Hope for AIDS orphans Zambia

Kupasa Banja means “to give to a family” in the local Nyanja language of Zambia. This successful ‘foster a family’ scheme brings hope to over 250 children and caregivers affected by HIV/AIDS in the slum community of Chawama, on the outskirts of Zambia’s capital, Lusaka.

Operated as a partnership between our UK and Zambia charities, Kupasa Banja provides for AIDS orphans and their families in the following ways:

• Meeting nutritional needs
• Providing access to healthcare
• Providing psychosocial counseling
• Giving children an education
• Equipping caregivers business skills

Breaking the cycle of poverty

In addition to providing regular food packages to families and enabling orphans to gain an education, Kupasa Banja invests in the caregivers of families (usually widows or elderly grandmothers), training them in enterprise skills and providing them with micro-loans and mentoring. This equips families to start their own business ventures so they can have a sustainable livelihood and break the cycle of poverty.

A safe place for vulnerable children

Kupasa Banja also provides supplementary income to the HOPE worldwide Kids Club ran weekly in the community of Chawama. Over 100 children aged 4 to 18 gain a chance to access emotional support, have social time in a safe and protected setting, and interact in educational games around topical issues like HIV prevention.

The Kids Clubs are a heart-warming example of the impact donor support can make to the lives of AIDS orphans. The Kids Clubs enable the local team to assess the needs of children affected by HIV/AIDS identifying and supporting those with extreme malnutrition, sickness or who are suffering abuse. Peer counseling sessions enable children to build a strong community of support around them and legal representation can be sought for children who suffer physical or emotional abuse in their homes.

In a country ravaged by AIDS and with deprivation and poverty widespread, Kupasa Banja really does bring hope to those in need, making a significant difference to their quality of life and future potential.

 

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