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Under a Zambian Tree : Dora Moono Nyambe's Quest to Educate Her Nation
Under a Zambian Tree is the inspiring and emotional account of one woman's quest to educate and empower rural village children. Dora Moono Nyambe - or "Teacher Dora" - began with no funding and no school building, just an unwavering belief 'that kindness should drive humanity and development.' From preventing child marriages, navigating village politics and reaching millions of supporters online, Teacher Dora's epic journey from mud hut to full-fledged boarding school is a testament to her incredible resilience and tenacity. Readers will not only be inspired by Dora's story, but will finish reading feeling empowered to initiate positive change under their own "Zambian Tree."
186 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 7, 2023
73 people are currently reading
930 people want to read
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February 9, 2023
"𝐓𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐨𝐩𝐞"
I never thought I'd ever read Non-Fiction but here we are.
Under a Zambian Tree is a story that follows the life of Dora Moono Nyambe, written from the perspective of American researcher, Joseph Schmitt.
"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."
This book was everything I anticipated and more.
Joseph Schmitt is a remarkable story-teller. The writing style was one of my main concerns but I can proudly say that it checked every box. We're taken through an incredible journey of past and present time lines, exploring different parallels in Dora's life and how it intersects with that of the author.
"𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐤𝐢𝐝𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐬𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞.”
Throughout the book, we're introduced to a number of colourful personalities and occasionally share a laugh with these characters. We learn more regarding their story and how they got involved with Dora's mission. Alongside the many obstacles she faces, we're given the heartbreaking backgrounds on a few children at Footprints of Hope. At this point, I had already cried my eyes out.
Under a Zambian Tree gives us the bitter reality of the challenges a good heart may face in this world. It shows us that faith, strong-will and a positive mindset can be an absolute game changer. Dora Moono Nyambe and her story will live on forever, impacting millions of lives one page at a time.
TRIGGER WARNINGS : Sexual assault, harassment, neglect, parental abuse, colourism, racist micro-aggression, mentions of alcohol abuse, death, witchcraft.
I never thought I'd ever read Non-Fiction but here we are.
Under a Zambian Tree is a story that follows the life of Dora Moono Nyambe, written from the perspective of American researcher, Joseph Schmitt.
"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."
This book was everything I anticipated and more.
Joseph Schmitt is a remarkable story-teller. The writing style was one of my main concerns but I can proudly say that it checked every box. We're taken through an incredible journey of past and present time lines, exploring different parallels in Dora's life and how it intersects with that of the author.
"𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐤𝐢𝐝𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐬𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞.”
Throughout the book, we're introduced to a number of colourful personalities and occasionally share a laugh with these characters. We learn more regarding their story and how they got involved with Dora's mission. Alongside the many obstacles she faces, we're given the heartbreaking backgrounds on a few children at Footprints of Hope. At this point, I had already cried my eyes out.
Under a Zambian Tree gives us the bitter reality of the challenges a good heart may face in this world. It shows us that faith, strong-will and a positive mindset can be an absolute game changer. Dora Moono Nyambe and her story will live on forever, impacting millions of lives one page at a time.
TRIGGER WARNINGS : Sexual assault, harassment, neglect, parental abuse, colourism, racist micro-aggression, mentions of alcohol abuse, death, witchcraft.
Read
February 7, 2023In his love letter to Zambia, Joe offers the reader a glimpse into Dora’s journey through parenting 150+ children, the child bride crisis and one woman bootstrapping her way through social media to spread joy. A must read for sure!
May 27, 2023
Dora is a 5 star woman and if you can support her cause please do!
This book is the story of Dora. But it's actually written in Joe's pov. His experiences, his "feelings" and his interviews. You are constantly reminded this is a bland retelling of what this person said or that person said and what I (Joe) thought about it with bland thoughts. Which mostly go like: this woman is only a few years older than me (about a woman who is forced to prostitute herself and as a result has 5 children). Really? That's all you can think of when meeting these women in dire circumstances?
As a reader I have to imagine myself how scary and insecure Dora's journey has been. And how heartbreaking and distressing the stories of some of the other characters in the book are.
It's understandable not wanting to profit off of exploiting other people's hardships. But this book would have been better, maybe even good, if it was written from Dora's pov in a chronological order taking in the doubts, the hardships and emotions in her journey.
Now it reads more like a research paper than the inspirational story it should have been.
This book is the story of Dora. But it's actually written in Joe's pov. His experiences, his "feelings" and his interviews. You are constantly reminded this is a bland retelling of what this person said or that person said and what I (Joe) thought about it with bland thoughts. Which mostly go like: this woman is only a few years older than me (about a woman who is forced to prostitute herself and as a result has 5 children). Really? That's all you can think of when meeting these women in dire circumstances?
