August Club Feature and Mentor Moment
Updated: Aug 23
Club Feature: Sungomukoshi
Finding Value at Sungomukoshi Girls Club
Reflections from Mentor Sunga Mwila
Based in Livingstone, Zambia, Sungomukoshi Girls Club was established in 2013 by Agness Yombwe, originally under the name Wayi Wayi Girls Club for Enrichment. Today, Sunga Mwila mentors 17 girls aged between 13 and 19 from six different schools across Livingstone.
Sunga is especially proud of the club's 15 alumni. Many are now studying, employed, or running their own businesses, but they continue returning to encourage and mentor younger girls.
The Meaning of Sungomukoshi
The club name comes from the Bemba proverb "Sungomukoshi ubulungu tabwayafya," which means, "Protect your neck; beads (wealth) are easy to find."
It reminds girls that their character, dignity, and well-being are far more valuable than material possessions. Sungomukoshi has become a reminder that while opportunities and success may come later, protecting who you are today is your greatest investment.
Art at the Heart
Art lies at the heart of Sunga's mentorship approach. As a mixed-media artist and Fine Arts graduate, she uses creativity as a tool for self-expression, healing, learning, and personal growth.
The girls love drawing, painting, crafts, singing, dancing, and role-play. Educational trips are another highlight because they expose them to opportunities beyond their own communities, while activities with the boys' club teach mutual respect and collaboration.
They also have meaningful conversations about healthy relationships, leadership, communication, financial literacy, goal setting, and decision-making. These discussions help the girls reflect on their lives while building practical skills for adulthood.
There is always music, dancing, laughter, and conversation, but most of all, there is a genuine sense of belonging. Every girl is welcomed, heard, and respected.
"We intentionally create a space where girls feel safe to ask questions, make mistakes, and grow without fear of judgment."
Challenges
"Poverty remains one of the greatest challenges affecting many of our girls. It can lead to school dropout, early pregnancy, transactional relationships, and limited opportunities. Many also struggle with low self-esteem, bullying, and peer pressure.
At our safe space, we believe lasting change begins with self-awareness. Before girls can decide where they want to go, they first need to understand who they are.
Through mentorship, counseling, life skills, and creative expression, they gain the confidence and practical tools to navigate life's challenges. We also expose them to new careers, professionals, and opportunities so they begin to realize that their circumstances do not define their future."
The Sisterhood
Chipo grew up in a single-parent household and wasn't able to pursue tertiary education immediately after school because of financial challenges. Although she applied unsuccessfully for a GSGC scholarship, she refused to give up.
Today, she is in her third year at David Livingstone College of Education. Along the way, she was crowned Miss DALICE before winning the Miss Personality title at the national level.
"One of my proudest moments came when Chipo returned to her former secondary school for teaching practice. We shared the same staffroom alongside teachers who had once taught her," shares Sunga.
Recently, one of our mentees asked Chipo to help prepare her for a pageant. She gladly mentored her, and that young girl went on to win Second Princess at the National Arts Secondary Schools Competition!
"One of the most beautiful outcomes of the club has been the sisterhood the girls have built. They study together, help each other with schoolwork, celebrate achievements, comfort one another during difficult times, and check in whenever someone is struggling. Perhaps our greatest success is that they no longer rely only on the mentors. They have become one another's support system."
Hopes and Dreams
"My dream is for the club to become a recognized center of excellence for girls' mentorship.
I hope we can reach many more girls, strengthen our alumni network, and create even more opportunities in education, leadership, entrepreneurship, and the arts.
Above all, I hope every girl leaves believing that her circumstances do not determine her future, and that she has the confidence, skills, and support to pursue her dreams."
Support from the CIRCLE
"The support from the Global Sojourns Giving Circle has been transformative.
Their financial support has enabled us to provide structured mentorship, creative learning materials, educational visits, and life skills programs.
Beyond funding, GSGC has connected us to a global network of mentors and organizations, encouraging innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning.
Most importantly, GSGC has helped ignite hope in the hearts of our girls. They have shown them that someone believes in their potential, and that belief has encouraged them to dream bigger, aim higher, and become trailblazers within their families and communities."
Expanding Possibility
Sungomukoshi Girls Club demonstrates what happens when young people are given a place where they feel seen, valued, and believed in.
Whether it's Chipo returning to mentor the next generation, alumni continuing to support one another, or girls carrying what they learn into their families, schools, and communities, the impact extends far beyond the walls of the club.
Each girl carries that confidence forward, creating new opportunities not only for herself, but for others, too.
You can help expand possibilities for more young people like the girls of Sungomukoshi Girls Club. Please make a gift today.
