At just 26 years old, Stanley Ngoma’s journey with ADRA Zambia is nothing short of remarkable — a powerful story of transformation, perseverance, and the ripple effect of opportunity.
Born into a humble family of four as the only male and third-born child, Stanley’s life took a new direction in 2018, right after he completed his certificate in psychosocial counselling. It was then that he joined ADRA as a project beneficiary through the Young and Empowered Project (YEP), a platform that would later shape his path in unimaginable ways.
As a peer counsellor for the Friendship Groups under the YEP project, Stanley provided support and guidance to fellow youths, helping create safe spaces for dialogue and healing. “I’ve always had a heart for community work,” he says. “The opportunity to serve through YEP gave me my first real chance to live that passion.”
In 2019, Stanley joined another impactful ADRA initiative – the Pick-It Project, which focused on recycling and youth empowerment. He received training on waste management and was instrumental in forming youth cooperatives that promoted environmental responsibility while creating livelihoods. The project ended, but Stanley’s journey with ADRA was only beginning.
“I stayed on as a full-time volunteer after the Pick-It Project,” Stanley recalls. “I took every opportunity seriously because it was a dream come true. I first heard about ADRA while in Grade 12 through Mtendere Main SDA Church, and since then, I knew I wanted to be part of this organization.”
Between 2021 and 2024, Stanley dedicated himself to volunteering, driven by purpose and a deep desire to uplift his community. In 2024, his commitment was recognized — he was offered a six-month contract as a staff member on ADRA’s Drought Response Project in Lusangazi.
“The experience was life-changing,” he shares. “I saw growth in my personal and professional life. I discovered skills I never knew I had, from leadership to small business management. It helped shape me into a better, more responsible person.”
Stanley’s contributions extended beyond the workplace. When his father stopped working in 2020, Stanley stepped in to support his family using the small transport allowances he received as a volunteer. That moment became a turning point — the start of his financial independence and personal growth.
Through ADRA’s capacity-building trainings, Stanley ventured into entrepreneurship. He now runs a popcorn machine business, offers delivery services, and owns a small computer shop. With monthly earnings between K3,000 and K3,500, he pays K950 rent for his own apartment and still supports his family with basic needs — a testament to how far he has come.
“ADRA didn’t just give me an opportunity,” Stanley says with a smile, “it gave me a purpose. I’m grateful for the platform, the mentorship, and the chance to give back.”
Stanley Ngoma is no longer just a former beneficiary — he is a beacon of hope and a living example of the impact that empowerment and opportunity can have on a young person’s life. Through his work, his business, and his story, he continues to inspire those around him — proving that with dedication and heart, transformation is possible.
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