As a reader I have to imagine myself how scary and insecure Dora's journey has been. And how heartbreaking and distressing the stories of some of the other characters in the book are.
It's understandable not wanting to profit off of exploiting other people's hardships. But this book would have been better, maybe even good, if it was written from Dora's pov in a chronological order taking in the doubts, the hardships and emotions in her journey.
Now it reads more like a research paper than the inspirational story it should have been.
February 19, 2023
Review coming.
June 22, 2024
The story is interesting and reveals some details about creating an NGO, living in Zambia, etc., but the writing could be much better. I’m not sure if the author did not grasp the depth of some of the issues Dora faced or if he did not know how to convey them in writing (or if there was some other factor).
Certain parts of her life were described as turbulent and emotional (her schooling, her account of sexual assault) but not portrayed in enough detail to really feel the vivid details of her life. And perhaps some of this is out of respect for Dora (which I respect), but then there should’ve been a more complex description of her psyche in other parts of her life. I just felt like for such an inspirational person and story, I didn’t really feel touched or inspired. A lot of the lines about helping people and being kind felt kind of … flat?
The book also lacks nuance on certain issues, most particularly the cultural change happening when an outsider steps in to “develop” a village and the ethics of fundraising on social media. Schmitt talks about both of these but I felt the conversation was lacking a lot of depth, and I’m going to have to go search elsewhere for answers/insight into these topics.
Altogether not a bad read but it became frustrating and sometimes repetitive as it went on. I wanted a bit more complexity.
Certain parts of her life were described as turbulent and emotional (her schooling, her account of sexual assault) but not portrayed in enough detail to really feel the vivid details of her life. And perhaps some of this is out of respect for Dora (which I respect), but then there should’ve been a more complex description of her psyche in other parts of her life. I just felt like for such an inspirational person and story, I didn’t really feel touched or inspired. A lot of the lines about helping people and being kind felt kind of … flat?
The book also lacks nuance on certain issues, most particularly the cultural change happening when an outsider steps in to “develop” a village and the ethics of fundraising on social media. Schmitt talks about both of these but I felt the conversation was lacking a lot of depth, and I’m going to have to go search elsewhere for answers/insight into these topics.
Altogether not a bad read but it became frustrating and sometimes repetitive as it went on. I wanted a bit more complexity.
February 10, 2023
This book was truly phenomenal from start to finish. It is both an honest look into the life of Dora Moono Nyambe and does not shy away from the issues that face her or her NGO. Joseph Schmitt, the author does an incredible job of weaving the story into a compelling narrative. Schmitt fills in readers with key information on Zambia and the greater social media/AID sphere. I highly recommend you read this book.
May 18, 2023
Good story. Writing could have been a tad better.
September 18, 2023
DNF
My rating is purely a reflection of the book itself and not any indication of my love and respect for Dora and her charity. I love keeping up with Dora on her Tiktok and wanted to learn more about her and her journey.
I was hoping the book would be written in Dora's voice, but the story loses its impact when retold through the lens of an American man researching Dora's life and accomplishments. The timeline was difficult to keep up with and information was presented very factually. A story and mission like Dora's is a sentimental and personal one that should speak to the heart.
My rating is purely a reflection of the book itself and not any indication of my love and respect for Dora and her charity. I love keeping up with Dora on her Tiktok and wanted to learn more about her and her journey.
I was hoping the book would be written in Dora's voice, but the story loses its impact when retold through the lens of an American man researching Dora's life and accomplishments. The timeline was difficult to keep up with and information was presented very factually. A story and mission like Dora's is a sentimental and personal one that should speak to the heart.
February 19, 2025
If you have followed Dora's journey on TikTok, I can't recommend this one enough! It was heartbreaking reading this the whole time, though, knowing she's not here to keep going with Footprints of Hope. My heart is very heavy after finishing this, but I'm so glad I did read it. The author, Joseph Schmidt, did a wonderful job telling Dora's story.
August 3, 2025
While the story of Dora and her organization were interesting and enlightening at times, the actual writing and POV of the author ruins it. I can’t understand why the story is not told in the chronological order of Dora’s life. It’s almost as if all the notes and interviews fell out of this man’s briefcase and were haphazardly stapled together.
February 10, 2023
Loved it!
Such an amazing writer! This book gives you a more understanding of Dora and what a great friend Joe is. I couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait to see more work from this writer!
Such an amazing writer! This book gives you a more understanding of Dora and what a great friend Joe is. I couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait to see more work from this writer!
