James’ 20-year journey as an enhanced volunteer
Two decades of service and commitment
For 20 years, James has shown true enhanced volunteer leadership — teaching families children’s rights, supporting girls’ education, and inspiring boys and girls to imagine brighter futures through his dedicated community outreach.
James, from a community in Zambia’s Central Province, is not your typical volunteer. For the past 20 years, he has served as an enhanced volunteer (EV) with Plan International, a role he took on in 2005 at the age of 42. Now 62, he has continued to carry on his duties with remarkable commitment and determination.
Over the years, James has found real purpose in his role. He values the knowledge he has gained, especially about children’s rights and community engagement, and enjoys seeing how sharing this information helps families make better decisions. For him, being an EV has been both a learning experience and a meaningful way to give back.
Understanding girls’ rights changed James’ views
James reflects that he once didn’t know children had rights at all, and discovering this truth reshaped how he saw his role in the community.
“A girl reaching puberty signalled marriage; parents didn’t question it, and before being trained, I believed the same.”
James
He admits that he used to admire families who married off their daughters for cattle or money. It seemed like a smart move. “A girl reaching puberty signalled marriage; parents didn’t question it, and before being trained, I believed the same.”
But that changed quickly. His first training as EV was on children’s rights, “This opened my eyes to how early marriage harms children. From then, I began sensitising the community- parents, guardians, and children- on its dangers and the importance of education.”
“The change is real. Most girls now know their rights and are able to reject early marriage and limiting expectations.”
James
Change starts at home
Transformation also happened at home. His sons and daughters began sharing household chores equally, something he never imagined before. “Before, I thought it was shameful for boys to cook or sweep. Now I know better, and I taught my children that too.”
Two decades later, James looks back with pride. His children are grown, and none were married young.
“Through Plan International, I’ve seen steady child progress – some continue school, others start ventures like gardening or beekeeping.”
James
He says, “The change is real. Most girls now know their rights and are able to reject early marriage and limiting expectations.”
James embodies the impact that dedicated volunteers can have, helping families understand children’s rights and encouraging education. Through their consistent presence and commitment, volunteers like him continue to strengthen and shape more informed communities.
Categories: Education, Protection from violence, Sexual and reproductive health and rights
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