How student sponsorship changes lives

Education is a powerful tool, but for many students in Malawi, access to school can feel like a distant dream. Families work tirelessly to provide for their children, yet poverty often stands in the way.

We are sharing the stories of two remarkable students from Hope Community Day Secondary School (Hope CDSS), Kacha Mandkissi and Innocent Samson, whose lives were transformed by the generosity of sponsors.

---

Kacha Mandkissi, Form 4

Kacha’s early years in secondary school were challenging. “When I was in Form 1 and 2, life was very hard, and I had no hope. My parents tried their best, selling tomatoes at the market to pay my school fees, but it was very difficult for them.

They had many responsibilities, including providing food for our family. Sometimes I was sent away from school because of unpaid fees. My parents almost told me to drop out due to our family’s poverty.”

Everything changed when Kacha learned he would receive sponsorship from Hope4Development. “I was so happy, and my parents were happy too! I found a sponsor named Ben and his family. They changed my life completely. Now my life is good, and I can go to school without fear of being chased away for school fees. With my faith and prayers, may God bless you!”

---

Innocent Samson, Form 4

Innocent’s journey shares many similarities with Kacha’s. Coming from a family that relies on piecework to survive, the uncertainty of school fees made his dream of education seem fragile.

“I was very excited once I was selected for secondary school, but the challenge was where my parents would get the school fees because they depend on doing piece work. I just put my faith in God, that He is my Father and Saviour, and that He is the One who knows my future.”

His prayers were answered through sponsorship. “God heard my prayer, and He indeed showed His love to me as He sent you to rescue me from this burden. I can only talk about the goodness of God for everything you have given me. This encouraged me a lot to work hard in class so that I can achieve my goals.

Now, I am in Form 4, the last class of secondary education, and I am still working hard because I know that God sent you to help me, so that in the future, other people will also find their needs met through me.”

Innocent’s story is a reminder of the lasting impact of sponsorship—providing students not only with access to education but also the hope and motivation to succeed. Innocent is now Head Boy at Hope Secondary School, and he works hard to achieve the best grades he can.

---

The Impact of Secondary School Sponsorship

For students like Kacha and Innocent, sponsorship is more than financial support. It is a lifeline that allows them to focus on their studies, pursue their dreams, and build a better future for themselves and their communities.

Their stories demonstrate that even small acts of generosity can create a ripple effect of positive change. Sponsorship at Hope Secondary School costs just £25 a month, but makes a big difference.

Sponsorship opens doors, nurtures potential, and inspires faith and perseverance in young students. Through sponsorship, these students can continue their journeys, proving that education truly has the power to transform lives.

In addition, sponsorship provides bursaries for school funds as well as resources such as exercise books, stationery, and school uniforms.

As part of the sponsorship programme, each student’s progress is monitored, they receive mentoring and emotional support, and home visits with their families. Understanding their individual needs enables us to support them emotionally, spiritually and physically.

Would you like to help transform a student’s life?  Learn more about our student sponsorships, or contact us for more information. Get in touch with us at sponsorship@hope4malawi.org

---

Can you help a child in Malawi?

Thanks to the support of our partners, sponsors, fundraisers and volunteers, Hope4Malawi's Youth Development programmes, building projects, resourcing initiatives, and student sponsorships continue to provide life-changing opportunities for children in rural Blantyre.

Contact us for further information on how to get involved.