Zambia is a large, landlocked country in southeastern Africa that takes its name from the Zambezi River – home to the magnificent Victoria Falls.
Zambia’s population is growing rapidly, with 52% of the population under age 18. Although the country has experienced economic growth over the past decade due to its high rates of copper production, poverty and unemployment remain significant problems, especially in rural areas.
ChildFund has worked in Zambia since 1983. Our programs center around helping children grow up …
Healthy
ChildFund has been a pivotal force in promoting quality health care for children and their families in Zambia. We work to raise awareness about childhood illnesses and treatments, reaching over 30,000 children annually with nutrition services, clean water initiatives, deworming and other health support. ChildFund Zambia also constructs rural health centers to ensure access to health care in remote areas. In the area of early childhood education, we implement programs focusing on early stimulation and parenting education through home visits and group sessions. To date, over 150 early childhood development centers have been built across 10 districts, enrolling at least 30,000 children.
Educated
Zambia has ratified most international treaties that protect a child’s right to an education. ChildFund Zambia supports the government's efforts by constructing classrooms, distributing textbooks to improve children’s academic performance and more. Beyond promoting access to quality education, we also focus on preventing violence in schools by conducting training sessions for children, families, educators and other school staff to equip to help them prevent, mitigate and respond to violence.
Skilled
Youth in Zambia face numerous challenges, ranging from inadequate employment opportunities to limited access to skills training. To address some of these challenges, ChildFund reaches more than 10,000 young people annually with skills training and income-generating activities. For example, youth might receive farm animals like goats or chickens through our Real Gifts Catalog to support their income, or they might participate in skills training opportunities that prepare them for the workforce, like our Zambia Nurse and Life Skills Program.
Safe
ChildFund Zambia helps create a safe environment for children by supporting healthy relationships between children, their families and communities. We educate communities about child protection, helping to establish and sustain Child Protection Committees that respond to abuse, neglect and exploitation. Children themselves regularly learn about their rights, enabling them to raise their voices against violence. To date, ChildFund has set up 31 Child Protection Committees in 10 districts, working alongside community radio stations to share key messages on child protection more widely. We also train traditional leaders to help prevent and respond to violence against children, including early and forced marriages.
Students at a primary school supported by ChildFund Zambia learn about the weather.
A mom and baby participate in our responsive parenting programs to support healthy relationships between children and caregivers.
Sponsor Ellen Bell visits her sponsored child Emmanuel and his family.
Children enjoy clean water at their ChildFund-supported school.
Albertina, a peer educator with ChildFund, talks to youth about the dangers of child marriage.
All smiles as a child receives a birthday card from her sponsor.
