Elizabeth Mutosa says that her neighborhood, Section 10, in Roan, Zambia, has gained a reputation for being a challenging place to live. “Section 10 has been characterized by … activities, like drinking beer, early marriages for young girls, and other activities that rob the peace of every child,” she shares. “There are vulnerable people that need to be helped.”
Despite these challenges, the sound of children singing praises to God can be heard filling the neighborhood. These children attend Elizabeth’s preschool, which she established in her own home.
Before starting her preschool, Elizabeth had been a private school teacher. There were times when she went months without pay from her job. Life became even more difficult when her husband lost his job, and the responsibility to provide food for their three children fell to Elizabeth alone.
Things began to change when Elizabeth heard about a savings group through a friend. Elizabeth soon joined the Twafwane (“let us help one another”) savings group and took out a loan from their collective savings, which she used to open a preschool in her home.
“The way it started, it was a surprise. I only started with one table and five children through this savings ministry.”
Now, the school has grown to 40 students. Elizabeth and the two other teachers she’s hired instruct the children in singing songs of praise, praying, learning numbers, and reading. They also provide the children with three meals a day. When a child’s family cannot pay tuition, Elizabeth covers the cost, saying, “When I started running this school, I dedicated it to God and gave myself to help anyone who may lack.”
The community has noticed a difference. “[Parents] are able to note that change is taking place.”
Elizabeth has begun building a foundation next to the current school with plans to build a two-story building that will house students through grade 12.
“I have trusted God more because of my school, which was small but now it is growing every day. I can only see the power of God at work in my life.”
Many incredible individuals across the HOPE network are using Christ-centered financial services to empower their children or youth in their community! Discover how Clarisa used loans from her savings group to educate and provide for her children in Peru. Or read how Ghislaine is using her furniture business to disciple youth in the Republic of Congo.
