Child Sponsorship in Zambia: 2026 Mpongwe Visit Impact & Student Updates

A Visit to Mpongwe: Checking In, Showing Up, and Moving Forward

On June 11–12, 2026, our team traveled to Mpongwe District in Zambia’s Copperbelt Province to visit the students in our child sponsorship program. These visits are always more than a routine check-in. They’re an opportunity to listen, encourage, and ensure each child is supported not just academically, but also seeing how their home life is going and assist with health and food needs, how they are getting along with peers at school, taking time to encourage them, and see how they are emotionally and spiritually. 

Across five schools, we connected with 11 sponsored learners. Each visit told its own story. Some were filled with progress and gratitude, others highlighting challenges that remind us why this work matters.

At Mpongwe Boarding Secondary School, we followed up with a Grade 10 student who had been sent home after contracting malaria. While he wasn’t in class during our visit, we were grateful to find him recovering well. Moments like these remind us that care extends beyond the classroom, health and stability are just as critical to a student’s success.

At Mpongwe Combined School, we met with a student described by her teacher as both hardworking and well-behaved. Though her latest test results weren’t yet available, her dedication was clear. Encouragement and consistency continue to be key as she progresses.

Our visit to Mukumpu Primary School revealed both promise and concern. We found two of our sponsored students are committed to their studies, but one has struggled with consistent attendance. Conversations with parents added another layer. They expressed concern about frequent teacher turnover and a lack of consistent instruction, challenges affecting not just these students but the wider community.

These are the moments that remind us education doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Stability at home, consistency at school, and community support all play a role in a child’s ability to succeed. We are exploring the possibility of transferring Mukumpu students to Rosewood for more stable instruction.

At Rosewood Private School, we visited with a student who was recently transferred in hopes of improving her academic performance. Her teachers noted slight progress, a hopeful sign as she prepares for her final Grade 7 exams.

But this visit also held a heavier moment. While receiving her supplies, she became emotional and was unable to share what was troubling her. We spoke with her mother and lingered to provide emotional support. Her mentor will be following up. It was a powerful reminder that some of the biggest challenges children face are the ones we can’t immediately see or solve. We know continued support and follow-up will be essential for her.

At Machiya Combined School, we met five students, three of whom are doing well academically, while two have recently declined in performance. After some discussions, the reason became clear: they had been living on their own after their grandfather left for another village.

Situations like this highlight how deeply a child’s environment impacts their ability to focus and thrive. Encouragement matters, but so does ensuring they have the care and structure they need at home.

One of the most difficult updates from this trip was regarding one of our students that has recently had a large life change. After being taken from his mother’s home to live with relatives in another province, we have been unable to locate or contact him or his guardians. For now, his sponsorship funds are being held until we can determine the next steps.

It’s a sobering reminder that even with strong systems in place, there are moments when circumstances shift beyond our immediate reach.

Despite the challenges, one thing remains clear: this program is making a real difference. Every notebook delivered, every conversation held, every moment of encouragement, it all adds up.

But this visit also reinforced that support must go beyond financial sponsorship. Mentorship, consistent communication, and addressing environmental challenges are just as critical to long-term success.

Based on what we learned, a few next steps are clear:

• Increasing mentorship and follow-up for students struggling with attendance or performance
• Exploring the possibility of transferring Mukumpu students to Rosewood for more stable instruction
• Continuing efforts to locate our student with whom we have lost contact and communicate transparently with his sponsor

More Than Sponsorship

This visit was a reminder that sponsorship is not just about providing resources. It’s about showing up. It’s about walking alongside each student through both progress and hardship, and committing to their journey every step of the way.

Because when we invest in a child, we’re investing in far more than their education, we’re investing in their future.

If you’re interested in learning how you can positively impact a child’s future, learn more at https://colaborersinternational.com/child-sponsorship/.  You can make a general donation to this program to cover the costs of visits, providing extra tutoring, meeting emergent health needs, extra food and supplies here – https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/support-the-rural-child-sponsorship-program.