Hear from the next generation of teachers, doctors, nurses and pilots about their dreams for the future.

Mary Stokes
Mary Stokes
Communications officer, Malawi

Back to all stories | Posted on 06/18/18 in Zoom Into Zambia

“What do you want to be when you grow up?”  
 
This question is a favourite of mine, because you never quite know what answer you’re going to get – the options are as diverse as the day is long. It also encourages the students to talk about their hopes and dreams.  
 
For the children I meet, their dreams of a brighter future are important motivators to continue attending and performing well in school.  
 
Time and time again, when I ask the students who they look up to or admire, they will give me the name of a doctor or a teacher or even a brother, sister or friend who is educated or who has finished school, and by doing so, achieved independence. And it’s inspiring to see them also aspiring to do the same.  
 
But don’t just take my word for it, look through the photos below and hear from the children yourself. 
 
 

Open quote mark I am Alfred and I’m 14 years old. I want to be a policeman when I finish school because I love the idea of working for the police. I come to school because I know I’ll have a better future if I finish school. Close quote mark
Alfred, 14, Zambia
Open quote mark My name is Mike, and I’m 13 years old. I want to be a doctor when I finish school. I want to help sick people, and to be able to operate on them when they need it. From here, I want to go to Mambo boarding school for secondary school, as this will help me achieve my goal. Close quote mark
Mike, 13, Zambia
Open quote mark I am Eneless, and I’m 10 years old. When I finish school I would love to be a primary school maths teacher. Maths is my favourite subject to study at school. Close quote mark
Eneless,10, Zambia
Open quote mark My name is Memory and I’m 12 years old. I want to help others who are sick when I am older. I want to be a nurse. I come to school, so I can achieve my goals and help my family. Close quote mark
Memory, 12, Zambia
Open quote mark I am Mazyopa and I’m 13 years old. Mr Banda is my role model. He is a doctor at the clinic. I want to be a doctor like him when I finish school, so I can heal people and save lives. Close quote mark
Mazyopa,13, Zambia
Open quote mark My name is Feleisya. I am 13 years old. I want to be a teacher when I finish school, so I can be in a position to help my parents. I want to teach my favourite subjects – maths, English, science and Chinyanja. Close quote mark
Feleisya, 13, Zambia
Open quote mark I am Olivia. I am 14 years old. My school teacher here has inspired me to become a teacher myself when I finish school. I also want to be able to speak English fluently like her. Close quote mark
Olivia, 14, Zambia
Open quote mark My name is Hellen and I’m 11 years old. I want to work as a pilot when I finish school. It is a good job and I will be able to help my parents with their finances, and anyone else who is poor. I like to watch the planes taking off and landing at the airport. Close quote mark
Hellen,11, Zambia