Bertha currently lives in Zambia, where she is married with four children. Family is very important to her as it is a key source of inspiration, focus, passion, and hard work. She believes that great societies begin from and are built upon family units. Since young, Bertha has loved sport, and whilst growing up, she tried to play as many sports as possible. She was a little ‘dare devil’ and was always selected to be part of the school team competing in tournaments, both in primary and high school, mostly in swimming, netball, track, and field event. Later in Bertha’s high school years, she became a cross country runner. In addition to her love of sport, she also loves art and crafts – which is a hobby that she is developing and growing into.
Bertha has been in the Non-Profit sector for over 16 years, where she has accumulated a mass of knowledge, through her various organizational roles, making her a valuable part of the Catalyst Foundation.
She has mainly been part of Save the Children International as a ‘Programme/Project Manager’ in the Zambia Country Office, where she manages various programmes across different sectors, including child rights governance, child protection, social protection, adolescent health, and climate change. This role requires Bertha to oversee a programme called ‘Driving Sustainable Change for Children’s Rights’, which is being implemented across 20 districts in 7 provinces of Zambia.Whilst working for Save the Children International, Bertha has been involved in various projects within other organizations as well.
To begin with, she was part of the Society for Women and AIDS in Zambia (SWAZ), which exists to empower, advocate & support women & young people to address issues related to HIV/AIDS. Secondly, Bertha was the ‘Programme/Project Manager’ for Mwabu Zambia – a private education company that supports African primary school teachers with appropriate technology to improve learning outcomes, even in the most challenging of rural areas. Lastly, she was the ‘Project Coordinator’ at Right to Play International, which is an international NGO that uses sport for development.
“I was honored and privileged to become a Trustee of the Catalyst Foundation in December 2022, just before the S.H.E. Programme – Zambia chapter was officially set up. I decided to accept the opportunity to become a Trustee because I am a child rights activist and have been working in the social development sector for most, if not all my professional life. I love working for children and young people, helping them not only to survive, but thrive as well. My passion for my work lies here. The mission and vision of the Catalyst Foundation is well aligned to this; thus, I was very excited when the opportunity to become a Trustee presented itself. This is an important platform where I will be able to offer my skills, knowledge, and time, to contribute to the wellbeing of children, more so, the girl-child.
Today, many girls now know that they can become anything. The Catalyst Foundation, through the S.H.E Programme is helping vulnerable girls become the best version of themselves, and this will leave an indelible mark and footprint in the lives of the young girls, their families, and communities in Africa. Catalyst Foundation will always be a reference point for making long lasting impact in the lives of girls and women, impact that will transcend generations of women.
To our beneficiaries, girls, always remember that you are unique, and you will bring special value to the world! In today’s world, you can become anything and everything you want to be. In everything that you do, remain focused, work hard and be the very best version of yourself.”
Imagine a girl, uncertain of her next meal, with a future clouded by hunger and a lack of education. Your generosity can change that.
By supporting Catalyst Foundation, you will provide more than just food hampers and clothing. You will empower a girl to dream beyond survival. School textbooks and unwavering encouragement will light her path to a brighter tomorrow.
Visit our Impact Stories to witness firsthand how our impact has changed the lives of our beneficiaries to date, thanks to passionate donors like YOU!
With heartfelt gratitude from all of us at Catalyst Foundation, THANK YOU!
Empower your giving by choosing a custom donation amount. This flexibility enables you to tailor your support, blending various contributions listed above to create a unique impact. By donating in this way, you will allow Catalyst Foundation to address the specific needs of its beneficiaries with precision, responding to their preferences and urgent requirements.
For £40 a month in Zambia or £80 a month in Zimbabwe, you can provide a girl with everything she needs to thrive: education, food, clothing, and basic supplies.
As a sponsor, you will receive a personalised profile of your sponsored girl, offering you a glimpse into her unique story. You will have the chance to forge a meaningful connection with her through letters, emails, and video updates, allowing you to witness her transformation into a confident and empowered young woman. Your investment is not just a donation; it is an investment in her future.
Your support will go beyond just one girl; by sponsoring a girl, you are helping uplift her entire community, working to break the cycle of poverty and bridge the gender inequality gap.