In this blog, we catch up with Maureen, a student at University at Albany in New York who is an alumni of AYC’s Learning & Leadership Center and recipient of the SUNY Schenectady's Joan R. Dembinski '10 Study Abroad Scholarship, thanks to a partnership between the African Education Program and SUNY Schenectady County Community College.

Every year, Amos Youth Centre (AYC) joins the global community in recognizing January as National Mentoring Month, a time dedicated to celebrating the individuals who pour their time, wisdom, and compassion into guiding others. At our Learning & Leadership Centre in Kafue, Zambia, mentorship is more than just a program; it is a transformative pathway that builds confidence, shapes futures, and strengthens entire communities.

Ten years ago, when Barbara first walked through the doors of the Amos Youth Centre (AYC), she had just one goal in mind: to find a safe place to spend time after school. That simple decision became the foundation to her fulfilling her childhood dream of becoming a nurse. Today, Barbara is a Registered Public Health Nurse and a proud graduate of Levy Mwanawasa Medical University, thanks to the College Scholarship Fund at AYC’s Learning & Leadership Centre in Kafue, Zambia.

As we close out 2025, Amos Youth Centre (AYC) reflects on a year defined by growth, resilience, and collective action. This year reaffirmed our belief that sustainable community transformation is driven by strong partnerships, active community involvement, and a shared commitment to empowering young people, women, and families. Despite challenges, 2025 was a year of meaningful milestones that strengthened our programs and deepened our impact.