Christian Alliance for Children in Zambia

The Christian Alliance for Children in Zambia (CACZ) is celebrating its 10th anniversary of serving the needs of orphans and vulnerable children.  The ministry was founded by the Alliance for Children Everywhere, now in its 38th year of service, and is partially funded through The Outreach Foundation of the Presbyterian Church USA. The goal is to bring orphans and abandoned children into stable families and to provide an education to children who would not otherwise be able to attend school.  Members of Mount Vernon have participated in this ministry for several years, leading and participating in teams that support the work of CACZ.

Zambia is a democratic, English speaking country which has rich potential but is crippled by poverty and disease.  Working with a Zambian Board of Directors, CACZ operates three crisis nurseries – the House of Moses, the Bill and Bette Bryant Home, and the House of Martha.  They also support Faith Works Schools and a Community Feeding program.

The House of Moses provides 24/7 nursing card for premature and high risk infants.  In 2003 it was selected by UNICEF and the United Nations as a best practice model.  The Bill and Bette Bryant Nursery shelters children 18 months to 4 years of age, while the House of Martha shelters children 4 years and older.  The nurseries work to find extended family members who may be able to care for the children or to place the children into Christian foster or adoptive homes.

CACZ also partners with local churches to bring educational opportunities to under-privileged children.  Although the Zambian government offers seven free years of education to its children, most cannot afford to attend school due to the high cost of books and uniforms.  CACZ established and supports the Faith Works community schools to provide a free education for these children.  One of these schools is operated by the Garden Presbyterian Church, Mount Vernon’s sister church in Zambia.  Several members of Mount Vernon have traveled to Zambia as part of the CACZ mission. The church also provides funding and supplies to the House of Moses and funding for teachers, books, and supplies to the Faith Works schools.

The number of maternal deaths is high and children are often left with their grandmothers who often have no resources to care form them. The Community Feeding program provides infant formula and supplemental foods so that children can be cared for by their families,

Please view our galleries Mission Trip to Zambia 2007, the Garden Presbyterian School, and XXXXXXX .