John was abandoned by his own mother to fend for himself on the streets of Lusaka, Zambia at the tender age of just 3 years old.

Authorities rescued him from an uncertain future (to say the least) and brought him to the Kabwata Orphanage and Transit Centre, supported by Bread and Water for Africa®, and into the loving arms of founder and director Angela Miranda.

Nothing was known at the time about his background — not even his name — so he became known as John, and Angela became his “mommy” and the other Kabwata children became his “brothers and sisters.”

Eventually, his father was located, albeit in prison where he is serving a long sentence. The whereabouts of mother have never been determined.

When John was 7 years old, Angela began a search for his extended family members who might be able to care for him.

The boy’s grandfather was located living in a rural and remote region of the country and took him into his home.

However, as Angela explained, the living arrangements were not ideal.

“The place he was taken did not have a school or any social amenities,” she reported. “Because he was not in school, he oversaw looking after sheep and goats.

“For two years he was doing nothing.”

During evaluation visits by Kabwata staff, it was determined it would be best for John if he returned to Kabwata where he could begin his education.

Today, John is a thriving 12-year-old who has completed his primary school education, started secondary school and is looking forward to a life of hope and promise, all thanks to Angela — and the supporters of Bread and Water for Africa®!