From Heartbreak to Hope
The Story Behind Clement’s Journey to India
By Nelly Mwanza, Freelance Journalist and EOH Young Adult
Before joining Every Orphan’s Hope, Clement’s life was marked by turmoil after turmoil. He lost both of his parents by the age of five and was taken in by his uncle and grandfather in a rural, poverty-stricken area of southern Zambia. Because of the circumstances, many of Clement’s basic needs went unmet. He rarely had three meals a day, often went to bed hungry, and lacked adequate clothing and shoes. Though school was possible, the 1-mile walk proved too challenging for his young body.
Through it all, with the mercies of our heavenly father, Clement persevered. In 2007, when he was 9 years old, he was chosen as one of the orphaned children to enroll in Every Orphan’s Hope. The referral came from a local church in Lusaka, which, at the time, worked hand-in-hand with EOH to identify orphaned children in Zambia who needed help.
A START OF SOMETHING NEW!
Moving into a home with a loving mom and new brothers and sisters was life-changing for Clement. After growing up without the stability of a healthy family, this new environment was a source of healing and hope for his young heart. For the first time, he experienced what being part of a nurturing family meant. The values he learned helped him form strong bonds with his new siblings and connect with the mother figure he never had. Slowly, Clement let down his guard and allowed his new mom to show him the motherly love he’d been missing. “I was so excited having someone to call Mom,” he recalls. Mama Florence nurtured and shaped Clement with the love and care that every child deserves, raising him from a young boy into the man he is today. “To me, mama Florence is just like my biological mom and I still run to her for help and prayers when I am faced with difficulties,” he says.
Losing his parents at a tender age left Clement searching for closure and the parental love he desperately needed. Despite the care of his guardians, he always felt something was missing, like his life was an incomplete puzzle. But when Mama Florence came into his life, all of that changed. With her, Clement no longer had to wonder if he was loved, special, or wanted—she made sure he knew he was.
THE ADVENTURE BEGINS
On August 7, 2024, Clement left for India to pursue his master’s in Economics at Dibrugarh University. With great determination and gritty personality, he decided to advance his already prestigious bachelor’s degree in Economics from Mulungushi University. This opportunity came about through a 100% scholarship he obtained through the Indian embassy in Lusaka after an arduous process of applying to more than nine embassies!
On the day of his departure, Clement had some advocates by his side. Gary Schneider, founder of Every Orphan’s Hope, was providentially in Lusaka and was thrilled to be part of the sendoff. The Young Adult’s Life Skills Supervisor, Esther Denisha, also joined in. But the one person Clement knew he needed most of all to see him off on this journey was Mama Florence – the Mama who had shaped him into the man now ready to embark on such an adventure.
With long prayers and big hugs, Clement, who had never traveled on an airplane, departed on the first of four flights over the next fourteen hours.
Mama Florence is so proud of the responsible young man Clement has grown into and was ecstatic to be at the airport with Clement to send him off on this grand adventure! In pondering his educational journey, Mama Florence remarked, “As mothers, we are also learning that when we take good care of these children, they get to prosper and reach their full potential.” Clement’s ambitions and resilience prove Mama Florence’s outstanding care and love for Clement.
NAVIGATING A FOREIGN COUNTRY
Clement’s start to school was fast and furious! Classes had already started before he arrived, so he was immediately in catch-up mode. His daily routine begins with early morning classes, followed by study sessions at the library while he works to get caught up and learn the Indian education system and curriculum.
Clement has quickly realized just how crucial language is, especially when it comes to making friends. The language barrier makes it challenging to connect with the locals. However, he’s having a much easier time bonding with his fellow international students, as most of them are more comfortable with English.
He’s really enjoying learning about different cultures, including those of South Asia and the other African nations represented at the university. He also loves the privileges that come with being an international student, such as the constant check-ups by their matron to make sure they are well fed.
Speaking of food, Clement remarked that realizing that Zambian’s staple food, nshima, was nowhere to be found was a “gut punch!” Nonetheless, he is adjusting well and is eager to advance his taste buds with Indian cuisine.
WHAT’S NEXT
Clement dreams of starting an economic research and consultancy firm and has even taken the first steps to register his business. “In addition to that, I aim to work for prestigious organizations where I can offer my economic skills as well becoming a lecturer or mentor others in the field,” he said.
LIFE RENEWED
Today, Clement draws deep inspiration from his upbringing, a testament to God’s providential care through Every Orphan’s Hope. Though his childhood was marked by the loss of his parents, a shattered sense of identity, and a lack of hope for a better life, God restored what was taken from him—and more. EOH provided him with a stable, loving family, a mother, and newfound brothers and sisters who truly embody the warmth of a real home. Alongside this, he gained access to basic needs, education, and, most importantly, was introduced to Christ and His boundless love. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering faithfulness of supporters who share God’s abundance with orphaned children around the world.