March 10, 2023
This book is amazing. It is so detailed, I feel like I can picture the situation, the background even though I have never been to Zambia. If you lost all hope in humanity or need a book to inspire you, or you are just curious about other cultures, then this is the book for you. 100% recommend
January 5, 2023
This book is full of inspiration stories by one women’s mission to break barriers in an underrepresented region. From start her own business to opening up a village school, saving kids from child marriages, and even adopting kids herself. The author was really able to articulate and paint a picture of the culture and hurdles that Dora faced. A MUST read!
January 6, 2023
I am looking forward to reading this book! I’ve been following Dora’s journey on tik tok for so long, she really is an inspiration.
June 23, 2023
“…just because you help somebody or just because you’re helping these kids in this village, it also doesn’t make you better. It just makes you privileged and them less privileged.” YES.
I am so glad that people like Dora are driven by kindness and their vision for development. The next generation can change the world & it is the collective responsibility of all of us to nurture them until they do. I am so grateful to know someone has stepped up for the children who were being overlooked. May God bless you, Dora. You are changing the world and doing the work that others won’t do.
I am so glad that people like Dora are driven by kindness and their vision for development. The next generation can change the world & it is the collective responsibility of all of us to nurture them until they do. I am so grateful to know someone has stepped up for the children who were being overlooked. May God bless you, Dora. You are changing the world and doing the work that others won’t do.
December 3, 2025
"She was an "actionist" not an activist. She isn't angry or pointing fingers; rather, she is determined to change the standard of what is seen as acceptable."
This book follows the story of Dora Moono Nyambe and the path that led her to founding Footprints of Hope, a school with boarding facilities providing the children of the surrounding area and village with a quality education and 3 full meals daily. She provides them with a safe space to learn and open opportunities to their future. She has an incredible outlook of humanitarian work and I loved her comments about when to provide immediate relief before focusing on the long term solution. She also speaks of the systemic and cultural change that needs to be realized for her vision to come to light which is refreshing. Seeing a native Zambian create so much change for the children in her program and striving to reach the systemic and cultural change was very insightful for those of us who may not be as familiar with the challenges facing these communities.
I would have preferred a more narrative depiction of her life, mission, and experiences as opposed to the interview style of the book. The book is written by Joseph Schmitt through conversations and interviews that he had with Dora. He did a great job sticking to what she told him while sharing his experiences shadowing her in her work, however it did occasionally feel less connected to her and her story than some of the more narrative non-fiction/biographies that I have read. He had frequent disclaimers about her being humble, her attitude about the work, and her reluctance to acknowledge the pioneering she has done in using social media as a way to support NGO's. These disclaimers felt awkward, and I feel that with a longer book and different writing style the messages would have remained in a slightly more polished manner.
4 stars because this book discusses a topic really close to my heart and was great insight into the system and what can be successful and work. I took away one star because I would have preferred a narrative following her past experiences and the work she is currently doing.
This book follows the story of Dora Moono Nyambe and the path that led her to founding Footprints of Hope, a school with boarding facilities providing the children of the surrounding area and village with a quality education and 3 full meals daily. She provides them with a safe space to learn and open opportunities to their future. She has an incredible outlook of humanitarian work and I loved her comments about when to provide immediate relief before focusing on the long term solution. She also speaks of the systemic and cultural change that needs to be realized for her vision to come to light which is refreshing. Seeing a native Zambian create so much change for the children in her program and striving to reach the systemic and cultural change was very insightful for those of us who may not be as familiar with the challenges facing these communities.
I would have preferred a more narrative depiction of her life, mission, and experiences as opposed to the interview style of the book. The book is written by Joseph Schmitt through conversations and interviews that he had with Dora. He did a great job sticking to what she told him while sharing his experiences shadowing her in her work, however it did occasionally feel less connected to her and her story than some of the more narrative non-fiction/biographies that I have read. He had frequent disclaimers about her being humble, her attitude about the work, and her reluctance to acknowledge the pioneering she has done in using social media as a way to support NGO's. These disclaimers felt awkward, and I feel that with a longer book and different writing style the messages would have remained in a slightly more polished manner.
4 stars because this book discusses a topic really close to my heart and was great insight into the system and what can be successful and work. I took away one star because I would have preferred a narrative following her past experiences and the work she is currently doing.
January 21, 2025
The book is a must read for anybody who loves to see developments of underprivileged children and adults.
Dora Moono Nyambe is an outstanding inspiration.
What she selflessly started from scratch became a legacy that should benefit generations to come.
The book gives a sneak peak into her daily challenges as an actionist (how the author best described her) who envisioned to better the lives of her nation.
