Mundanda Kamwi, a 21-year-old second-year Pharmacy student at the University of Zambia from Kalabo District, is entirely dependent on his mother, Ngambo Mukonda, for his upkeep while studying.

Ngambo is a beneficiary of the Supporting Women’s Livelihood (SWL), a component of the World Bank funded GEWEL Project which has played a crucial role in transforming their lives.

Ngambo used the K3, 790 productivity grant she received from the SWL programme to establish a fish-selling business. Additionally, by joining a savings group, she managed to build a house that is now rented out, providing further financial stability for the family.

Despite receiving a scholarship to study at Zambia’s prestigious university, Mundanda’s mother continues to support him by covering his groceries and part of his boarding fees.

Mundanda is deeply grateful to the Government and its partners for recognizing his mother as one of the SWL’s beneficiaries.

Without her involvement in the programme, Mundanda believes they would not have been able to manage their current situation.

“She wouldn’t have managed all this on her own,” he said, expressing his gratitude for the support that has made his education possible.