Child Sponsorship

ChildFund’s Advisory Board embarked on its first visit to Luangwa District since being elected, marking an important step in strengthening accountability, deepening engagement with communities, and gaining first-hand insight into programme implementation.

The delegation, led by Country Director Victor Koyi, engaged with local partner staff and community members to better understand the progress, challenges, and impact of key initiatives supported by ChildFund. The visiting delegation included Board Chair, Jennipher Nyoni,  Professor Kavwanga  Yambayamba,  Dr. Matthews  Hara and  Gloria Mubita .

One of the standout moments of the visit was a tour of the Luangwa Skills Training Centre, currently under construction with financial support from the Government of New Zealand. The centre was established to respond to key challenges in the district, including high unemployment, limited training infrastructure, and restricted access to vocational skills development opportunities.

Once completed and set to open later this year, the centre will equip over 500 young people with practical, marketable skills—creating pathways to employment and improved livelihoods. Engagement with the local community has been central to the project, and this collaboration will continue to ensure the centre remains aligned with the needs and aspirations of the people of Luangwa.

“This visit is critical for us as a Board to see, first-hand, the real impact of our programmes in communities. It strengthens our accountability and reminds us that behind every intervention are children and young people whose futures we are helping to shape,” said Ms. Nyoni, the chairperson of the board

The Board also paid a courtesy call on Chief Mpuka, who welcomed the delegation and emphasized the importance of expediting the completion and commissioning of the training centre so that young people can begin to benefit from its services as soon as possible.

Across the district, the visit brought to life stories of transformation driven by community resilience and strong partnerships. At Chimutengo School, what once began as lessons conducted under a tree has evolved into a fully upgraded secondary school, now creating expanded opportunities for children to access quality education.

“We are encouraged by the resilience of communities and the visible progress on the ground. These investments are restoring dignity, creating opportunity, and building a better future for every child,” said the Advisory Board Chair, Jennipher Nyoni.

The Board further visited a School for children with special needs, which has grown remarkably from just 11 learners to now supporting 80 children, demonstrating increased access to inclusive education for vulnerable learners.

In the health sector, the impact of the Sinyawagora Rural Health Centre was evident. The facility is significantly improving access to essential health services for surrounding communities, many of whom previously had to walk up to 15 kilometres to seek care.

This visit highlights ChildFund’s commitment to learning directly from communities, strengthening transparency, and building partnerships that deliver lasting impact for children and youth.