In July, through the Hope Journey program, Habitat for Humanity International’s Chief Executive Officer, Jonathan Reckford gave hands-on support to Habitat for Humanity Zambia by leading an American team comprising CEO’s to build a house for the family of Alidah and Derrick who look after their six children, one grandchild and four orphaned nieces and nephews. The HFHI CEO, commended the work that Habitat for Humanity has done so far in addressing HIV/AIDS and the displacement of widows and orphans. Mr. Reckford said that with the support of partnerships Habitat for Humanity will continue to provide underprivileged families with protected shelter and additional social support through strategic partnerships with INGO’s, Local NGO’s and CBO’s.

In addition, the US based team, lead by Jonathan Recford was hosted by United States Embassy Charge d’Affaires Michael Koplovsky who commended Habitat for Humanity International for providing basic needs to the less privileged. ‘Uplifting a greater majority of Zambian people out of poverty will provide the key economic growth in the county’. Mr. Koplovsky further urged other organisations to partner with Habitat for Humanity Zambia in building homes and providing decent shelter.

Zambia has not escaped the devastating effects of HIV/AIDS with a national prevalence rate 16% among adults aged between 15 and 49 many children are left behind orphaned when their parents die of the epidemic. That is why in August, under the Hope Journey umbrella, a group of influential American women where in the country to experience and witness firsthand how Habitat for Humanity is transforming families and communities around the world. The team comprised seven women from Minneapolis who came to build a house for a 78 year old widow of Lusaka’s township. Speaking at the colourful handover ceremony, HFH AME Regional Director for Southern African, Ms. Kaday Sibanda bemoaned the high number of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC’s) in many communities, not only in Zambia but the region as a whole. Ms. Sibanda said OVCs are a time bomb that calls for concerted efforts from stakeholders to prevent it from exploding. Further, she said, economic hardships have contributed to the situation and women and children are the most hard hit and they have to fend for themselves.

HFH Zambia, National Director, Petronella Shiaka commended the partners that have necessitated the successful completion of Ms. Foster Mwela’s home. Ms. Shiaka reiterated her organisation’s commitment to alleviating the suffering of the less privileged people in society. From Great Britain, Mellow Lane also sent a vibrant team to support the vulnerable group housing project and we thank you!