Registered UK Charity 1071660
Kasalapo - A CHEP Success Story
This is Kasalapo Lungu, who has just qualified as an accountant in Kitwe. He was supported by Cecily’s Fund as part of the Peer Health Education programme, and recently wrote to tell us how positive an impact this had on his life. Kasalapo lost his father whilst studying at primary school, and his mother worked so hard that he didn't always have the support he needed. Studying as a PHE helped him realise his potential and gave him the confidence to follow his dream of becoming an accountant. “I am where I am today because of the knowledge I acquired while serving as a Peer Health Educator at CHEP under the Cecily’s Fund Programme,
and all the people who have been there for me along the way. My journey to where I am today has not been easy at all, a lot more negative than positive factors have affected the rate at which I developed my career. I decided to study accountancy while in primary school, when after my father’s death, I got access to an annual report from a company in which he was a shareholder. Annual reports, precisely the financial statements, performance reviews and company performance forecast and projections sections really drove me crazy. I kept asking my mum about the people that prepare such kinds of reports, until one day she told me that they’re prepared by accountants. From that day, I always wanted to be an accountant. After having a rough experience through school, I somehow managed to have results acceptable by university. While in my gap year, I volunteered as a Peer Health Educator at Copperbelt Health Education Project (CHEP) [one of Cecily’s Funds’ implementing partners]. While at CHEP, I realised that there was more to accounting
than just preparing financial statements and other accounting reports that fascinated the teenage me. In 2008, I applied for admission at the Copperbelt University under the School of Business for studies in accountancy which was a success. However, I applied for government financial support under the bursary scheme but was unsuccessful. My dream of becoming an accountant was seemingly not coming true. I never lost hope, knowing that there was no better alternative than attaining tertiary education at the university. During my third year, I had the privilege to intern for Mopani Copper Mines PLC for 4 months and then towards the end of the final academic year, Deloitte & Touche Zambia offered me the role of ‘audit associate’ beginning January 2013. I willingly accepted this role, as the scope of their work is within what I have always wanted to do. My current career position may be considered a success by some: I consider it work in progress. ” Thank you for all your donations which have allowed young people like Kasalapo to achieve their dreams.
Christmas Challenge 1st-7th December Can you help us raise £25,000 this Christmas for our programmes in Zambia? See your donation DOUBLE in value as we embark on our third annual matched funding challenge. Key donors have already pledged to match donations made between the 1st and 7th December 2013. To take part in the challenge, and double your donation, please go to www.mydonate.bt.com/events/cecilysfundchristmas between 1st and 7th December and donate! Thank you. You can contact us on tel: 01993 358 089, email: admin@cecilysfund.org or via our website: www.cecilysfund.org 1