A dream that wouldn’t die
A new beginning in Ng’ombe
Driving up to his new school, I was overwhelmed with joy. Although it’s just a few steps away from his old former rented school building, it represents a brand new beginning in so many ways.
Nickton’s school, Generous Community School, has been our partner for nearly 13 years. At the beginning of our partnership, when I would drive into this school, the children would chant my name through the window, until I finally made it into their classrooms. I always had to make sure to enter and greet all 3 classrooms tucked around this small building.
A dream that would not die
For all 13 years and more, Nickton has carried a dream—to one day own his own school. With a sharp business mind and a charismatic spirit, he has faithfully planned and strategized toward that vision, inviting different individuals and organizations to come on board.
Yet time and again, those plans seemed to fall apart. And during those years, the community developed around him. With shops being built in front of his school blocking my entry and the children’s playground. With a church developing the land behind. Everyone was moving forward around Nickton, yet he never gave up.
Walking through the highs and lows
I have had the privilege of walking alongside Nickton through every high and low—through disappointment, through resilience, and through a hope that never faded.
This is the heart of Impact One.
If we want to see sustainable change, we cannot rush in to solve problems. Instead, we walk alongside our partners—equipping them through training, strengthening them through mentorship, and encouraging them spiritually and emotionally as they navigate the daily realities of working with limited resources.
Over the past 13 years, I have sat with Nickton countless times—listening, advising, and supporting as he pursued partnerships and refined his plans.
A dream fulfilled
And this year, his persistence, patience, and passion have finally paid off.
Through the support of partners, Generous Community School now owns its own land, and is building seven classrooms and an office.
A smiling Nickton in front of his new school
As I stood there, taking it all in, I found myself repeating, “Nickton… this has been your dream for so long.”
But he kept responding, “This is because of Impact One. This is your school.”
As we gently argued over who should take the credit, we both knew the truth: this is what partnership looks like.
What partnership makes possible
Lasting change happens when people come together—when local leaders are empowered to lead, and when others commit to walk alongside them. Through skills development, advocacy, and a whole lot of encouragement, dreams become reality.
All seven schools in the Chibanja network are now proud landowners—a powerful milestone for long-term sustainability.
Three schools began the journey with land and have used skills learned from Impact One to develop their schools by building classrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and more. But the other four have secured their own property during our partnership through effective partner engagement and inviting others to support their vision.
A foundation for the future
This is more than a milestone. It is a foundation for the future—evidence of what faithful partnership over time can produce. With land secured and schools strengthened, each partner is now able to focus fully on their calling: serving children with excellence, dignity, and hope, and building schools that will impact generations to come.