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It is my pleasure to introduce another exceptional student, David Chasha. Read his story, share his story and make a donation to sponsor David’s post-secondary education.

My name is David Kapungwe Chasha. I am 19 years old and a recent high school graduate. I am eager to take the next step in my educational journey by pursuing an engineering degree at the Northern Technical College in Ndola, Zambia. I enjoy community service, assisting kids in school, volunteering at church and a local non-profit organization. These experiences instilled empathy and a desire to give back to my community.

My life has not been without challenges. After losing my mother in 2013, my father abandoned me and my siblings. We were left in the care of our elderly grandmother in Ndola. She struggled to provide for us. Fortunately, my maternal uncle, Mr. Sydney Kapungwe, stepped in and sponsored my education from Grade 3 to Grade 7.  When my uncle could no longer support me, my maternal aunt took me in, providing a loving home in Livingstone, Zambia. Despite being a peasant marketeer, she ensured we had food. And with the implementation of the government’s free education policy, I continued my studies.

My interest in engineering came from observing my elder brother’s passion for heavy equipment engineering. His dedication and success sparked a fire within me, and I am eager to follow in his footsteps. Throughout high school, I participated in poetry and debate clubs. This helped me develop my public speaking and critical thinking skills. I also earned the role of Student President and gained leadership skills with the support of my teachers.

In 2023, U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer Jessica Burnett introduced me to organized debate. I excelled as a speaker and led my school to victory in a debate against Nakatindi School. Jessica recognized my leadership skills and appointed me as a mentor for the Boys Respecting Others (BRO) Camp, where I facilitated leadership and substance use sessions.

In 2024, I worked with another U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer, Murphy Bleymeyer. I facilitated debate clubs in four schools and was recognized as the best mentor at a debate competition at Dalice College. My leadership skills created another opportunity for me as a Camp Mentor at Murphy’s BRO Camp, where I mentored young men and facilitated sessions about healthy relationships.

Pursuing Engineering at Northern Technical College will equip me with skills to contribute meaningfully to Zambia’s rising development. This sponsorship would alleviate financial burdens, allowing me to focus on academic excellence. My leadership roles and community service experiences have shaped me into a resilient and compassionate individual.

This sponsorship would be a lifeline, empowering me to break the cycle of poverty and create a brighter future for myself and those around me.

-David Kapungwe Chasha

Learn more about my fundraiser here.