Another week, another book review!
This week, I want to talk about a story that touched me deeply, one that felt less like reading and more like a gentle shaking of the soul. Under a Zambian Tree has been on my TBR for a while, mostly because finding a physical copy where I live proved impossible. But the moment I realized I could get the digital version through Kindle Unlimited, it was an immediate yes.
Under a Zambian Tree is a biography of Dora Moono Nyambe, a remarkable woman whose life and work left a lasting legacy. Dora passed away late last year, but the impact of her mission lives on beyond her time on earth. She was and continues to be an inspiration to me personally, because the work she dedicated her life to is something I, too, feel called to pursue. Have you ever dreamed of something quietly in your heart, and then encountered someone living out that very dream so boldly that it ignites you? That was my reason for picking up this book in March.
The biography transports readers into the rural village of Mapapa, Zambia, where Dora devoted herself to educating and empowering children in forgotten communities. Her philosophy was simple yet profoundly transformative: “Kindness should drive humanity and development.” This belief is embodied through her NGO, Footprints of Hope, which grew from teaching children under a tree, to building a fully fledged boarding school that has changed countless lives. Through resilience, faith, and unwavering courage, Dora proved that you don’t need wealth to build something extraordinary. You only need purpose, conviction, and the willingness to take the first step. The story is narrated through the lens of Joseph Schmitt, an American researcher who witnessed her mission firsthand. His perspective brings depth, intimacy, and honor to her journey.
I first discovered Dora through TikTok a few years ago. I remember feeling so proud and excited watching a Zambian woman gain global attention and even more moved when I learned about her heart for children. But it wasn’t until reading this book that I understood how deeply my own passion aligns with hers. To say Dora is an inspiration feels far too small. Her courage has helped me recognize the sacrifices, challenges, and faith required to walk my own calling and to one day build a place of safety, love, and belonging for children the world has been unkind to.
This book is rich with lessons about philanthropy in Africa, sustainable community development, and the truth that anyone can be the change their community needs, especially young people who feel powerless in today’s economy. Dora wasn’t wealthy, but she used her God-given gifts to gather support from around the world. And even after her passing, her work stands strong. One line that stayed with me reads: I was alone with my thoughts and dreams. It took everything I had to take that first step, saying to myself: ‘I will let go of everything else and chase this one dream.’
I can’t write this without holding back tears in my eyes. My prayer is that her legacy continues to grow and that every person who reads this book feels stirred to step boldly into their purpose. If you haven’t read Under a Zambian Tree, I sincerely encourage you to. You might discover that you are the change your community has been waiting for, and maybe this biography will ignite something sleeping inside you, something powerful enough to change the world, one child, one dream, one act of kindness at a time.
That’s all for this week!
Until next time,
Natu Shimike ~ Kalaba 🌸
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