Child Sponsorship

Advent, a ChildFund-supported child from Chibombo District, had long known the Forsters only through letters, photos, and the support that had significantly improved his life. But during the month of April 2025, that connection became real. The Forsters—Mr. Hans-Jurgen Forster, Chairman of the Board for ChildFund Deutschland, and his wife, Mrs. Renate Forster—traveled all the way from Germany to Zambia to see firsthand the difference their contributions are making.

“Meeting Advent was a deeply emotional moment for us,” said Mr. Forster. “For years, we have supported from afar but seeing his smile and knowing we’ve played a small part in his journey, it’s incredibly fulfilling.”

The Forsters’ visit was not just to reconnect with the child they support and to visit the communities they’ve helped uplift. In Mumbwa’s Shikapoli Community School, the couple saw the newly constructed two-classroom block and a functioning water reticulation system that they funded.

The transformation is evident. Today, 354 learners have access to clean, safe water, drastically improving both hygiene and attendance at the school.
“Before this project, our children walked long distances for water,” said a school representative. “Now, they can focus on learning. It’s more than a gift, it’s the future.”

In Chibombo, their generosity has taken another form—empowerment through skills. The Forsters donated sewing machines to a group of community volunteers, many of whom are caregivers and guardians of ChildFund-supported children. These machines are now fueling income-generating activities and giving families the tools to build more stable livelihoods.

ChildFund Zambia’s partnership with ChildFund Deutschland has long been anchored in trust, shared values, and the belief that children thrive when communities thrive. The Forsters’ visit has further strengthened that bond and reminded everyone of the personal stories behind development work.
For Advent, it was a dream come true. For the Forsters, it was a powerful reminder of the impact that love, commitment, and compassion can make across continents and cultures.
“Our hearts are full,” Mr. Forster concluded. “Zambia feels like home.”