Josephat’s Bridge to Success
Josephat always felt like his ambition never aligned with his life circumstances. He loved to be in school, but his parents could not afford the fees. There were often gaps in his enrollment, dropping out to work for several weeks or months at a time. Then, inevitably, through sheer will and determination, he would scrape […]
The number of orphaned children increases as the pandemic shows no mercy.
She was no longer known as Sangeetha. In the eyes of her “owner”, she was a product, not a human being. It wasn’t until Amara, a courageous and clever Zoe Empowers graduate, learned of Sangeetha and devised a plan to rescue her that Sangeetha became free.
How Chickens Turned Into a Home
A busy paved road runs through the village center of Chimwaza, Malawi. On either side is an assortment of tattered-looking shops, freestanding kiosks and persistent peddlers ready to serve the steady stream of loitering locals there to eat, shop and socialize. Two years ago, entering this scene would have invoked shame and anxiety for Mike […]
One Big Sister’s Great Responsibility
Growing up as an only child, Millicent had a close relationship with her parents. Their family blended into the conventional standards of the rural Kenyan village in which they resided: A breadwinner father who provided a comfortable life for his family. Millicent attended school, lived in a safe home, had access to nutritious meals, water, […]
Shifting gender norms through education in rural Kenya
Lidiah was born with a love for education. As a young girl, sitting inside a small, one-roomed classroom, learning new subjects and socializing with her peers was her favorite pastime, and it showed in the high marks she received from her teachers. She didn’t know it then, but she was one of the lucky ones, […]
A Mother’s Courage Yields Hope and Happiness
Sharleen was 7 years old when she tragically lost her father, the only immediate family member she knew. Without parents or siblings, Sharleen moved in with her grandmother for a few years, before transitioning to her aunt’s house at the age of 10. It is not uncommon in many poverty-stricken communities for extended family members […]
Sewing From the Heart
Generosity is the thread that keeps us bound together in times of uncertainty.
The Harvest of Hope
“I want to see Zoe Empowers expand into more areas of Malawi because it is unique from other organizations I’ve been registered with. Those programs didn’t solve my problems. They would just give me food and go. Instead of giving fish, Zoe Empowers is giving fishing sticks so we can do it on our own.” ‒ […]
Zoe Empowerment Group Member Becomes Malawi Staff Intern
“I want to remind them [orphans in her community] to not see themselves as down. They should see themselves as high, that they can do whatever they want. Since I have suffered and changed, I want to encourage others to do the same.” ‒ Suki Makalani, 2015 graduate (Malawi) As a young child in rural […]
Rwanda Graduates Create Empowerment Training Center
“Before I joined Zoe Empowers, I use to complain to God, asking why he made me suffer.” said Samuel. “Now, I see what I would have lost if I would have given up. I would have missed so many things. I would not be here to help others.” ‒ Samuel, 2018 graduate of Zoe Empowers […]