Moses, a Former Sponsored Child, Set to Conquer Zambia’s Hospitality Industry

April 5, 2025

Moses is now Assistant Manager at one of the leading hotels in Lusaka.

Moses Banda didn’t always picture himself in a suit, managing high-end events in one of Lusaka’s top hotels. In fact, his journey into the hospitality world began with a simple part-time job and the consistent support of ChildFund.
Back when he was a Grade 11 student at Northmead Secondary School, Moses began working part-time at Suwilanji Gardens, a local events venue in Kalundu. That early exposure lit a spark.

“I didn’t know much about hospitality back then,” Moses says. “But once I started working in the field, I knew it was where I belonged. I loved the energy of the kitchen, the events, and the people. It was exciting, and I knew I had found my passion.”

But the foundation for Moses’ success was laid long before that first job. From Grade One through to university, he was a sponsored child under ChildFund, supported through the Lusaka Child Development Agency (LCDA).
“I honestly don’t know where I’d be without ChildFund and my sponsor,” Moses says. “They made sure I stayed in school. They gave me school supplies, mentorship, and reminded me that I could become something. That made all the difference.”

Moses is part of a generation of children who’ve benefited from ChildFund’s focus on education, well-being, and long-term support. The program helped him stay on track academically, while also nurturing the confidence and discipline he would later need to thrive in the workforce.

“Children like Moses are the reason we do what we do,” says Mwakamui Malambo, Manager of Lusaka Child Development Agency. “Our goal has always been to ensure that children not only stay in school but also dream big and believe in their potential.”

After finishing secondary school, Moses went full-time into hospitality. With each job, he gained new skills and enrolled in short courses to build his credentials—always balancing work and study.“The journey wasn’t always easy,” Moses recalls. “But I had the drive and the opportunity to keep learning while working. It was all about finding that balance.”

Today, Moses serves as the Assistant Manager of Meetings and Events Operations at one of Lusaka’s premier hotels. He plans and oversees a wide range of events, from weddings to corporate functions.“What I enjoy most about my work is seeing the results, the smiles, the appreciation, and knowing I played a part in someone’s special day,” he says. “It’s a fulfilling feeling.”

“I wouldn’t be where I am without ChildFund. That support carried me through school and kept me focused. My sponsor never met me in person, but their impact on my life was real and lasting,” he says.To children currently in ChildFund’s programs, Moses offers a simple message:

“Use the opportunity you have. Focus on your education and keep pushing forward. With hard work, you can go far—just like I did.”
Moses Banda’s story is a reminder of what steady support, access to education, and personal determination can lead to. It’s a story still unfolding—with each event he manages and every child who sees in him a reason to keep going.

Looking back, Moses remains deeply grateful for the role ChildFund and his sponsor played in helping him get here.

In 2024, ChildFund Zambia allocated 83% of its total operating expenses to programs supporting vulnerable children, families, and communities.