World Vision Zambia Brings Light and Life to Manga Community with New Energy and Water System

“My dreams of becoming a journalist have now become brighter,” says Gloria after witnessing her community's water and solar energy lighting ceremony.

17-year-old Gloria lives in Manga village, a remote area in Zambia's eastern province. Since she was a child, she dreamed of becoming a journalist, fascinated by the idea of telling the stories of her community and country to the world. Yet, the road to achieving that dream was riddled with challenges.

For Gloria, evenings used to be a race against time. She would rush to complete her homework before nightfall, but even her best efforts often fell short. Without proper lighting, studying after sunset meant relying on a flickering battery-powered torch, which left her eyes hurting and her head aching.

“I mainly rely on a small torch, and if I don’t have batteries, then I’m unable to study,” she says.

Adding to her struggle, access to clean water was a daily ordeal. Gloria spent hours walking to fetch water from a distant and shallow well—time that could have been spent studying or preparing for her future. The heavy burden of water collection and the frequent illnesses caused by contaminated water often led to her missing school, affecting her grades and dampening her spirits.

But with World Vision’s intervention through the installation of an energy system and clean water supply, everything has changed for Gloria.

“The solar power system has rejuvenated my hopes and strengthened my resolve to achieve my dreams,” she says.

The new solar-powered lights brought an immediate transformation to Gloria’s life. With a bright, clean, and safe source of light, she no longer has to strain her eyes or cut her studies short. “Now, I can study as long as I need to, and I will no longer be afraid of the night because our school, streets, and community will be well-lit,” she says. “I feel confident I can improve my grades and finish school with good results.”

The clean water system has also been life-changing. Gloria no longer has to walk long distances to fetch water. Instead, she can now fill her containers from a nearby tap, saving hours each day. The water is safe, eliminating the frequent illnesses that once disrupted her education.

“I no longer have to worry about water because we now have tap water available at any time. It will also help me stay in school because the same water has brought about a menstrual management facility, which will be helpful to many other girls like me during our menstrual cycle,” says Gloria.

Father Bwezani, a Catholic parish priest at Manga Parish, says the community has faced numerous challenges, particularly with water. He explains that the community previously relied on shallow water sources, which contributed to a range of waterborne diseases.

“Another challenge we faced was the lack of electricity. We lived in darkness, and the community lacked proper economic activities to generate income,” he says. “But with this energy system that World Vision has supported us with, our lives will be transformed.”

He adds, “We are very grateful to our friends and donors who came together to support us with these facilities.”

During the water and energy system handover ceremony in Manga village, Minister of Energy Honourable Makozo Chikote emphasized the energy grid's far-reaching benefits. He noted that it will benefit 480 learners at Manga Primary School.

“Access to electricity means a brighter, better-equipped learning environment where learners can study with access to computers and modern technology, just like learners in urban areas,” he said.

The Minister also highlighted that the energy system will benefit Manga Rural Health Center, directly improving healthcare for the 5,765 residents in the area.

“For expectant mothers, this means safer, dignified deliveries, supported by a reliable power source for essential medical equipment,” said Honourable Chikote.

World Vision Zambia National Director Marc Nosbach emphasized that the Solar Micro-Grid extends its benefits to the Catholic Church, Parish House, and the local business centre.

“Small businesses will have the power to grow, contributing to increased household income and economic resilience, leading to more children accessing basic needs,” he said.

He added that the church community will also find comfort and support in a well-lit environment.

Mr. Nosbach pointed out that the integration with the water supply is another key feature of the Solar Micro-Grid.

“Clean, running water will now be available 24/7, addressing a fundamental need for health and child well-being. This vital resource will transform daily life, ensuring a healthier and more productive community,” he said.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Nosbach expressed his gratitude to the donors for their generosity and their belief in transforming Manga community.