Felix Sitali’s Story

Felix is 24 years. As a child, he lost his father and lived with his grandmother and other family members. His family had no reliable source of income. None of their seven children went to school as they could not afford to pay school fees and other school requirements.

“We lived in a house without electricity or running water and my young brother and sisters could not go to school due to financial difficulties.”

Help was on the way for Felix, as his mother heard about the sponsorship programme. He joined the group in 2011 when he was in grade 8. He also started attending well-being sessions which helped him shape his behaviour in terms of respecting elders, avoiding bad influences and understanding his rights as a child; he stayed away from vices that would destroy his educational ambitions.

He wrote his grade nine exams in 2012 and qualified to grade ten where he went to Manungu secondary school. “Life was easy because I knew I could not worry for school fees and school requirements. I was put on sponsorship and received money to buy school requirements. Now, if my grandmother chanced some little money, she would buy food’’.

Felix completed his grade 12 and gained a place at Monze Mission School of Nursing and Midwifery, where BFZ continued supporting him throughout his three year training. Felix is graduated as a registered midwife and nurse. He is currently volunteering at Monze Mission Hospital, while he awaits a posting with the Zambian National Health Service.

Felix is so happy to have achieved his education ambitions. His is helping his grandmother, she is now building a bigger house which has electricity and running water. His story has been an encouragement to all and for the other children and caregivers in his community. It simply shows that poverty does not define the potential of a child. Even children from very poor families can become symbols of bright futures through sponsorship.

Felix says that he will always remain appreciative to BFZ for the opportunity their support gave him. Felix currently volunteers for his BFZ community group, helping at Wellbeing sessions and he recently supported the Young People’s Day, helping with facilitation and offering a motivational speech.