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Hi Friends. Meet Ezra, one of the five students I am helping attend college through my fundraiser.

My name is Ezra Mulenga Chansa. I am compelled to share my story, driven by an unyielding passion for engineering and a determination to defy the limitations imposed by my circumstances. I am 18 years old and hold a Grade 12 Certificate of Completion. I am from Mufulira, a town in the Copperbelt Province of Zambia. I currently live in Livingstone, the tourist capital of Zambia. I am one of four children to my mother and father. I enjoy football, organized debates, and volunteering with the City Council’s Clean-up initiative since November 2023. I aspire to study engineering at Northern Technical College, in Ndola, Zambia.

The engineering field resonates deeply with me because I am fascinated by the intersection of mathematics and science. The engineering field will allow me to apply theoretical concepts to real-world problems.

I envision a future where I can leverage my entrepreneurial spirit with engineering to provide innovative solutions for my community. For example, I would like to establish a sustainable business that provides engineering services, mentors young people in STEM fields and entrepreneurship, and contribute to Zambia’s infrastructure development.

My academic journey has been marked by resilience and perseverance. During high school, I faced financial difficulties that threatened my ability to continue. I passed my grade seven exam but could not move to grade eight because of financial challenges. I had to wait one year for my family to raise money for me to continue school.

Participating in extracurricular activities, like debate club and football, refined my critical thinking, public speaking, and teamwork skills. My involvement in the debate club opened doors to remarkable opportunities. In 2023, I met Jessy, a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer, while participating in one of her debate projects. She recognized my mentorship skills and appointed me as a mentor for her programs. I worked closely with Jessy on several projects, including the Boys Respecting Others (BRO) Camp, where I educated adolescent boys on leadership and healthy relationships. Upon completing high school, I continued to work with Jessy, helping establish BRO clubs in local schools.

After Jessy’s contract ended, Murphy, another U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer, took over. I was honored to assist Murphy in organizing a debate competition among four schools and another BRO Camp. These experiences solidified my ability to lead, guide, and share knowledge with others. I have a deep desire to go to college. However, financial constraints threaten to derail my aspirations. My parents’ combined income is irregular and insufficient, making them unable to sponsor my education.

I am truly grateful for the opportunity Jessy has created to help me go to college and share my potential with my community. I witnessed my elder brother struggle after completing high school without further education. It was a stark reminder of the consequences of unfulfilled potential. With the support of generous donors, I am determined to chart a different course. This sponsorship would bridge the gap between my potential and the financial obstacles that stand in my way. I pledge to maximize this opportunity, harnessing every resource to achieve academic excellence and create a lasting impact.

Your support would forever change the trajectory of my life.

-Ezra Mulenga Chansa

Learn more about my fundraiser project here.