Matthew, from Zambia
Living with his grandparents in a poor area in southern Zambia, Matthew was sponsored from 8, and watched his entire community grow because of sponsorship.
“One of my close friends had a sponsor who sent him money to buy four cattle and build a house,” he says. “World Vision also brought skills training to the area. People would do basic training on carpentry, plumbing, joinery, and baking.”
But it was sponsor visits that really moved him. “It really struck me when I would see the donors come and interact with the children and how much love they had for them,” he says. “I said, ‘I want to be part of this.’” At age 12, Matthew decided he would someday work for World Vision.
He earned a certificate in social work and is working toward a Bachelor’s degree in development from Zambia Open University. He is currently helping support local communities in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Matthew says, "The community needs us. We must provide hope and ensure that everyone knows about the pandemic."