World Vision Zambia in partnership World Vision Korea Launch Mulenje Area Program
By Christabel Mundike, Communications, Zambia
Through its Chongwe Area Program, World Vision Zambia, with support from World Vision Korea, recently hosted a start-up meeting at Graka Lodge to introduce the newly designed Mulenje Area Program. This initiative, set to begin on October 1, 2024, aims to address critical child welfare concerns and improve the community's overall well-being in Chongwe District.
The meeting provided stakeholders with feedback on prioritized projects, an overview of selected initiatives, and an outline of the area program's next steps. Attendees included District Government Stakeholders, community members, and civic leaders, all of whom were encouraged to participate actively and voice their opinions on the program’s direction.
Chongwe District Commissioner Dr. Evans Lupiya expressed his gratitude to World Vision for their commitment to child welfare.
“I commend World Vision Zambia for their generous contribution to supporting government efforts,” Dr. Lupiya stated. These interventions in Mulenje will significantly improve the lives of children and the Zambian people.”
World Vision Zambia Child Protection Manager Michael Musumali, explained the selection process for Mulenje ward.
“World Vision Korea expressed interest in establishing a short-term program in Chongwe District. Through a thorough drive through selected wards, we identified Mulenje ward as a suitable candidate due to significant child wellbeing issues observed in the area,” said Mr. Musumali.
The program is set to benefit 7,148 community members through integrated initiatives covering Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), Education, Health, Community Engagement, and Resilience, with Child Protection integrated into all projects.
World Vision Zambia’s Chongwe Cluster Manager, Rita Mapala, highlighted the significant challenges facing Mulenje ward, including low literacy levels, limited progression to secondary education, and restricted access to essential services such as Health, Education, Water, and Sanitation. Additional issues identified were poor health-seeking behaviours, high child protection cases, weak community social cohesion, low social accountability, low household income, and reduced household resilience to factors like drought.
World Vision Korea has committed to being the primary funding source for the Community Sponsorship Program, which is scheduled to operate from 2025 to 2029. Their support will underpin initiatives aimed at enhancing community resilience and well-being in Mulenje ward, Chongwe District.
World Vision aims to create enduring positive impacts and improve the overall quality of life for vulnerable children and their communities.