Kenneth’s extraordinary story is living proof of the ‘ripple effect’ that VSO volunteers can have. Their impact on people’s lives can be far more profound than they ever imagine. Here Kenneth shares his story.
My name is Kenneth and I joined VSO’s finance team in 2015. I hadn’t yet discovered the impact VSO had already had on my life.
I grew up in a very poor family in Zambia. When my dad died, my schooling would have ended if a family friend hadn’t offered to support me. I loved learning and I knew education was my only way out of poverty.
I was always good with numbers and I felt so fortunate that there was a remarkable Maths teacher at my school. His name was Dan Strutt and he was from the UK. Mr Strutt understood that I didn’t have money for pencils or schoolbooks, let alone for continuing my education. But he told me that shouldn’t hold me back and I went on to get excellent results. When I finished school, Mr Strutt helped secure me a full college scholarship.
I wouldn’t be where I am today without him. So we kept in touch and, years later, when I started at VSO, there was finally a chance to meet up again. I called Mr Strutt (now my friend, Dan!) to let him know I was visiting London. He asked me, “Who is your employer, Kenneth?” I will never forget the silence that followed my answer. Dan couldn’t believe it when I said, “VSO.”
I heard him say, “But Kenneth we’ve come full circle. It was VSO who sent me to you.” Tears rolled down my face when I realised what VSO had done for me so many years before. That’s why this is more than a job for me. I only have to look at my own life to understand the lasting difference that one volunteer can make.
Today, the cycle of poverty is broken. My children’s lives are very different from mine. So please, if you can, continue your support today and help change more lives with the gift of an education.
Tears rolled down my face when I realised what VSO had done for me so many years before."
Every school said no to Sohail. Will you help give children with disabilities an education?
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But real change happens when people like you choose to act. Please donate today to ensure no child is alone and no dream is out of reach.
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