Paul’s Journey to Prosperity Through World Vision Zambia's livelihood programme

By Christabel Mundike, Communications, Zambia

Paul Lungu, a devoted husband and father of five, recounts a life-transforming experience with World Vision Zambia that reshaped his family’s future. Paul's life was filled with challenges before discovering the principles of Savings for Transformation (S4T) through World Vision Zambia. He struggled daily with managing his finances and finding ways to generate income, which made even the most basic necessities, like school fees for his children, a daunting task.

“I used to wake up every day with a heavy heart, knowing that no matter how hard I worked, it was never enough to meet even the most basic needs of my family. I feared that my children would have to drop out of school because I couldn’t afford their needs. The thought of their futures being sacrificed due to financial struggles was a constant burden on my mind. It felt like there was no way out of the cycle of poverty and worry that consumed us.” Paul reflects. 

Paul’s fortunes began to change in 2021 when World Vision introduced him to the concept of saving and gave him five goats on a pass-on-blessing program. He kept the goats given to him (four females and one male) for a period of one year and six months before passing them on to another family to benefit from the offspring(s). 

“World Vision didn’t just give me financial guidance; they also empowered me with seed capital in the form of these goats,” he says with pride. “Today, I have 23 goats, all thanks to the initial five.”

When he first received the goats from World Vision, he saw them not just as livestock, but as a symbol of potential and opportunity. Over time, he nurtured and cared for the original five, watching them grow and reproduce. This initial gift was the foundation upon which he built a thriving livelihood.

Before joining World Vision’s program, Paul had no experience with savings groups. He initially independently applied the saving techniques he learned from World VisionSeeing, which proved effective. 

“I saw how interest accumulates at the end of the year from my friends in the savings group,” he explains. “They would share their success stories, showing off the dividends they earned and how their savings had grown. I was intrigued by their enthusiasm and the tangible benefits they were reaping. The idea of seeing my money not just sitting idle but actually working for me was compelling.”

Paul decided to join the Kulimbika Savings Group to experience these benefits firsthand. He wanted to be part of that success and see how his savings grow through collective effort and interest accumulation.

Paul’s life has now transformed. He has managed to send three children to school and purchased an ox-cart and a plough, which significantly aid his farming endeavours. “The teachings from World Vision have made my life so much easier,” Paul says. “I now understand how to save and manage my money effectively. During tough times, my savings help me navigate through challenges.”

Paul is deeply appreciative of World Vision’s ongoing efforts. 

“To World Vision Zambia, I say, keep up the wonderful work of supporting the vulnerable,” he urges. “Your support has helped me establish myself, and my business is flourishing. The fairness of your assistance to everyone has even reduced envy in my community. I am grateful for the opportunity and help I have received, and I know that others benefit equally from your programs.”

World Vision Zambia is committed to fostering sustainable development and empowering communities by creating opportunities for growth and self-reliance. By equipping individuals with resources and knowledge to help them build a foundation for a brighter future. Through programs like these, the organisation continues supporting and uplifting families, ensuring that the benefits extend beyond our initial assistance and foster a cycle of hope and prosperity.