As a leader in self-help facilitation since 2005, Response Network has worked with thousands of community members to create awareness on the importance of using locally available resources to alleviate poverty. Nsabata Maluba is one example of how we have impacted individuals in rural Zambian communities. Nsabata was born on 19th November 1991 in Kanyanga of Zimba district, from a family of 16, and started school in 1998 at Kabanga primary school and later proceeded to Kabanga Secondary School though he ultimately failed his final exams.

He returned to Kanyanga in order to take his exams, but unfortunately, he was unsuccessful four times and was not awarded a certificate. He then chose to marry and start a family, while also attending workshops delivered by Response Network. During one of the training sessions, he heard the sports facilitators discuss developing personal objectives and smart planning; this became a pivotal moment for him. He learned a great deal and felt that he’d neglected his childhood passion for farming/gardening. When the facilitators discussed all of the cross-cutting issues, he began to reflect on himself and realized he had never set any goals for himself, not even as a husband, and was poor at using his time effectively. As a result, they started a garden, growing vegetables, tomatoes, and cabbages.

“Last year, I had the funds to buy six goats and I also began a business of buying and reselling chickens to Kasumbalesa. Through this, I discovered my aptitude for making money and it has significantly improved my life as I am now able to provide financial aid to my family while meeting my own economic requirements. I no longer feel the need to accuse myself or anyone else for my lack of a high school diploma. The most important lesson I’ve learned is that only through taking action can one achieve their desired objectives. I am thankful to Response network for bolstering my trust in myself, which enabled me to regain my lost faith in my capabilities and become independent. My ultimate goal is to become a successful farmer with plenty of cattle and a prosperous entrepreneur. This year, I bought a cow for myself due to my entrepreneurial skills,” narrated Nsabata.

Response Network Zambia has helped to empower people like Nsabata to have the opportunity to create a better life for themselves, and for those around them and we hope to continue bringing the self-help concept to many more vulnerable communities and individuals for years to come. Happy New Year all.