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 […]
Crisis resiliency is a marathon, not a sprint
When learning a new skill, the second attempt is always a little easier than the first. On the third and fourth try, there is a sense of familiarity. By the fifth, tenth, twentieth time and beyond, muscle memory kicks in as we work toward mastery. The concept of repetition is proven true whether the goal […]
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 […]
Made with love: A baker’s dream fulfilled
“Today, I’m just smiling,” he said, when talking about his experience in the program. “That’s all for me. I can’t express it more than just smiling.”
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 […]
The Multiplying Effect of Investing in Empowerment
“Before Zoe, I prayed to God, asking him to help me complete school. I made a promise to God that when I got a job I would help other children. When I was hired by the government, I made good on that promise.” ‒ Madeline, 2014 Graduate in Rwanda Even before she knew about the […]
Fridah Turned Her Dream Into Reality
“When I look at my dream chart and think about when I first made it to now, it gives me a lot of happiness, a lot of peace and a lot of hope. It helps me remember that if I’m working hard, I can go really far.” ‒ Fridah, 2nd year Zoe Empowers member (Kenya) Social media […]
Silent No More: Dorcas Finds Her Voice Through Forgiveness
Impressive changes have manifested since Dorcas learned her child rights through ZOE. In the community, Dorcas has become well-known for speaking out about child rights, serving as paralegal outside of her grain shop business. She can be found standing in forums teaching others, especially young females, about their rights.