Elivia (second from left) and Benitha (fourth from right) on graduation day

“Let’s pray to God. I am sure he will make a way,” said Elivia’s village pastor, Stanley. Elivia had asked him if he could help her to continue her studies somehow. Elivia’s father had died, and she hadn’t been able to complete secondary school.

The month after her request, Pastor Stanley called and asked if Elivia would like to join Muleba Ladies College, a new vocational school built with support from Anglican Aid, run by the Anglican Diocese of Lweru.

“I can’t explain how happy I was!” said Elivia. “I thank God for Anglican Aid who established this college to educate young girls from families facing severe poverty and for giving me a chance to be a Muleba Ladies College student. Really, I testify if I could not be here, I do not know what my life would be.”

Elivia explained that she knew of other young women from poor families who were taking drugs and living on the street. Elivia has learned tailoring and how to start and run a business, so she has a way to make a living.

Elivia was in the first cohort of 20 students who graduated from Muleba in July this year. Another graduate, Benitha, was also living in difficult circumstances when she was given the opportunity to go to Muleba Ladies College. Her father had died before she was born, and her mother had abandoned the family, leaving Benitha’s grandparents to raise her.

“Previously I never trusted in God because I used to ask myself: ‘If there really is a God, why is he not changing my mother’s behaviour to compel her to take care of her kids?’” said Benitha. “Since I joined this college, I have experienced spiritual growth. I can read the Bible, pray together with my colleagues, and attend church fellowship. I am taking sewing courses and entrepreneurship.

Right now, I would like to be a clothes designer which can help me to get some money and improve my life and the lives of my young siblings. God is good – he opened a door and provided an opportunity for me to join Muleba Ladies College!”

Pray:

• Praise God that Muleba Ladies College is giving young women skills to earn an income while encouraging their faith.