Precious Defied Child Marriage to Pursue Her Dreams

In the rural communities of Namwala District, early marriage remains a significant barrier to education for many girls. However, through the Empowering Vulnerable Children with Education (EVE) project, supported by World Vision Zambia, the Education Above All Foundation’s Educate A Child program, and Forum for African Women Educationalists in Zambia (FAWEZA), change is happening.

During a five-day awareness-raising exercise in the Mbeza and Muchila areas, community members,  parents, teachers, and traditional leaders - came together to advocate for every child’s right to education. They addressed critical issues such as child marriage, school-related gender-based violence, and the importance of keeping children in school. Among the voices leading this call was Precious Hamweemba, a 22-year-old Grade 9 pupil and survivor of child marriage.

Precious’ story is one of both hardship and resilience. At just 17, she was forced into marriage, a reality many girls in her community face due to poverty and deeply rooted cultural norms. Her marriage lasted five years, during which she experienced the physical, emotional, and social consequences of being a child bride.

"I had to undergo an operation at the hospital to deliver my baby because I suffered health complications," she recounted. "I wouldn’t wish any child to be in the situation I was in at all."

Beyond the health risks - including maternal mortality, malnutrition, and reproductive health complications—Precious also faced limited education and career opportunities. Dropping out of school meant financial dependence on her husband, which in turn eroded her self-esteem.

Despite these challenges, Precious found the courage to return to school. Now in Grade 9, she is determined to rewrite her future. She dreams of becoming a nurse, a profession through which she hopes to help other young girls in vulnerable situations.

"Education is the key to a better future. We must all work together, parents, teachers, and community leaders - to put an end to child marriage and ensure that every child, especially girls, stays in school," she urged.

Her words were a powerful reminder of the importance of community-driven action in the fight against child marriage and gender-based violence.

The EVE project continues to play a crucial role in mobilizing communities to protect children’s rights and create safer learning environments. Through ongoing sensitization, advocacy, and partnerships, World Vision and its partners remain committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of their circumstances, has access to quality education.

Precious’ journey is proof that with the right support, girls can break free from the cycle of child marriage, reclaim their dreams, and inspire others to do the same. Her voice, and those of many others, are paving the way for a brighter future where every child has the chance to thrive.