Pupils today face a wide range of challenges that can affect both their academic performance and overall well-being. These include academic pressure from heavy coursework, tight deadlines, and competition for grades or scholarships. In addition, mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and burnout are increasingly common among learners.
Financial difficulties also pose a major obstacle, particularly for pupils from low-income families who struggle to afford tuition, school supplies, and other essential needs. Other challenges include peer pressure, distractions from technology, learning difficulties, lack of motivation, poor study habits, and family responsibilities that often compete with academic pursuits.
Addressing these challenges requires a holistic approach—one that includes institutional support such as counseling, financial assistance, and flexible learning systems, as well as personal discipline, effective time management, and strong community support from families and peers.
The Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church is among the institutions committed to supporting vulnerable pupils. In Zambia, a country located in Southern Africa where the Church also operates schools, individual congregations and members consistently dedicate time and resources to uplift those in need.
This support reflects the method of Jesus Christ—mingling with people, showing sympathy, meeting their needs, winning their confidence, and then inviting them to follow Him.
On December 4, 2025, Libala Seventh-day Adventist Church, under the Woodlands Conference of the Southern Zambia Union Conference, reached out to vulnerable pupils at Nachitete Primary School in Chongwe District, Lusaka Province. Through its Prayer Band ministry, the church donated assorted school items and spent time ministering to the pupils.
The Prayer Band was led by the church’s Personal Ministries elder, Stephen Tembo, with support from Children’s Ministries elder, Chiluba Kaite, and Women’s Ministries elder, Graham Mwanauta.
During the visit, members dedicated time to prayer, with sessions led by Elder Mwanauta and the Libala Church Clerk, Esther Kabalanyana Banda. The prayers focused on:
Healing for pupils suffering from illness
Academic success and the completion of education for all children
Good health for parents and guardians
Strength and support for teachers and the school administration
Blessings upon the government and cooperating partners
Among those present was Prosper Kanja, a professional teacher trained in Mathematics and Accounts, who shared words of encouragement with the pupils. She urged them to work hard, believe in themselves, and never feel inferior because of their background, reminding them of their value in society.
As part of the outreach, the Prayer Band donated various essential items, including:
Books
School uniforms
School shoes
Sanitary pads
Pens and pencils
Soap
In addition, prayers were offered for the pupils, teachers, and parents who were present during the visit.
Speaking on behalf of the teaching staff, Head Teacher Linus Brown Kataule expressed heartfelt gratitude to Libala Seventh-day Adventist Church for their generosity and support.
Isaac Bumi Chibakela, a Grade 4 pupil who spoke on behalf of his fellow learners, also conveyed sincere appreciation for the donation and encouragement received.
The Libala Adventist Church Prayer Band has reaffirmed its commitment to continue supporting vulnerable members of society through such impactful initiatives.
Author: Brian Hatyoka (Communication Secretary, Libala Seventh-day Adventist Church)
Photography: Chiluba Kaite