Her organization: Footprints of hope, managed to built four schools, access to daily meals, water and medical help.
Furthermore Dora was an advocate to help children who suffered from SA and child marriages.
She reported over 50 men, stood up for the children in court and saved hundreds of children.
Unfortunately, she has passed on Christmas Day 2024. The cause of her death is inspected by autopsy and is not yet revealed to the public.
Her legacy must live on… all what she had greatly started is now in the hands of her friends- whom hopefully are able to carry on that great cause.
The book is written out of the authors perspective and it captures you right to Zambia.
It gives a good insight of Dora’s daily challenges and how she managed to accomplish such great development in such a short period of time- without the help of governmental funds.
She started with her own money savings carried on by donations from all over the world and through social media funds.
-It all started under a Zambian tree.
I highly recommend reading the book as its sales benefit the children and so you get to know what an extraordinary great person she was.
It might inspire you to help others and make this place on earth, a better place for generations to come.
I cherish reading every single page to mend my heart a lil bit from the shock of her sudden death.
Rest in peace beautiful Dora 🙏 May your legacy live on and inspire many of us along the way ✨
Dora Moono Nyambe is an outstanding inspiration.
What she selflessly started from scratch became a legacy that should benefit generations to come.
The book gives a sneak peak into her daily challenges as an actionist (how the author best described her) who envisioned to better the lives of her nation.
Her organization: Footprints of hope, managed to built four schools, access to daily meals, water and medical help.
Furthermore Dora was an advocate to help children who suffered from SA and child marriages.
She reported over 50 men, stood up for the children in court and saved hundreds of children.
Unfortunately, she has passed on Christmas Day 2024. The cause of her death is inspected by autopsy and is not yet revealed to the public.
Her legacy must live on… all what she had greatly started is now in the hands of her friends- whom hopefully are able to carry on that great cause.
The book is written out of the authors perspective and it captures you right to Zambia.
It gives a good insight of Dora’s daily challenges and how she managed to accomplish such great development in such a short period of time- without the help of governmental funds.
She started with her own money savings carried on by donations from all over the world and through social media funds.
-It all started under a Zambian tree.
I highly recommend reading the book as its sales benefit the children and so you get to know what an extraordinary great person she was.
It might inspire you to help others and make this place on earth, a better place for generations to come.
I cherish reading every single page to mend my heart a lil bit from the shock of her sudden death.
Rest in peace beautiful Dora 🙏 May your legacy live on and inspire many of us along the way ✨
March 10, 2023
I am a little biased as I've been following Dora's journey via social media for a few years now but I couldn't not give it anything but 5 stars. It was inspiring, emotional and relatable. If you want to know more about Dora's journey, her charity Footprints of Hope and her life in Zambia, do not hesitate to pick this up!
I quickly wanted to reference back to Dora's struggle with dyslexia. Even though Dora and I don't have much in common (except our age), it was comforting to see her talking about her dyslexia and how she struggled with it growing up. I have dyslexia too and could very much related, having had similar experiences. And, in is rare for someone to understand or accurately describe these struggles so I was grateful to read about that. This book is so much more than just that but it is a particular piece I think about daily ever since finishing the book.
I quickly wanted to reference back to Dora's struggle with dyslexia. Even though Dora and I don't have much in common (except our age), it was comforting to see her talking about her dyslexia and how she struggled with it growing up. I have dyslexia too and could very much related, having had similar experiences. And, in is rare for someone to understand or accurately describe these struggles so I was grateful to read about that. This book is so much more than just that but it is a particular piece I think about daily ever since finishing the book.
June 13, 2024
It took me a little while to get into this book simply because I had to get into the writing style and order. The author does not follow a chronological order, telling some things out of order and seeming to skip over large chucks that were no deemed important without acknowledging them much.
However, the author did share the ins and outs of Dora’s story. I loved being able to read about her background and what led her to creating Footprints of Hope. Even though Dora had said on record she doesn’t feel like an inspiration, this book truly shows that she is a humble and hardworking woman.
I appreciate that although this book was about Dora, the author made sure to preference things by stating that he thought, observed, or heard certain things. He never claimed to know something unless Dora told him herself. Definitely a great read!
However, the author did share the ins and outs of Dora’s story. I loved being able to read about her background and what led her to creating Footprints of Hope. Even though Dora had said on record she doesn’t feel like an inspiration, this book truly shows that she is a humble and hardworking woman.
I appreciate that although this book was about Dora, the author made sure to preference things by stating that he thought, observed, or heard certain things. He never claimed to know something unless Dora told him herself. Definitely a great read!
