By Priscilla Chung
When asked what he wants to do in the future, 18-year-old Matthew is quick to say that he dreams of attending college and becoming a scientist or doctor. But with the life-threatening challenges he has faced at such a young age, such dreams were not always possible.
Born with sickle cell anaemia, Matthew experienced frequent illness throughout his childhood. His condition weakened his immune system, while memory lapses made it difficult to concentrate at school. As he struggled to keep up academically, he experienced isolation and stigma because of his condition and appearance.
Matthew was left feeling lonely, withdrawing from his peers who were often the ones who bullied him. For a long time, he preferred spending time with younger children, who did not ridicule him.
Over time, these experiences became unbearable, and as a result, Matthew left school for three and a half years, staying at home to help his mother instead. Esther Chona, HOPE worldwide Zambia’s Country Director, explains that “the emotional toll of being misunderstood and excluded from school was overwhelming” for Matthew.
A safe place to grow
In early 2023, Matthew’s mother heard about HOPE worldwide Zambia, and put Matthew in the Kids Club, hoping her son would find support and new friends. For Matthew, the Kids Club became the safe and welcoming space he had been missing, a place where he could be accepted without fear of judgement. Through activities and lessons on self-esteem, HIV and/or AIDS awareness, and personal development, he began connecting with other young people and participating with greater confidence.
At the Kids Club, Matthew met Rodgers Daka, the Site Manager, who became a trusted source of support. Through many conversations, Rodgers learned that Matthew had left school. He encouraged Matthew to consider returning to education and the opportunities it could offer him. After some thought, Matthew said yes.
Returning to education
Rodgers found a school on the same premises as the HOPE worldwide Zambia Kanyama office, enabling the team to regularly check in on Matthew’s wellbeing. He also met with school staff and successfully negotiated a reduced school fee to help make Matthew’s return possible.
Today, Matthew is enrolled in Grade 8 after returning to school in Grade 6 last year (alongside pupils aged around 11 and 12). A determined student, Matthew sat the Grade 7 examination and successfully progressed to Grade 8. Matthew is now growing academically and socially. He enjoys mathematics, writing poetry and taking part in drama sessions at the Kids Club, and is encouraging children in his neighbourhood to attend the Kids Club as well.
“I want others to know that they are not alone,” he says. “Programmes like this can help you grow, learn and find happiness just like I did.”
Give today to support the Kids Clubs and help create a safe space for more vulnerable children in Zambia. Just click “HOPEww Zambia” in the dropdown menu.
