Through a Parent’s Eyes – Inspiring Stories of Resilience and Hope
At Play It Forward, our priority has always been our beneficiaries—the children whose lives we aim to improve through education, sport, and nourishment. However, today we took a moment to interview two lovely mothers, Doreen Mambo and Grace Mundiya-Mulenga, to share their stories of resilience, perseverance, struggle, and the vital role of Play It Forward in their and their children’s lives. Together, their powerful stories of resilience remind us what community impact truly looks like.
Doreen’s Story: Choosing Optimism in the Hardest Times
To begin with, we met Doreen Mambo, a single mother of five from Dambwa Site. When speaking to Doreen, you immediately see that she is lively and strong-willed. Soon after, she began to detail her background, starting with the passing of her husband and how it affected her family. Before her husband’s passing, Doreen was a stay-at-home mother who cared deeply for her family. As such, when he died, her world turned upside down. The weight of providing for her children, keeping them in school, and ensuring food on the table became overwhelming.
However, hope came in an unexpected way—through her children. While playing one afternoon, they discovered Play It Forward while playing football at Mulwani Grounds and soon learned about the Literacy and Food & Nutrition programmes. In their excitement, they shared what they had found with their mother. Before long, the entire family’s routine began to change.
“Mummy, you don’t have to worry. They are teaching us how to read, and we get food at the end. ”
Since joining the programme, she described her children as having changed completely. Over time, their school performance has improved, they are more disciplined, and they have become more confident in reading and writing. Furthermore, they want to teach all the other kids in their neighbourhood what they’ve learnt. They’re so committed to the programmes, and throwing themselves into every activity. Altogether, it’s such a big and positively overwhelming change.
“There’s been so much improvement”
For Doreen, the Food & Nutrition Programme has been a lifeline. As a single mother struggling to provide regular, nutritious meals, she often battles feelings of helplessness.
“There are days when I just don’t have enough to feed them the way they deserve.”
“This programme has lifted a huge burden off my shoulders”, Doreen says. During the interview, two of Doreen’s children were taking part in the Food & Nutrition Programme. As she watched them, she described the work of Play It Forward as a blessing that brings peace of mind. Now, as her children continue to thrive, she feels a sense of optimism. They have become dedicated learners, eager to attend literacy lessons, teach their peers, practice reading out loud, and engage in their classes. Moreover, her children’s dedication has inspired her too. Through this experience, Doreen has learned the importance of perseverance, the power of community, and that support can come from the most unexpected places. Ultimately, Doreen’s journey is one of many stories of resilience, showing how love and opportunity can rebuild hope.
Grace’s Story: A Second Chance She Never Thought Possible
Afterward, our next interview was with Grace Mundiya-Mulenga. At first, she was reserved and shy, but her playful spirit quickly appeared. Although Grace didn’t go into much detail about her family, what she shared painted a picture difficulty, resilience and determination. After a brief pause, we quickly changed the subject and soon enough, Grace began to speak about how she was introduced to Play it Forward. As it turned out, the committed mother of two children, Paul and Mary, first heard of the organisation in 2018 through her son. Initially, Paul played football, but his coaches soon encouraged him to join the Literacy and Food & Nutrition programmes. Naturally, he brought his sister along.
Little did they know that this decision would change their lives.
“Their behaviour has changed for the better. They’re more motivated, and they now have opportunities I never thought were possible”, Grace’s says. Clearly, the influence of Play It Forward goes far beyond football, reading, and nutrition. In fact, at Play It Forward, we provide steady guidance through a holistic approach, helping beneficiaries navigate challenges and move toward safe, sustainable lives where they can thrive. Consequently, families like Grace’s experience real positive transformation over time
Moreover, Play It Forward has sponsored Paul’s education from Grade 1 to 6, thereby easing Grace’s constant worry and allowing her to focus on supporting her children’s growth.
“I can’t put into words what this has meant for us. My children are happier, healthier, and more confident. They just love football!”
Grace is especially grateful for the Food & Nutrition Programme. For her, it has been a vital source of comfort and stability. “Not being able to provide for my kids the way I want to is one of the hardest things to accept as a mother.” Nevertheless, the support she receives has made a meaningful difference in her life. From Grace’s story, it’s clear that Play It Forward offers more than meals. Beyond that, it gives children the chance to learn, grow, and dream without hunger holding them back. Taken together, her experience adds to our growing collection of stories of resilience —proof that strength can flourish when support meets opportunity.
For Grace, however, Play It Forward isn’t just an organization, it’s a pillar in the community, it’s a family. Because of this, she proudly calls herself a ‘Play It Forward ambassador’, eager to share the message of hope and opportunity with other parents.
“When you see the changes in your own children, how can you not want to tell others? The programmes don’t just help children, it transforms entire families”
