You really need to read this story about a girl without shoes or money who worked hard at school and now has the opportunity to change her life chances forever. Gertrude lives in Livingstone in Zambia Southern Province. She is 21 years old. She grew up in a family of six and is the second born child. Her parents make money by selling fried dough balls, scones and Munkoyo (a drink made from maize water) at a local market, or by finding casual work.
Gertrude has worked hard at school, winning various prizes and awards, and is now pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Finance. Because of her hard work, she knows that “..that one day my family will be better off financially.”
This is because of Gertrudes’ natural ability and the opportunity given to her by the African Impact Foundation. Through the Foundation, Gertrude is sponsored to complete her education and in her words to meet her “goal of being an International Accountant and a Chief Finance Officer not just in my country but worldwide. To become the first recognised accountant with a difference and making a change not just in my family and also to inspire those that have lost hope. Through what I do they can have belief in themselves that they can, because it is possible and to help those in need like l have been helped.”
Gertrude: We’re supporting her to fulfil her dreams
Going to school and onto university costs a lot of money for poor families in Zambia. Without money, children cannot get an education without going into debt. When the Foundation first approached Gertrude, she had debts she could not repay, no shoes, no school bag, and no stationery. But she persevered thanks to the knowledge that through education, she could change her own life and that of her family. Gertrude was sponsored through school and today, HB Accountants is sponsoring her tertiary studies.
“The sponsorship is like a driving force that is giving me hope that I will do it because of the help and support I receive. This is how I see them helping me achieve my goal.”
Our global responsibility: Why we are investing in the accountancy studies for the younger generations
We took on our first apprentice over 12 years ago when we could see firsthand the demand for opportunities to learn from real-life experience. We developed our own apprenticeship scheme to teach the skills that our industry needs and our clients demand. Since then, apprenticeships have gained in popularity across many industries, and governments are now heavily promoting their benefits. We can proudly share that we have supported 16 apprentices to develop new skills and gain a plethora of experience that has enabled them to move onto careers both within and outside of the accountancy world.
We recognise that young people in other countries may not have access to the same opportunities as our people in the UK. After a great deal of research and due diligence, we have committed to supporting Gertrude through the African Impact Foundation. For Gertrude, there is the potential for positive long term impact for her, and for her community as she gains skills that will bring in much-needed money and that she can share across her community.
African Impact Foundation
The Africa Impact Foundation equips young people with education and skills to move out of poverty by improving access to education by sponsoring school fees, enhancing school facilities, and providing after-school study spaces. There is particular support for girls and young women who are impacted by widespread gender inequality. By empowering young women to be confident and become leaders, they are increasing their capability to move entire communities out of the cycle of poverty.
Our reflections about supporting young people
Our main reason for supporting young people is because we benefited from a similar opportunity when we were starting out in our careers. This wasn’t a formal apprenticeship scheme but it was ‘on job’ training. We want to offer the same to the young people today.
We cannot deny that there are benefits to our business too for this commitment to education and training. We will grow the skills that we need and our clients demand and guide our future managers and directors to always deliver in the HB way.
We’re going to close this blog with Gertrude’s own words about the empowerment that comes from education and having a belief in the future.
“To my fellow students in a similar situation, I would advise them that all hope is not lost and at the moment when we think it’s over that is when there is a breakthrough. Keep going and have belief in a better tomorrow.”
Maybe you would be interested in sponsoring a young person too?
HB Accountants: delivering learning opportunities for young people
If you’d like to learn more about Gertrude and the African Impact Foundation, our own apprenticeship programme in the UK, about our recent awards including from the Department of Education naming us SME Employer of the Year for the east region, or about how HB is supporting young people with work experience, apprenticeships and other training opportunities, please contact us and sign up for our blogs.
The information contained above is for general guidance purposes only. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the contents are accurate, please note that each individual has different circumstances and it is essential that you seek appropriate professional advice before you act on any of the information contained herein. HB Accountants can accept no liability for any error.
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