Alumni update: Cynthia’s Journey of Confidence and Purpose
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.
Cynthia smiles for the camera.
Cynthia’s laughter is infectious as she recalls her time at Amos Youth Centre (AYC) in Kafue, Zambia. “I was the grammar queen! And don’t even get me started on my drama club performances,” she jokes. Her story—a blend of resilience, ambition, and AYC’s transformative programs—showcases how a holistic, community-centered organization can ignite lifelong confidence and purpose.
Discovering AYC: A Lifeline After Loss
Cynthia’s journey with AYC began in 2007, a year after her father’s passing. Her mother, determined to secure opportunities for her children, connected with Mrs. Banda, a leader at AYC, who guided them toward the center’s educational support programs. Though initially seeking sponsorship for her older sister, Cynthia soon became a regular at AYC’s vibrant activities. “I was that adventurous little girl—always first in line for Scrabble or drama,” she recalls.
Alumni are the heartbeat of Amos Youth Centre and its Learning & Leadership Centre and Cynthia’s story is part of a powerful pattern at AYC: 90% of its staff are alumni, embodying its vision of an organization by alumni, for alumni. This self-sustaining model ensures that mentorship, leadership, and community impact come full circle.
Building Blocks of Confidence
AYC’s holistic programs shaped Cynthia’s formative years. Cynthia honed her public speaking skills through the debate club, where she confidently addressed crowds of peers and adults alike. She was also part of the Spelling Club, earning the title of "Grammar Queen." Her involvement in the Drama Club further boosted her confidence, laying the groundwork for her future endeavors. These experiences not only enhanced her educational foundation but also instilled in her a sense of self-assurance that would serve her well in adulthood. These programs, part of AYC’s mission to empower youth through education and leadership, gave Cynthia the tools to thrive.
“Speaking in front of crowds—even adults—taught me to articulate my ideas fearlessly.”
From Classroom to Career
After graduating from high school in 2015, Cynthia dedicated her gap year to giving back at the Centre, where she led the Spelling Bee Club and helped students write letters to their sponsors. She then enrolled at the University of Zambia to study Literacy and Languages, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in 2021. Today, Cynthia has embraced her role as an Administrative Assistant at a healthcare company in Lusaka.
Reflecting on her journey, she shares, “Every email I write, every presentation I give—it all traces back to AYC.” While her childhood dreams of becoming a pediatrician or lawyer have evolved, her passion for language, art, and creativity has remained constant. Currently, she is exploring photography, content creation, and fashion—living proof that “the world is my oyster!”
In her current role, Cynthia manages a variety of administrative tasks, including record keeping for both physical and electronic files, curating orders and ensuring adequate stock levels for clients, supervising the sales team, and handling the office calendars
This multifaceted job has taught her to be patient and understanding when interacting with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. This valuable experience she believes, will serve her well in future endeavors. She considers this role not just a job but a great stepping stone towards her ongoing professional growth.
Paying It Forward
Inspired by AYC’s impact, Cynthia now focuses on menstrual hygiene advocacy. She uses her voice to advocate for girls and women to have access to menstrual health products and services. She is passionate about speaking out on the importance of washrooms being made available in girls bathrooms in schools. “I want every girl at AYC to access sanitary pads and education—no one should miss school because of stigma,” she emphasizes. Her plans also include supporting AYC’s feeding program and mentoring students, mirroring the guidance she once received.
A Future Full of Light
Cynthia’s ambitions are as dynamic as her personality: she aims to launch ventures in photography, film, and language learning. “AYC taught me to dream big and act boldly,” she smiles. Her favorite memories? “Scrabble battles, poetry recitals, and dancing like no one’s watching!”
Cynthia’s story embodies AYC’s vision: empowering youth to break cycles of poverty and become leaders. Now a confident professional and advocate, her journey proves that anything is possible with community support, passion, and a little grammar-queen spark.
“AYC didn’t just change my life—it gave me the tools to change others’ lives too.”
