Hopeson's Story

Meet Hopeson, a student at Lifesong Vocational Technical Centre.

The Lifesong Vocational Technical Centre, or LVTC for short, is a trade school that was opened in 2021 as an opportunity for students who were not excelling academically but had the desire to learn other skills that could open career opportunities. Right now, the LVTC offers classes such as bricklaying, auto mechanics, food preparation, sewing, and electrical.

The LVTC is offered first to our students, but any additional open spots are open to individuals in the neighbouring communities who did not go to school and are looking for ways to gain job skills.  This is how we met Hopeson.

Hopeson is 23 and grew up in Chipata Compound, which surrounds the Lifesong Harmony School and LVTC. His parents come from different tribes and originally lived in North-Western Zambia. Due to a lack of jobs, they moved themselves and their 8 children, including Hopeson, to the Kitwe area in hopes of a better life. Shortly after moving, Hopeson’s parents decided to go their separate ways and his mother took on the responsibility of raising the children alone. Then, in 2008 Hopeson’s mother tragically died, leaving all 8 children without any parents to care for them.

“It has been hard for us.”

Hopeson was only 7 when his mother died, yet he and his siblings had to take care of themselves; searching for food and trying to sleep with empty stomachs became a regular occurrence. Life felt lonely and it was hard to simply survive. For years Hopeson would work whatever jobs he could find, but because he had no formal education his options were limited. Thankfully, that all changed in November of 2021.

 Hopeson’s friend found a poster that was advertising interviews for the LVTC. Feeling like he had nothing to lose, Hopeson decided to apply and was accepted shortly after.

“I have a future now.”

Hopeson isn’t shy to share how Lifesong has impacted his life. “It gave me the opportunity to be someone in life. I can bring positive change to my family and community now.” This positive change he plans to make is not only due to the career opportunities he will have upon graduating from the LVTC; it is also because of the work God has done in his life since coming to Lifesong. Hopeson grew up knowing about God and he went through some challenges that nearly took his life. In that season he realized that only the hand of God could save him, and he gave his life to Christ. Being at Lifesong has helped Hopeson deepen his relationship with God; through daily devotions and mentorship from pastors, Hopeson is inspired to keep growing and maturing into the person God has made him to be.

Because of people like you, Hopeson will be able to begin a sustainable career and overcome many of the barriers poverty had placed in his life. Thank you for supporting Hopeson, and for joining us in this work.