Teddy: A Legacy of Growth, Impact, and Giving Back at Amos Youth Centre

By Annabel Mumba
Annabel Mumba is AYC’s Donor Relations Coordinator in Zambia. She is a Scholarship Fund recipient, high school graduate and current college student, and also one of our Success Stories.

Co-written by Pamela O’Brien, African Education Program’s Development Director, who is mentoring Annabel as she pursues a journalism degree.

Teddy is excited for his future and for the future of the many alumni who walk through the doors of AYC’s Learning & Leadership Center in Kafue.

Teddy’s journey with the Amos Youth Centre (AYC) is a testament to the power of mentorship, resilience, and opportunity at the Learning & Leadership Center in Kafue, Zambia. An alumnus for over ten years, Teddy joined AYC in the 10th grade alongside his three close friends—Bernard K., Bernard M., and Masmo. The group, famously known as the “Four Musketeers,” remains among the most inspiring alumni AYC has ever nurtured.

Teddy was almost two years old when his father passed away. Raised by his single mother alongside his three sisters, he grew up facing many hardships. However, his mother’s unwavering support and the intervention of the Amos Youth Centre (AYC) helped shape his academic and professional journey. With the support of the AYC Scholarship Program, Teddy was able to complete high school at a time when secondary education in Zambia was not free. After graduating, he took a two-year break before college, during which he gave back to his community by teaching Science and Math and leading the Chess Club—a game he continues to play today.

The College Prep Program at AYC has been instrumental in shaping the futures of many young people like Teddy. This one-year program helps high school graduates develop the academic and personal skills necessary to thrive in higher education. AYC has over 50 College Prep Program students and 70 college and university students, all benefiting from this structured support system. By equipping youth with the right tools, AYC is ensuring that more young people achieve their dreams and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

When it was time for college, Teddy ‌aspired to become a doctor, motivated by the suffering he witnessed in his community. However, through self-discovery and development in AYC’s College Prep Program, he found his genuine passion—solving economic challenges in Zambia. This revelation led him to pursue a degree in Economics at the University of Zambia.

With AYC’s support, Teddy‌ applied for a student loan from the Zambia Higher Education Loans and Scholarship Board (HELSB), with AYC providing proof of his financial need. Through the AYC College Scholarship Fund, his accommodation and meals were covered, removing any financial barriers to his education.

AYC hired Teddy along his friend Masmo as its Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Coordinators after their graduation. In this role, he tracked program impact and measured growth which helped to tell AYC’s success stories. This first job was not only a dream come true but also an opportunity for him to provide for his aging mother while also sharpening his professional skills.

“AYC kickstarted my career. Everything I know about the workplace, I learned there. The environment was welcoming, even for a beginner like me. They saw my potential and believed in my abilities.”

— Teddy reflected on his journey.

Teddy’s experience at AYC opened more doors. Today, he works at Absa Bank Zambia PLC as a Loans Collection Officer. In this role, he uses his financial expertise to assist clients in restructuring their loans while ensuring the bank recovers its funds. He finds great satisfaction in problem-solving and negotiation, applying his love for numbers to real-world economic challenges.

Despite his busy career, Teddy remains attached to AYC. As an active alumnus, he serves as the Treasurer of the AYC Alumni Committee, where he strengthens alumni connections and empowers fellow youths through financial literacy initiatives. His commitment to inspiring current AYC students with the stories of alumni like himself is fervent.

“I am committed to building a supportive alumni network that not only uplifts each other but also contributes to AYC’s mission. The opportunities AYC provided me changed my life, and I want to ensure future generations have the same support.”

— Teddy continues to inspire his peers.

A strong alumni network is essential for AYC as it provides mentorship, career guidance, and financial support for current students. Alumni who have successfully navigated their professional journeys can offer invaluable insights and opportunities to younger members, ensuring a cycle of empowerment and success. By staying engaged, alumni contribute to the long-term sustainability of programs, fostering a community where everyone has a chance to thrive.

Teddy’s journey is one amongst over 200 AYC alumni who have graduated from trade schools, colleges, or universities, and one of over a thousand high school graduates supported by the program. His story, alongside his friends, two economists, and one medical doctor, is a powerful testament to what happens when an organization believes in small dreams and turns them into reality.

The impact of AYC goes beyond Teddy and his peers. It is a ripple effect that continues to transform lives, families, and communities. As Teddy continues to grow in his career and personal life, his commitment to giving back ensures that the next generation of AYC students will have the same opportunities he had, if not more.

His journey is not just a success story but a legacy in the making.