A Christmas of Compassion: World Vision Zambia and VisionFund Zambia Women Spreading Joy Across Zambia
Christmas is a time of joy, reflection, and compassion to reach out to those in need and spread hope. For World Vision Zambia and VisionFund Zambia, this festive season was an opportunity to embody the spirit of giving through their Women Empowerment and Gender Equality Initiative. Partnering with various organizations and communities brought comfort and dignity to vulnerable groups across the country. From incarcerated women and elderly caregivers to children in hospitals and new mothers, their acts of kindness demonstrated the power of love and generosity, impacting countless lives.
Bringing Hope to Incarcerated Women and their Children at Lusaka Central Correctional Facility
At the Lusaka Central Correctional Facility, the spirit of Christmas arrived with generosity and compassion. World Vision Zambia and VisionFund Zambia, in partnership with When Females Lead, reached out to incarcerated women, donating essential items such as baby food, non-perishable food, sanitary products, toiletries, and footwear on December 16, 2024.
Led by World Vision Zambia Board Chairperson Mabel Mung'omba, the initiative sought to restore dignity and hope to women facing daily immense challenges.
Speaking at the event, Mwenya Bwalya, Permanent Secretary from the Ministry of Justice, expressed gratitude, saying:
"This partnership underscores the importance of caring for the most vulnerable among us. Every woman deserves dignity, even in the most trying circumstances."
The event, part of the #WomenEmpowermentandGenderEqualityInitiative, demonstrated a commitment to inclusivity and social justice during the festive season.
Spreading Joy at Mother Teresa Missionaries of Charity
On December 27th, World Vision Zambia’s Spiritual Life Development Committee visited the Mother Teresa Missionaries of Charity in Lusaka, bringing warmth, hope, and the spirit of Christmas to the residents. This visit was not just a gesture of charity but an expression of solidarity and compassion towards some of the most vulnerable members of society.
The team delivered essential donations, including food, clothing, toiletries, and blankets, to ensure that the immediate needs of the residents were met. These items, while basic, carried a profound message of care and dignity, offering comfort during a time when many feel forgotten or overlooked. For the residents, this act of kindness transformed the holiday season into a moment of joy and reassurance that they are valued and loved.
World Vision Zambia Acting National Director Pennia Mavedzenge shared a heartfelt and inspiring message during the visit.
She emphasised the deeper meaning of Christmas, stating, "Christmas is a time to reflect on the power of love and giving. By reaching out to those in need, we embody the true spirit of this season."
Her words resonated with the residents and staff of the Missionaries of Charity, reminding everyone present that Christmas is not just about celebration but about acts of selflessness that have the power to uplift and transform lives.
The visit left a lasting impression on both the givers and the recipients, highlighting the importance of community, faith, and shared humanity during the festive season.
The residents expressed deep gratitude, with one saying: "We feel loved and seen. Thank you for reminding us that we are not alone."
Empowering Elderly Women in Choma District
Through the Women Empowerment and Gender Equality Initiative in Choma District, elderly women were given a much-needed lift during the festive season. As part of this initiative, each woman received a carefully prepared care package, which included mealie meals, sugar, soap, beans, and soya chunks, essential yet vital necessities to support them during difficult times. The act of kindness addressed their immediate needs and conveyed a message of love, care, and recognition.
One recipient, Beatrice Nkomesha, expressed her deep gratitude for the gesture, "This gesture is a blessing. It assures us that we are not forgotten, even in our old age."
Her words reflected the initiative's profound impact, which provided physical support and nurtured a sense of dignity and inclusion. The Choma Pastors Fellowship supported the initiative, emphasising that empowering communities starts with honouring their elders. By recognizing the contributions and needs of elderly women, the project reinforced the value of intergenerational care and support, ensuring that these women, who have spent a lifetime giving to others, are cared for and appreciated in their later years. Through this act of kindness, the community was reminded of honouring all generations and building a stronger, more compassionate society.
Supporting Isoka District Hospital
In Northern Zambia, World Vision Zambia and VisionFund Zambia staff joined hands with the Catholic Women’s League at St. Marks Parish to bring much-needed cheer to children at Isoka District Hospital. Recognising the difficult circumstances the children and their families faced, the team made a meaningful difference by donating essential items such as clothing, toiletries, and food. Beyond the physical donations, the team also took time to offer prayers, fostering a sense of spiritual comfort and emotional support.
Additionally, the staff worked together to clean the ward, creating a cleaner and more comfortable environment for the children and their caregivers. This act of collaboration ensured immediate care and highlighted the collective effort to improve the overall well-being of the young patients.
One caregiver, visibly moved by the visit, shared her gratitude, "This visit gave us hope. Seeing people care deeply for our children brings comfort in tough times."
Her words captured the essence of the visit's impact; beyond the tangible support, the caregivers and children felt uplifted by the kindness and compassion. The collaboration between World Vision Zambia, VisionFund Zambia, and the Catholic Women’s League exemplified the power of community and collective action in creating lasting positive change for those in need, especially in times of hardship.
Bringing Cheer to Chipata Central Hospital and Police Station
Festive kindness extended to Chipata, where women inmates and mothers at the central hospital received much-needed support. At Chipata Central Police, hygiene kits, clothes, and baby items were provided to 48 inmates, including expectant mothers and those with infants.
At Chipata Central Hospital's Maternity Ward, 39 mothers received supplies such as soap, buckets, and sanitary pads.
A mother, Chileshe Banda, shared,"These gifts make us feel valued during a vulnerable time in our lives. Thank you for thinking of us."
Reflections on the Season of Giving
Through these acts of kindness, World Vision Zambia and VisionFund Zambia truly exemplified the essence of Christmas—compassion, love, and generosity. Each initiative, whether providing essential items to vulnerable women, offering prayers and support to children in hospitals, or extending a helping hand to the elderly, brought not only tangible relief but also dignity and hope to those in need. These efforts reaffirmed the organization's deep commitment to fostering stronger, more inclusive communities where every individual, regardless of their circumstances, is seen, valued, and cared for.
As World Vision Zambia's Interim National Director, Pennia Mavedzenge, concluded, "The joy of Christmas lies in giving selflessly. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of those who need it most."
Her words captured the spirit of these initiatives, reminding us that the true joy of the season is found not in what we receive but in the difference we make in the lives of others. By coming together in unity and compassion, World Vision Zambia and VisionFund Zambia are proving that every act of kindness can transform lives and create a ripple effect of goodwill that extends far beyond the holiday season.