January 4, 2023
“Under a Zambian Tree” By Dora Moono Nyambe and Joseph Schmitt talks about Dora’s kindness towards kids who have suffered from abuse, child marriage and neglect. Dora took these kids in to a school she built in the village (with her own money) and gave them love that they couldn’t have as children should, she fed them, and gave them her everything to change their lives (and she is still doing that with a lot of support from all around the world). Please look forward to read this amazing true story by these 2 kind people. Dora you are an inspiration!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2023
Amazing book about Zambia, Footprints of Hope and Dora Nyambe. Joseph did a great job in describing his visits to Footprints of Hope and I felt like the book was a good learning tool to understand some of the nuances of village life in Mapapa, Zambia.
I think the stories jumped around a bit in the book but I think it worked to the authenticity of the storytelling.
I’m glad to be able to read this book and gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the work Dora does further than what we can learn from social media.
I think the stories jumped around a bit in the book but I think it worked to the authenticity of the storytelling.
I’m glad to be able to read this book and gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the work Dora does further than what we can learn from social media.
April 10, 2023
Very inspirational and motivational story. Dora Moono Nyambe's story has all the elements of an amazing, surprising, and very uplifting biography of a woman with determination to help children in any way she possibly could. I'd love to visit her school one day, if I ever have the chance to. What she has set out to accomplish is by no means a cake walk, but her achievements so far are phenomenal, especially such a distance from a main city. Joseph Schmitt also does a wonderful job in his portrayal of Dora in this book. Highly recommend!
February 9, 2023
Under a Zambian Tree follows the incredible true story of a young Zambian women who dreams of educating and uplifting children from a remote village. Dora Nyambe's mission is fueled by her passion and kindness. Joseph Schmitt's narration and style artfully balance sharing Dora's story and adding commentary and context. As a western reader, the author did a wonderful job of filling in the many information gaps that I would have otherwise had. I highly recommend you read this book!
February 10, 2023
Wow! A must read! I was unsure what to expect after months of anticipation. This book completely took me by storm. The author Joseph Schmitt has crafted a compelling work of literature that follows the life and day to day ongoings of one Dora Moono Nyambe. As someone unfamiliar with Zambia, the NGO space and TikTok I appreciated his all encompassing approach. I recommend this to anyone traveling to Africa, interested in development or looking to be inspired by two truly wonderful human beings!
May 1, 2023
How can you give a story like this any less than 5 stars?
We should all aspire to act more like Dora. She puts others before her own fears or comforts. She lets nothing stop her or stand in her way as she pursues her dreams of helping others. Her courage and determination are inspiring traits. I will carry her story around with me always. She has encouraged me to see beyond my own fear and try to be aware of the opportunities to help others when the chance arrives.
We should all aspire to act more like Dora. She puts others before her own fears or comforts. She lets nothing stop her or stand in her way as she pursues her dreams of helping others. Her courage and determination are inspiring traits. I will carry her story around with me always. She has encouraged me to see beyond my own fear and try to be aware of the opportunities to help others when the chance arrives.
January 15, 2025
Under a Zambian Tree is a thoughtful and inspiring tribute to the extraordinary life and work of Dora Moono Nyambe. Joseph Schmitt skillfully captures Dora’s resilience, kindness, and groundbreaking efforts to empower children in rural Zambia. He tells Dora's story with honesty, authenticity, and deep respect. The incredible impact of Dora's unwavering determination and compassion is inspiring. I highly recommend giving this book a read!
June 22, 2023
This book was fantastic!! It gave good insight on how Zambia might be a third world country, but the people are not as sad and miserable as social media portrays. Dora is an amazing woman with an amazing goal to fully know and help the people in her village. I would recommend reading this book and donating to the cause!!
July 9, 2023
I like most, discovered Dora on Tik Tok and was immersed in this book from the eyes of the author. He captures Dora’s emotional journey so we’ll and displays what her daily struggles are like in a 3rd world country. The message of anyone can do good in the world is inspiring. I loved getting a glimpse into the establishment of Dora’s remote school and how she’s made such a major impact.
February 9, 2023
Under a Zambian Tree is a beautiful and inspiring story about a woman who has left and continues to leave a profound impact on both her community and the world. The writer, Joseph Schmitt, does an incredible job capturing her tenacity and spirt through his writing. This book is a 10/10!
February 26, 2023
One woman can influence positive change
Having followed Dora on social media for a year I am glad to have a more in depth look into her world and her school.
Thank you for taking the time to write this book.
Having followed Dora on social media for a year I am glad to have a more in depth look into her world and her school.
Thank you for taking the time to write this book.
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