Wings of Hope president Adrian Mashau says the organisation has supported more than 500 vulnerable children through primary, secondary and tertiary education since its establishment in 2016. In a profile interview with Peza News, Mashau said the organisation has transformed the lives of hundreds of young people by providing educational support and creating opportunities for them to pursue higher learning. He added that Wings of Hope has also undertaken community health initiatives, including medical screening programmes in underserved areas. “Since 2016, we have seen about 500 children progress from primary school through secondary education and into tertiary institutions,” Mashau said. “We have also conducted medical screening programmes in various communities. At Mapenzi Blind Village, we screened about 150 people and donated prescription glasses as well as Bibles. In another community called Bwiketo, we conducted medical screenings for more than 80 people.” **Q: Can you tell us about your early life and where you grew up?** Mashau: My name is Adrian Mashau. I was born in Solwezi before my family relocated to Livingstone in the early 2000s. I have lived in Livingstone ever since. I am the fourth-born in a family of seven children—five boys and two girls. I was raised in a devoted Christian family. Growing up was enjoyable, although discipline was strict, especially because my father served in the military. Looking back, the values and discipline instilled in us played an important role in shaping the person I am today. **Q: Where did you go to school, and what subjects stood out for you?** Mashau: I attended several schools. I began Grade One at Mushitala School in Solwezi before continuing at Christ the King School in Livingstone. Later, I attended Holy Cross School and then Libuyu Secondary School, where I completed Grade Nine. I eventually completed my secondary education at Linda High School. My favourite subjects were Commerce and Geography because they were practical and relevant to my everyday life. **Q: How would you describe yourself in a few words?** Mashau: Humble, loving and cheerful. **Q: What values were instilled in you while growing up?** Mashau: Discipline, respect, faith in Christ and always remembering who you are. **Q: Who has had the biggest influence on your character and mindset?** Mashau: Today, I would say my mother has had the greatest influence on me. I had my biological mother, who is now late, and I also have an adopted American mother who is still alive. Seeing someone leave a comfortable life in the United States to come and serve in Africa had a profound impact on me. Her sacrifice continues to inspire me. **Q: What principles guide your decisions today?** Mashau: Discipline remains very important to me. I also try to consider the consequences of every decision I make and the impact it will have on my life and on others. **Q: How did your journey into community work begin?** Mashau: It started while I was in high school. I always wanted to give back to the community. We often had missionaries visiting our church and carrying out outreach programmes, and I became interested in community service. At that stage, I did not know I would eventually establish an NGO. My focus was simply on helping people and making a difference wherever I could. **Q: What was the turning point in your journey?** Mashau: One major turning point was sharing my vision of starting an NGO with my family and receiving their support and approval. Often, when people decide to help communities, they face questions from relatives about why they are assisting strangers instead of focusing only on family members. However, I have always believed in helping people regardless of their background or relationship to me. Most beneficiaries in our programmes are not related to me. My Christian values have taught me to be a cheerful giver and to understand that blessings are meant to be shared with others. **Q: Some people may find it unusual that many beneficiaries are not family members. How do you respond?** Mashau: It is not that I do not help my family. I do. However, most of my current programme beneficiaries are not relatives. One challenge is that family members can sometimes expect preferential treatment because of the relationship. To maintain fairness, transparency and accountability, we ensure that support is based on need and established programme criteria. **Q: What challenges did you face when starting out?** Mashau: One of the biggest challenges was dealing with people who promised financial support or pledged to join the initiative but never followed through. It was discouraging, but we remained focused on our mission. **Q: What do you consider your biggest achievement so far?** Mashau: One of our greatest achievements has been signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Northrise University. Through this partnership, academically gifted students supported by Wings of Hope have an opportunity to pursue tertiary education at Northrise without facing the financial barriers that often prevent vulnerable learners from accessing higher education. We have also built valuable partnerships with individuals and organisations in the United States who continue to support our work. **Q: What major obstacles have you faced, and how do you deal with setbacks?** Mashau: Challenges are part of growth. They build character, inspire innovation and motivate us to keep moving forward. Whenever difficulties arise, I remind myself why we started this organisation in the first place. The purpose behind our work is what keeps us going, even when circumstances become difficult. **Q: What do you enjoy doing outside your professional life?** Mashau: I enjoy spending time with my family, travelling, watching football, and cooking. Those activities help me relax and recharge. **Q: What goals are you currently working towards?** Mashau: I want to see more students graduate from Northrise University and other tertiary institutions. I also hope to establish more partnerships and sign additional memoranda of understanding with higher learning institutions. On a personal level, I would like to further my academic qualifications and eventually pursue a PhD. **Q: What message would you like to leave for young people?** Mashau: Never lose sight of your purpose. Stay disciplined, remain committed to your goals and always look for ways to positively impact the lives of others. Success becomes more meaningful when it is used to uplift communities.