Project 55 Zambia – Project 55

Join in giving the gift of education

Your donation will help Naomi, a young Zambian girl orphaned at age 6, achieve her dream of earning a Business Degree. Naomi has her college acceptance and will be studying here in the United States. All donations will go directly toward her education and travel expenses.

Obazuwa Community is located in South Region of Nigeria. The community shares common boundaries with Egbaen, Igbobi, Evbolekpen, Ikoro n’oke, and Agbomoba communities. Obazuwa is under the traditional control and administration of the Enogie, Prince Edun Akenzua MFR, who has been the Duke of the community since 1988 when he was installed by Oba Erediawa. Obazuwa community is populated by predominantly subsistence farmers who grow cassava and Yam. The community host individuals from other ethnic groups including Urhobos and kwales from Delta State who over the years have enjoyed the hospitality and warmth of Obazuwa indigenes. The community is approximately 12miles from the City centre and has received very little infrastructural attention from successive administrations in spite of the proximity to the heart of the State and huge economic opportunities and Natural resources. These years of abandonment has resulted challenges such as deplorable roads, lack of safe and steady flow of water (in fact, for so many years and even till date, a section of the community still rely on Oru river; a stagnant collection of water that dries up during the dry season as source of drinking water) poor health care facility, dilapidated market etc. These challenges over the years is responsible for the mass exodus of indigenes to the city to seek better life with better amenities and hope for their children. Project 55, together with HwH Steps Challenge is pledging to bless this Nigerian Community with a Clean Water Well. These families who desperately need clean running water to live and provide for their children. It only takes $5,500 to provide one well and a generator, together as a steps community! We can never understand the affect and how far our American dollars will have in these communities of abject poverty. They will be so grateful to have clean running water! The need is so GREAT!

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Any donation helps out Naomi!

Clean Water Well

UPDATES FROM NAOMI

Naomi Updates

October 2, 2019

My mother’s dream was to become a business woman. Even though we had no money, she tried to start a business selling sweets and tomatoes. She became ill and died before she could see her dream fulfilled. Even though I was young, I could see her desire, and she passed the desire to be a business woman on to me. Since that time, I have worked hard in school and have learned the value of education. My dream is to earn a degree in Business and Finance, so that I can achieve my goals to become a business woman. My dreams and my mother’s dreams are becoming a reality.

God is truly doing wonderful things in my life. I have three families who love and care for me, and they are working hard to help me succeed. I want to thank them for allowing God to use them in my life. I call myself blessed!! It feels like a dream come true to have this opportunity to study in the United States. God has granted me the desires of my heart. I was accepted at Richland College in Dallas, Texas, USA. My sponsor during my school years through grade 12, Katie Leigh and Preston, have invited me into their home during my stay in the States, while I receive my Business Degree. I am so excited to see my mommy (Katie Leigh), whom I have not seen in eight years. I remember the last time we were together in Zambia and how hard it was to say goodby to her. I thought I would never see her again, though she kept supporting me in my education. God has His own plans and His own right time. I will be able to see her again everyday!!

I want to thank everyone who is supporting me, helping me to achieve my dreams. Our Heavenly Father will truly reward you all.

Naomi

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Testimonials

I first met Naomi in Zambia in January 2017. I spent much time at Ganny’s house, where Naomi lived. I got to know a few of the girls, including Naomi, during my stay. I was impressed with Naomi right away. She was one of four or five who were so welcoming, so wanting to have conversation and prayer with my sister and me. All had hard stories and painful pasts, but they worked hard to overcome, to learn, to achieve more than what they had known. In a country where only 5% graduate from high school, it takes perseverance, hard work, and financial support to be included in that 5%. Naomi is an overcomer, a good student, with much determination and perseverance. She is a young woman who can make a difference in her country, after her education here. I was blessed to see her again January 2019, and I look forward to seeing her state side.

— Beverly Middleton

I met Naomi for the first time in 2007 when I attended Camp Life with Family Legacy. She was in my group of kids and we had an instant connection. She was a leader among her peers and so funny. She was always our line leader and often helped me with various tasks throughout the day. After Camp Life finished that summer, I began sponsoring her.

From there I had the opportunity to go to her home and meet her family the next summer. She was also part of my group again and our friendship continued. That summer she confided in me that she was moving to Tanzania and would be living with another family member. She was not looking forward to the move and I was nervous as well because I would not be able to continue sponsorship and staying connected would be very difficult. Ultimately, we ended up finding her a place at Tree of Life where she flourished over the next several years until she graduated from High school.

The following two summers I served on summer staff with Family Legacy and had the opportunity to spend a lot more time with Naomi during my time off. She continued to be a leader among her friends and served in church. She excelled in her studies and I am inspired and encouraged by her drive to continue her education.

From 2007-2018 I had the opportunity to invest in her life and education through sponsorship. I am now so humbled and grateful that others have seen the potential in this incredible girl and want to share in helping her achieve her goals!

— Katie Leigh Smith