World Vision Zambia, with support from the Australian Government, hands over a 15-tonne Amapalo Milling Plant to the Zambia Correctional Service
With support from the Australian government, World Vision Zambia has donated the 15-tonne Amapalo Milling Plant to the Zambian government through the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security's Zambia Correctional Service in Mpika district of Muchinga province. The milling plant, which produces an estimated 500 bags (25 kilograms) in 8 hours, will be crucial in contributing to the availability of affordable mealie meal around the country.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Hon. Chipoka Mulenga MP, representing the Hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Hon Jack Mwiimbu, recognized World Vision Zambia’s partnership in creating a sustainable, long-lasting impact on people's lives.
"World Vision's loyal support has been significant in our efforts to uplift our community. Their dedication to empowering the youth and improving livelihoods aligns perfectly with our mission and together, we have achieved significant milestones. We deeply appreciate their continued partnership and remain committed to working hand in hand to create a future for the people of Mpika and Zambia,” said Hon. Mulenga.
The Minister further expressed confidence in the Zambia Correctional Service's ability to leverage its existing structures and regulations to ensure transparency and compliance in utilizing the plant's 15-metric tonne capacity for the benefit of the ordinary Zambians.
And Zambia Correctional Service Deputy Commissioner General, Mr. Bwalya Kuyombo, extended gratitude to World Vision Zamia for entrusting them with the Amapalo Milling Plant.
“This partnership signifies an important moment for us, as it not only enhances our ability to fulfil our mission of providing affordable mealie meals to the public but also emphasizes our dedication to maximizing the potential of this milling plant. We are grateful to World Vision Zambia for their trust and confidence in us, and we are fully committed to ensuring the efficient and transparent management of this vital asset for the benefit of the community, district and country,” said Mr. Kuyombo.
World Vision Zambia Interim National Director Ms. Faith Ngoza Kabaso was confident that the Zambia Correctional Service would manage the Milling plant sustainably.
“Congratulations to the Zambia Correctional Service for demonstrating their capability to sustainably manage the milling plant effectively. As World Vision Zambia, we are confident in the Zambia Correctional Service's capacity to manage the Milling plant and significantly contribute to the well-being of children and their families in Mpika and Zambia as a whole,” said Ms Ngoza.
She highlighted that the plant, funded by the Australian government through World Vision Australia, symbolizes a beacon of hope for the youth of Mpika.
“The Milling Plant construction meant to empower 2,000 youth of Mpika, but because they could not sustain it, we reached out to a number of institutions, and the Zambia Correctional Service proved its capacity in its proposal,” said Ms Ngoza. I am excited that the ZCS has promised to employ and empower the youths of Mpika in various ways through the Milling Plant.”
Background information
The AMAPALO Milling Plant was built by the Mpika Area Program as a youth empowerment program referred to as the ‘Mpika Youth Inclusive Business Development Project (MYIBD).’ The Project was funded by WV Australia, and the Project goal was to improve the well-being of 250 local youth population. The core beneficiaries were 2,000 youths of Mpika district with a budget of over K3 million (US $545,230). The project activities for the MYIBD were commissioned in 2013 and run up to September 2016 under the Mpika Area Program.
For the project's sustainability, the youth empowerment program was later handed over to THRIVE 1.0 in FY17 for support and continued monitoring. THRIVE 1.0 has supported the youth empowerment group and its board in continuing the project. THRIVE 1.0, a project, concluded its project implementation in Mpika in September 2023.