By Lena Renju; Edited by Leanna Cappiello
Meet ZamZam: an ambitious 12-year-old girl who hopes to become a doctor someday.
Her father was the primary breadwinner for the family, but he passed away in 2011. Now, to survive, their mother runs a small business to cater for their family. But the money she earns is barely enough to pay for their day-to-day expenses, let alone ZamZam’s school fees and materials. Though poverty plagues her daily life, the young girl is resilient and hopeful. She dreams of reaching her university education.
ZamZam’s favorite subjects are English, Kiswahili, science and math. She studies very hard so that she can become a doctor.
With a single-parent family and a small-scale retailer for crops and fruits, life for Zamzam and her family has not been easy. With her ongoing school fee problems, she is often sent back home from class.
When she’s is able to go to school, she attends wearing worn and torn uniforms, which makes her uncomfortable. “Mother struggles a lot and works so hard to provide us,” says Zamzam.
The girl explains how the problem impacts her daily life. “I lose focus in my studies when I am sent back home,” says ZamZam. “I miss a lot of studies when I stay at home, I feel so bad having this problem."
ZamZam wants nothing more than to attend school.
“My wish is to study up to university level to become a doctor, so that I can help my mother and family in the future,” says Zamzam. She strays away from dangerous groups and gangs, as she knows this will not only put her in harm’s way, but also distract her from her goals.
World Vision met Zamzam, and soon after, she became a sponsored child. Now, she is provided with plenty of school materials such as pens, books and shoes, as well as household supplies like bars of soap and clothes. “I still want to get support and help from World Vision because I want to make my dream come true,” she says.
Sponsorship has not only encouraged ZamZam in her education, but given her the hope she needs to continue working hard for her future.
Help a child realize their full potential. Give the gift of education.