with ambitions of becoming a researcher in molecular diagnostics and infectious diseases. Alongside her studies, she has founded an organisation that provides menstrual hygiene products to girls in her community. Memory says Baraka's support changed her life and encourages other students to work hard, stay focused, and make the most of every opportunity. Memory's journey is a powerful reminder of what can happen when potential is nurtured.
Micheal Phiri
Mike joined our sponsorship programme as a 15-year-old boy in 2013. A bright pupil, he was in a difficult family situation and in danger of dropping out of school. We ensured he continued at school, and he rewarded us with some excellent Grade 12 results, which encouraged us to send him to college, where he attained a teaching diploma.
Whilst at college, Mike started volunteering for Baraka in his spare time, and it seemed only natural to offer him a job with Baraka when he finished at college. Mike swiftly rose through the ranks to become a very young Learning Centre Manager for us. As part of our recent expansion, he has now moved up to oversee all our educational programmes with the title of Director of Education in Zambia. As if that wasn't enough, he is also currently studying for a degree in Development Studies. Mike's journey through Baraka is a testament to his resilience, determination, and the opportunities that can change a young person's future.
Natasha Nanyangwe
Natasha joined our sponsorship programme as a young girl growing up in the shantytown of Chawama in Lusaka, Zambia's capital. At the age of 13, while in Grade 6 at Chawama Primary School, she joined the Baraka-supported Chawama Sports Academy, where her love of football began. She later joined Baraka's sponsorship programme in Grade 8 and remained on it until completing Grade 12. Although Natasha worked hard at school, it was football where she truly excelled.
Her talent and determination soon caught the attention of Green Eagles, one of Zambia's leading women's teams, before earning her place in the Zambia Under-17 national team. In 2022, she joined Green Buffaloes, the Zambia Army women's team, and was also called up to the official Zambia women's national team. After overcoming a serious leg injury, Natasha fought her way back to represent both club and country. Her footballing success also led to a career in the Zambia Army, where she now serves as a soldier while continuing to play at the highest level. Natasha occasionally returns to Baraka to inspire the next generation of girls to follow their dreams.
Moses Phiri
Moses joined the Baraka Sponsorship Programme in 2019 as a young boy in Grade 2. Living with a disability, he struggled to find a school willing to accept him until Baraka stepped in, ensuring he could access the education every child deserves. Through the programme, he also received medical care, while his sponsors provided the wheelchair that has given him greater independence.
Now in secondary school, Moses is thriving both in and out of the classroom. He has a passion for singing and enjoys coaching younger children whenever he visits the Learning Centre, sharing his enthusiasm and confidence with those around him. Moses is grateful for the support of Baraka and his sponsors, who believed in his potential when others did not. His success reflects the life-changing impact of believing in a child's potential.
Tapiwa Lukuta
Tapiwa joined the Baraka Sponsorship Programme in 2022 at a time when her family was facing severe hardship. Her mother was the sole provider after her father suffered a stroke, and as a foreign national, she faced additional challenges. Although she was a bright and determined student, there were times when she could not sit her university examinations because her family could not afford the fees, leaving her discouraged and struggling with her mental health.
Baraka stepped in to provide financial support and mentorship, removing the burden of unpaid fees and allowing Tapiwa to focus on her studies and her future. In 2023, she graduated from the University of Lusaka with an MBChB, receiving a Leadership Award along the way. Today, Tapiwa volunteers as a medical doctor while building a growing career in humanitarian work and civil society. As a trainer and advocate, she leads community programmes on gender equality, teenage pregnancy and child marriage, helping young people build healthier and brighter futures. She hopes to continue her studies with a Master's in Family Medicine and one day give back to the Baraka programme that helped change her life.