THE BANDA FAMILY

Gladys is blind. She has six children of her own that were ages 2 to 13 years when we met. In 2010, the two oldest boys, then 9 and 10 years old, assisted Gladys many days to walk to the mini-bus stand, travel to the produce market, purchase watermelons, pineapples, sweet potatoes, and other produce, and then travel to a market areas where many expatriates frequently shopped, and they attempt to sell their goods for a profit. Kelvin and Owen had developed regular customers that they chase down and provide with the choicest produce. They ensured that their mother received the correct amount for her sales, and after a long day lead her back home. They juggled their school attendance before and after work sessions. The family never begs, refuses money that is not committed to a purpose, and are always smiling. In 2015, Gladys’ sister passed away from AIDS leaving 6 children. As is typical in Zambia, care for orphaned children are assumed by surviving relatives, and Gladys inherited three additional children to her family, two nieces and nephew.

Her husband, who is also blind, miraculously received a job with the Ministry of Health in a hospital working as a telephone operator. The disappointment was that within a year of his employment he abandons the family while spending much of his salary on alcohol. So now, Gladys is the lone caregiver for a family of nine. 

Gladys household now includes Patience (25) who graduated top in her secondary school class and completed Clinical Officer Training in 2022; Ruth (24 niece) graduated but is unemployed; Kelvin (22) graduated and is now in a Tourist and Hospitality Training College; Sarah (21 niece) graduated but has struggled with a diagnosis of CNS Lupus; Owen (21) graduated and has a small media business, Mike (19 nephew) graduated, Benjamin (18) graduated and is also in Hospitality College, David (16) in grade 11, and Griffin (14) in grade 9. It is amazing that all nine have stayed in school, and Patience will be the first employable college graduate working in health care. Living Hope Clinical Foundation is helping this family with school fees for the children and emergency care needs when they arise. LHCF is also assisting the family with establishing income-generating activities in her neighborhood to help sustain their financial needs. Glady completed a course in computer skills with braille and is pursuing work as a telephone operator with the government.