Child Sponsorship Program

Finish Strong sponsors students from Grade 1 through post university career placement

Primary School

Finish Strong Zambia has an active Primary School Child Sponsorship Program for students from Grade 1 to 7, providing access to the following benefits:

  • Enrollment in either private school or quality government school near the child's home.
  • All school enrollment fees, tuition fees, PTA fees, and testing fees.
  • A brand new school uniform (pants, shirts, sweater, socks, and school shoes) every year!
  • A full supply of all required school supplies (books, pens, pencils, and backpack) every year!
  • Household Food Blessing (a full, household-wide food distribution of basic staples three times a year).
  • Access to basic medical care and intervention as needed.
  • Monthly in-home visits by our social work team to check on the child and assess the changing household dynamics.
  • Weekly school visits with the children and their teachers by Student Life Advisors.
  • Regular discipleship curriculum and spiritual mentoring by our counseling team.
  • Prayers and encouragement from their sponsor via online letters, photos, and videos.
Lukonde, Mary 2

Junior and Senior Secondary School

Our sponsorship program for students from grades 8–12 provides the following benefits:

Phiri, Betty 1
  • Enrollment in either private school or quality government school near the child's home.
  • All school enrollment fees, tuition fees, PTA fees, and testing fees.
  • A brand new school uniform (pants, shirts, sweater, socks, and school shoes) every year!
  • A full supply of all required school supplies (books, pens, pencils, mathematical set, scientific calculator,and backpack).
  • Financial Reward Bonus Program for students achieving good grades on their national exams.
  • Household Food Blessing (a full, household-wide food distribution of basic staples three times a year).
  • Access to basic medical care and intervention as needed.
  • Monthly in-home visits by our social work team to check on the child and assess the changing household dynamics.
  • Weekly school visits with the children and their teachers by Student Life Advisors.
  • Regular discipleship curriculum and spiritual mentoring by our counseling team.
  • Prayers and encouragement from their sponsor via online letters, photos, and videos.

STEM Boarding Schools

Students in Zambia who score in the top tier of grades on their Grade 7 or Grade 9 National Exam have the opportunity to attend one of the more prestigious STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) boarding schools located throughout the country. Finish Strong actively places our qualified students in these STEM boarding schools, giving them the best possible chance to get into the best universities in Zambia and even other parts of Africa.

Covered walkway lined with potted greenery
Students focused on writing at desks in a classroom.

Specialized Tutoring Program

Headed up by our Senior Secondary Education Specialist and Academic Advisor, Mr. Richard Maluza, Finish Strong Zambia provides private tutoring services for students preparing to take their Zambian National exams. A specialized tutoring plan is custom-designed to fit each student’s particular area of academic need. Prior versions of the National Exam are used as mock tests to prepare the student for what the actual exam will look and feel like. Additionally, a separate tutoring program is available for students who need to retake certain subjects or improve their scores in order to gain access to better colleges and universities.

High School Graduation

Each year in early December, Finish Strong Zambia celebrates our newest Grade 12 graduates with a wonderful ceremony, professional photos, and framed diplomas and pictures! It is a great opportunity for them to invite their family to join in the celebration of the first major “finish strong” milestone of completing 12 years of school! Following graduation, all of our students are enrolled in a 2-month Internship Intensive at our office as they prepare for the next stage of their educational journey. Click here to see more information on our philosophy on gap year or foundation year programs following Grade 12.

Graduate holding diploma in green gown

Trade and Technical School

Finish Strong Zambia believes strongly in giving each one of our students the best possible chance at succeeding and becoming an independent and thriving member of society. For some, that is university, but for others, learning a trade or skill is a better pathway for them to be able to finish strong and gain their independence! Because of our deep connections and experience in the country, we have forged strategic partnerships with some of the best and oldest technical and trade schools in Zambia. This enables our students to get preferred access to the best institutions and receive truly hands-on and customized training in the following areas:

  • Automotive Mechanics and Commercial Driver’s License
  • Heavy Machinery
  • Power Electrical
  • General Hospitality and Food Production
  • Carpentry
  • Plumbing and Pipe Fitting
  • Metal Fabrication and Welding
  • Cosmetology

Our trade programs are all Zambian TEVETA-certified programs that are customized to each student and can range from 6 months to 24 months depending on the level and type of trade.

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Students seated in a classroom taking an exam.

College and University

For those students who achieve high scores on their Grade 12 National Exam, they have the opportunity to attend one of the many colleges or universities throughout Zambia. Finish Strong Zambia has strategic partnerships with a number of the top universities, both public and private. Based on the particular field of study that a student wishes to go into, we handle everything involved in getting our students accepted and registered in these schools. 

  • Bachelor of Business in Finance and Accounting
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing
  • Bachelor of Science Computer Science and Information Technology
  • Bachelor in Business Administration
  • Bachelor of Arts in Education
  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical)
  • Diploma in Social Work
  • Diploma in Human Resource Development
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Congratulations, Upana!
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Congratulations, Natasha!
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Congratulations, Ngambo!
Two students sitting at a table, smiling and using laptops.

Final Launch

The Final Launch Program for our Finish Strong students is the “last lap around the track” in their journey of becoming independent and productive adults in society. Finish Strong has leveraged our extensive experience and relationships with a number of professional companies and corporate entities to secure coveted internships and actual full-time job placements. We have an internal “Career Placement Office” that works with our students to polish their curriculum vitae, refine their office and email etiquette, acquire the appropriate office attire, and then go through mock interviews in preparation for their corporate placements.

We also have a similar program for our graduated trade school students to secure a full apprenticeship within their area of training with an ultimate placement for employment.