Empowering Faith Leaders to Build Resilient Communities in Rufunsa

By Teddy Mofya, Development Facilitator CESP, Zambia

World Vision Zambia's Chongwe East Area Programme and Hope Matters Zambia, a faith-based NGO, is driving a transformative effort to improve the lives of children and families. The collaboration, which also involves 22 local churches and the International Leadership Institute, is focused on equipping faith leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to foster child well-being and build resilient communities.

Through the Faith for Transformation project, faith leaders are being enrolled in a School of Ministry program that offers both diploma and degree qualifications. For many of these leaders, this is a life-changing opportunity, as they either lack formal qualifications or need to upgrade their existing ones. Classes are conducted every two weeks, guided by local trained faith leaders.

One of the participants, Pastor Joseph Mwale, shared how the training has changed his approach to leadership. "Before this program, I struggled to lead effectively. Now, I feel empowered not only to preach but also to lead by example. I can better manage my congregation and help families deal with challenges like poverty and drought," he said.

The program has already seen 30 faith leaders enroll, benefiting over 900 congregants, including boys and girls. These leaders are now playing a crucial role in addressing deep-rooted cultural norms that negatively affect children, women, and families in their communities. By building strong support groups and referral systems, they are tackling issues like injustice and child exploitation.

In addition to leadership training, the faith leaders have undergone capacity building in Biblical Leadership through the International Leadership Institute. This has expanded their reach, with 30 leaders influencing the lives of over 1,800 congregants, including children.

Faith leader Esther Zulu described the change she has seen: "The training has helped me establish a children’s ministry in our church. We now have more spiritual nurture activities for children, and I am confident that I can help families become more resilient against the challenges brought by drought and other calamities."

“I am happy that we are partnering with other faith organisations to train and equip more faith leader in order to transform the lives of boys and girls and communities in rufunsa district “said Rita Mapala-Cluster Manager,World Vision Chongwe

As a result of this partnership, three new ministry classes have been established in Rufunsa district, ensuring that faith leaders continue to foster child well-being long into the future. The collaboration between World Vision and faith communities is a testament to the power of partnerships in promoting sustainable, community-led development.

By empowering local faith leaders, World Vision Zambia is planting seeds of hope and resilience that will grow for generations.