Project Update: “It’s hard to learn when you’re hungry”, Zambia

Hands Around the World (HATW) supports the Maluba Kasensa community centre in Monze, Southern Province, Zambia. The centre serves the most economically deprived areas in Monze and volunteer caregivers, who live in the community, sign-post vulnerable children and families to the centre where they receive assistance. The centre supports the educational, nutritional and hygiene needs of some of Monze’s most vulnerable children.

The centre currently has over 100 beneficiaries and HATW supports the centre by funding their food programme. HATW contributes towards the food programme in many ways. Each month vulnerable youngsters are invited to the centre to receive a hot meal, produced by the caregivers. The meal consists of chicken, vegetables and nshima (a thick porridge made from maize flour). The youngsters come together, share a meal and spend time socialising. The centre believes that this activity improves the youngsters’ nutritional health, well-being and fosters the spirit of community.

At the same time the youngsters receive a bag of mealie meal (maize) and beans to take home and share with their family to support them through the month. This support helps to alleviate hunger and malnutrition. These children and their families are facing an increased vulnerability due to the severe drought last year, which caused widespread food insecurity. The provision of a monthly hot meal and the food distributed helps to relieve hunger, whilst promoting a sense of community and care.

To reduce waste, and to be more environmentally conscious, HATW provided the centre with 100 metal plates, to be used during the monthly meals. The plates are being used time and time again!

Furthermore, HATW supported the Maluba Kasensa centre with seeds for their vegetable garden and a few families are using the space to grow vegetables. These families also use their new skills to grow vegetables at home, which they sell back to the centre as an income generating opportunity. The centre uses the vegetables in the monthly meals. The centre is keen to develop the garden further.

Access to education, food and clean water are all challenges that this community face, together with a high unemployment rate, all exacerbated by the recent drought. The Maluba Kasensa centre is committed to making a difference to the lives of the local community.

With your support, the centre is able to provide a positive and caring environment for these vulnerable youngsters. Thank you!