ABOUT THE OVC PROJECT
Mwandi Village is situated on the Zambezi River in the Western Province of Zambia, 150km west of Livingstone. With a population of around 10,000 people, one in five have HIV/AIDS and the life expectancy is low (men: 46 and women: 52).
Due to this high occurrence of HIV/AIDS there are around 2,000 orphans in the village. The economy revolves mainly around fishing and agriculture and women have an average of 5.6 children.
Mwandi is experiencing a severe drought. With very little rain, most families in the Mwandi district are relying on food from Non – Government organisations
The Mwandi United Church of Zambia Orphans and Vulnerable Children Project was established in 2005 to support the orphans and vulnerable children of Mwandi Village educationally, nutritionally, medically, socially and spiritually.
The Mwandi OVC Project Support Team Inc. (ABN 71 673 742 560) is a registered charity with the ACNC
This team is run entirely by volunteers so that you can be sure your donation is being sent directly to the project.
Mwandi OVC Project Support Team Inc. | PO Box 191, Pt Lincoln SA 5606 |
mwandisupportteam@gmail.com |
+61417492947
We shall promote an environment in which orphans and vulnerable
children are cared for, supported, bodily, mentally, socially, morally,
spiritually and with an emphasis on education, nutrition and social
support to facilitate a meaningful life.
United Church of Zambia (UCZ),
Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) Project
Education for children in Zambia (especially for girls) is an exception rather than the norm. Only 32% of Zambia’s female population have access to secondary school education and only 8% of those enrolling manage to graduate. Early marriages, pregnancies and favouritism towards boys means that very few girls, especially in rural areas, will graduate from secondary school.
Support for these children provides an educational opportunity that they would never afford otherwise, in addition to a support system available through the OVC Project that gives these children the best chance of completing school, doing well, and possibly moving onto tertiary education institutions.
Education sponsorship is a gift to a child, to their family, and to their community. It empowers children to build a life for themselves, to help to provide for their family and contribute positively to their community into the future.
Mwandi UCZ Basic School ($105 a year)
The basic school provides schooling for grades 1-9. There are around 1500 students in the school with around a third being orphans and vulnerable children. Sponsorship provides a uniform, shoes, stationery and all fees.
Mwandi UCZ Day High School ($360 a year)
The high school enables the 580 students for grades 8-12, to have access to science laboratories and attend computer classes, while receiving a high level of education. Sponsorship provides tuition, exam fees, home economics fees, a uniform and shoes.
University ($1,000 to $3,000 a year)
These include Degrees in Teaching, Accounting, Nursing and Office administration - skills most desired by the students so they can return to Mwandi and play a significant role in working for their own people. Reaching this level in education is a huge achievement and recognized by the community. Individual sponsorship is encouraged, but due to the cost, it is also possible to donate to the university fund. The cost includes food, accommodation, travel and fees.
Special Needs Schooling ($105 to $700 a year)
The Project currently has 8 students sponsored at several special schools around Zambia. The higher cost includes board, travel and fees. Special needs children are often overlooked, and we have found our sponsored special needs children have thrived in their respective schooling.
The Nutrition Program
The Nutrition Program provides meals to 135 children a day, six days a week.
This is often the only meal a child will get each day, but despite this it has been wonderful to see the children’s weight and energy levels steadily increasing. Children receive multi-vitamins after their meal. A new shower block has been completed and they shower before lunch and clean their teeth after their meal. They are then able to participate in afternoon activities such as: reading books, playing games & sports - many activities that these children have never experienced before.
The children are taught about God’s love for them through daily devotions.
Educational Support
Last year 280 children were able to receive an education through our sponsorship program. Sponsored children attend grades 1 to 12 with a number also attending college and university. The program supports 8 children with Special Needs Education in schools around Zambia.
Please request a copy of the Education Sponsorship Program brochure for more details on this lifechanging program.
mwandisponsorship@gmail.com
Income Generating Projects
The Project has attempted to diversify its income streams by embarking on a number of sustainability initiatives. With completion of 5 flats, all rental income will be used to assist in staff wages in addition to building maintenance.
The Project also offers ripping and edging services for local carpenters using our machines at the Carpentry Centre. Office space has been also rented for income generating purposes.
A Fish Farm has been established in the Project grounds that provides fish for the Nutrition Program and fish for resale.
Social Support
Blankets
Through Social Support, orphans and vulnerable children are provided with blankets and clothing.
Medical Support
Children from our community and surrounding villages with major medical problems (that Mwandi Hospital is not equipped to deal with) are provided with transport to Lusaka to receive free surgery at the Beit Cure Hospital.
Counselling
The Project has 3 trained Child Counsellors, one full time staff & 2 volunteers and the Project’s locally run committees can achieve the Project’s child centred
development goals.
This is an exciting shift in the Project’s programming and we are eagerly anticipating the future possibilities, which will arise as the team continues empowering the orphans and vulnerable children in Mwandi.