Keep Zambian Girls in School and AIDS-Free

Although passionate about education, Betty—like many Zambian girls—missed school often because her family could not afford sanitary napkins. Thanks to the generous supporters of the Lubuto scholarship program for girls Betty no longer misses school. Her scholarship not only provides full tuition for the duration of secondary school, but also uniforms, shoes, books and sanitary napkins. She now has the tools to succeed. 

Since receiving a scholarship, Betty has been thriving both at school and within her community. She was elected as a leader for a local NGO, where she serves as a peer educator and role model to other girls. She finds inspiration through historical figures including Nelson Mandela, Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr. 

Betty is committed to bringing gender equality to society. "They say 'when you educate girls, you are educating the entire nation,'" she says. "But it's still girls who are getting pregnant and they are the ones that are missing school." After finishing school, it is Betty's dream to start an organization that helps vulnerable girls tackle issues such as early marriage, self-confidence and discrimination.

Thank you for believing that girls deserve every opportunity that boys have, and for making sure that they are not left behind!

When her daughter, Precious, was born 2 ½ years ago, Lynn's father refused to give her any more money for her school. Growing up in a large family, Lynn* knew she would take away opportunities from her younger siblings, so she reluctantly gave in. Now 20 years old, she is determined to make a better life for her daughter, even if it means starting school again at grade 8: “I really desire a better future for myself and my daughter. I have to fight and stand on my own now.”

Lynn heard about the DREAMS scholarships being offered at Lubuto Libraries from a neighbor and eagerly applied. “Even though my education has not been valued by some people in the past… I have always realized the importance of it. Education is the path to a better life for me and my daughter.” When Lynn heard the news that she had won a scholarship, she was completely thrilled, “I’m so happy to be back in school now. I’ve never gotten money for school before!”

Being part of the DREAMS program has made Lynn feel more confident, in herself and her future. It is the first time in her life someone has not only invested in the financial costs of her education, but also in creating a positive environment for her to grow as a person. Since entering DREAMS, Lynn has made many new friends and is surrounded by positive and uplifting people. “My new friends at school believe in me. They encourage me to stay in school and study.”

Thank you for supporting the Lubuto scholarship program for girls. With your help, we raised enough money to support 50 one-year secondary school scholarships, including tuition, uniforms, shoes, books and sanitary napkins. Many girls like Lynn now have bright futures and will become role models to other girls in their communities. The children are so thankful for the life-changing opportunities given to them and have a special message for you.

With gratitude,

Lubuto Library Partners

*Lynn's name has been changed for the purpose of anonymity 

Links:

• Thank you video for supporters