Dear Power of Love Friend: Happy Wednesday! Here is info on a new project you will love:

In our last email, we discussed the rapid growth of urban slums worldwide and the healthcare crisis which disproportionately affects children and women in these areas. In this and future updates, we are excited to share how we’re responding to these challenges.

Matero, Lusaka, is an urban slum “compound” where unpaved alleys weave through makeshift homes, and despite the pervasive poverty, the air hums with resilience. This fall, we are taking a significant step to establish a community asset and a beacon of hope in Matero—Matero's very first computer lab. This lab will feature half a dozen computers with high-speed internet and overseen by a full-time supervisor who will ensure the equipment is maintained and will run educational classes for children after school hours. During school hours, the lab will be open to all women in the compound—a first for any area in Lusaka.

We have been working in Matero and neighboring slum compounds for over 20 years. We currently care for more than 500 children living with HIV through our comprehensive services, ensuring all children in our program are healthy and in school. This lab will provide them and all children in Matero with a safe after-school space to learn and expand their horizons. Additionally, we have provided over 6,000 microloans and training to women in Matero and neighboring compounds to help them start small businesses. During the day, these women will use the lab to expand their businesses and access vital information on health and wellness for themselves and their families. Establishing this Computer Lab has long been a dream, and we are thrilled that it is now on track to become a reality.

We are currently raising funds for the computer lab (hardware, software, furniture, an uninterrupted power supply, a printer, ongoing operating expenses) and other ongoing programs. The budget for the lab is $30,500 for the first two years of operations. Thanks to a generous donor who kickstarted the campaign with a donation of $10,000, we need to raise $20,500 for the lab. Power of Love’s annual budget for all programs is $225,000 and if you are donating online, you can mark your donation to health, education, economic stability, or any program.

We invite you to join us in challenging the stereotype of what happens in slums. As always, 100% of your contributions go directly toward program activities, with no portion used for overhead expenses.

Thank you for joining us!

Your partners at the Power of Love Foundation