Joseph stands in front of the plane in which he took his first flying lesson (ALL PHOTOS: KIERON HUMPHREY)
Last updated: 18 december, 2009 - 14:39 GMT
Flying high: how a Zambian boy's dream came true
In pictures: Joseph Banda's first flying lesson
Joseph Banda is a 13-year-old boy living in Chibolya, a slum area of the Zambian capital, Lusaka.
In September, he described what it was like growing up in a place plagued by unemployment, deadly diseases, unsanitary conditions, drug dealing and alcohol abuse.
But Joseph is resolutely optimistic and dreams of becoming a pilot.
A number of listeners contacted the BBC to say they wanted to help Joseph realise his ambition.
One is setting up a fund for his education, another has paid for a flying lesson.
The BBC's Jo Fidgen accompanied Joseph to Lusaka airport.
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First broadcast 17 December 2009
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