Today we are thinking of mothers and aunts in Africa whose families are vulnerable to COVID. Families in Zambia are especially vulnerable as they have little or no information about COVID and have weaker immune systems if living with HIV. 

Introduction

Introduction

Rationale for a Micro Loans Program

Introduction

New “Safe Park” format: “Safe Park” was designed for the children from the community to learn and play in a safe environment. Last April, regular program activities were replaced by COVID education workshops for children. These workshops are free and open to all children from the community. Since most families in the community had little knowledge about COVID, education was provided.

Impact of COVID: The COVID virus has had a disproportionately higher impact on vulnerable populations and developing countries. According to Bill Gates, this year we are amid “mutually exacerbating catastrophes”. In public health, we have been setback by 25 years, as people are not seeking health care and receiving life-saving services such as vaccinations.

With your support, this project continues to benefit more than 3,500 vulnerable women and their families in Zambia. In 2020, new loans, business training, and education was provided to more than 500 vulnerable women impacted by HIV. In addition, the women received education on COVID prevention, and PPE (masks, hand sanitizers, soap). 

With your support, all 450 HIV+ orphans and vulnerable children under our care are stable in health and attending school. 

“Safe Park” was designed for children from the community to learn and play in a safe environment. Due to COVID, program activities were cancelled for the months of April, May, and June. In July, we resumed “Safe Park” in a new format to provide education and prevent the spread of COVID.

As a result of the generosity of an anonymous donor, we were able to provide clean cooking stoves and education to vulnerable families in Zambia. Over the last four winter months, 1000 families have benefitted from the provision of clean cooking stoves. Family members love their new stoves as these keep them warm, cook food faster, and save money on fuel.