Born in 1992 in Kitwe district of the Copperbelt province in Zambia. Vainness moved to Mpulungu district, Northern Province, Zambia, with her family at a young age. After her father's passing, she became the backbone of her family, relying on her mother's efforts to provide for their needs through the sale of kapenta (dried fish).
At just 16 years old, Vainness married a fisherman and ran a small store to support her family. However, tragedy struck when her mother passed away in 2015, followed by the untimely death of her husband in 2020, leaving her responsible for her sister, two children, and a struggling business.
Facing immense challenges and uncertainty, Vainness struggled to feed her family, often going without proper meals herself. Her situation seemed desperate until November 2022 when she learned about the SSHJM Households in Distress (HID) programme.
Selected by HID for training in Integrated Crop Systems, Vainness seized the opportunity to learn sustainable farming practices. The training provided Vainness with insights into utilising animal manure as fertiliser for diverse crops, emphasising the importance of organic fertilisers over chemical alternatives. Furthermore, it equipped her with foundational knowledge on climate change and strategies to mitigate its effects. Empowered with knowledge and resources - including two goats and seeds, Vainness embarked on a new journey towards a brighter future.
Despite setbacks like erratic rainfall patterns, Vainness persevered. She successfully harvested soybeans and diversified her income by selling groceries and kapenta. With determination and hard work, she expanded her farming ventures to include eggplant cultivation, making use of her area's abundant water supply.
With gratitude to SSHJM and HID, Vainness continues to thrive, inspiring others with her resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. Her journey serves as a reminder that with support and determination, even the most challenging circumstances can be overcome.
In Vainness's own words, "All thanks to the intervention by the Sisters through HID. I wish to thank the sisters and everyone associated with HID, and may God continue to bless you so you can touch other people’s lives."