My name is Tina Manda, born in Livingstone, Zambia, near the great Victoria Falls. I am 28 years old and come from a hardworking family of five. My mother is a single parent, and though it has not been easy to get by, she has always provided the basics for us.
I met Marsha through her work at the Mama Bakhita Cheshire Home where my niece has been a student for ten years. When I graduated from high school I entered several diploma courses (these were not official degree programs-MW) in business to improve my chances of finding a job. In the last three years I have taken purchasing and supply courses (purchasing and supply is the buying of products and services for the smooth running of an organization). With partial sponsorship from the AACDP I have managed to reach an advanced diploma.
My country’s economy is very unstable right now and people have to really struggle just to earn enough for food and shelter. Getting a job is not easy even with all of my course work and practicums. Most of the advertised jobs are for people with a degree.
I am a good student and have been striving to finish my education for six years.
To achieve my goal I must complete two semesters more. My tuition and expenses cost $600 per semester, because I can live at home, and I have been very grateful to have the support of the AACDP for all these years. I will be qualified to work as a procurement officer, a stores officer and an inventory controller.
If I succeed in finding a job after graduating, my desire is to help others in my family continue in school and to somehow help the Mama Bakhita Cheshire school for disabled children that I have had a close connection to through my niece for ten years. One good job can make a difference in a family and even in a community.
Thank you and God Bless you.
Sincerely, Tina Manda
