Christian Alliance for Children In Zambia

Zambia, Africa

• Democratic, English speaking, a former British colony (Northern Rhodesia).
• Seventy-two different tribes living peacefully together
• Rich, fertile land with abundant underground water.
• Landlocked, bordering eight different African nations.
• Open to the Gospel message.

Although Zambia has rich potential, she has the highest rate of poverty in Africa.
Why is this happening?

Zambia is Caught Between Two Crippling Forces:

#1. POVERTY

• With a population of 10 million, 80% live on less than $1.00 a day.
• Almost half of Zambia’s children are so malnourished their growth has been stunted.
• 34% of primary aged BOYS and 52% primary GIRLS are NOT in school.
• 75% of young people will never get beyond the seventh grade.

#2. HIV/AIDS

• One in five Zambians is infected with HIV and will likely die from having AIDS.
• The majority of those who die from AIDS are the parents of dependent children.
• Average life expectancy in Zambia has dropped to just 33 years.
• Over 1.2 million children are orphans; that is 23% of all of Zambia’s children, which makes Zambia the nation with the highest number of orphans as a percent of the population.

Where Will Their Help Come From?

“...help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:2 NIV

A Quote from Peter McDermott, Director, UNICEF Zambia, 1999

“There is only one institution that can make an immediate and lasting difference–the church has the mandate, the resources, the presence, the permanency, the expertise and the compassion required to give orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) the rights and assistance they deserve for the chance to mature into responsible citizens.”

WHO TAKES CARE OF AIDS ORPHANS WHEN THEIR PARENTS DIE?

• Older siblings, even children as young as eight years old may become the primary caregiver
• Grandparents, or great grandparents, for as long as they are able. An elderly woman who bore eight children may be forced to care for twenty or more offspring. Her prayer is to live long enough for the eldest children to take her place overseeing the youngest.
• Uncles, second and third cousins, nieces and nephews–when the orphan’s grandparent, uncle or cousin becomes sick and dies, we are experiencing a new phenomenon–children who are serial orphans.
• NO ONE. If a child is old enough to survive, he will likely be swallowed up by the deadly sub-culture of the streets.

From the web site of Christian Alliance for Children Everywhere