Where we serve

ZAMBIA—One Zambia, One Nation

ZAMBIA

Livingstone, Zambia, base for Light of Africa, is located in the Southern Province of Zambia. It is a border town located 6 miles from one of the natural wonders of the world. Mosi-O-Tunya (Smoke that thunders) or Victoria Falls waterfall and the bridge leading to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. A small town growing in numbers daily, Livingstone boasts the name of Dr. David Livingstone of world fame.

The Republic of Zambia obtained independence as a British colony in October 1964. It is a democratic society with an elected president. Zambia is similar in size to the state of Texas with 285,995 sq mi land area. There is an estimated 11.5 million people (2005) with a growth rate of 2.1%. The population is comprised of Africans (98.7%), European (1.1%), and others at .2%.

There are more than 70 ethnic groups and about the same local languages including Bemba, Kaonde, Lunda, Luvale, Tonga, Lozi and Nyanja. The last three are the dominant languages in the Livingstone along with Toka which is a combination of Tonga and Lozi. Religions vary from Islam and Hindu to Christianity and indigenous beliefs. The most common belief system is a combination of Christianity and indigenous beliefs. The statistics on this group vary but seem to be any where between 50-76%.

Although there is no compulsory education in Zambia, most do attend primary school (gr. 1-7). It is said that this is a free education but it is widely known and accepted that children attending government schools pay school tuition, and supply their own books and stationary products like writing books, etc. This may not seem much but when unemployment is at 70%, many families cannot afford this minimal education. Taking this into consideration, it is understandable that the net primary enrollment is 67% yielding a literacy rate of 60% for women and 82% for men.

Health issues are glaring as we continue to contend with the pandemic malaria, HIV/AIDS and other HIV/AIDS related diseases like TB. 710,000 children are now orphans due to HIV/AIDS…that is 6% of the total Zambian population! Of those 710,000 orphans only 1% is presently residing in an orphanage. As extended families carry the burden of these broken homes we search for answers. Although Zambian Health Minister, Ronnie Shikapwasha, (July 2006) recently suggested that more education, health care, nutrition, and food, among other things, should be in better access, throwing money, and the things it can buy, at the problem is not the cure.

We must go beyond the physiological needs of the child to the eternal needs. First, the need for salvation through Jesus Christ. Second, the need to educate the child in moral character -- discipleship. It is not what they know they is killing them, it is what they do not do with what they know. Impacting a child’s life with biblically based character development is the very key for a prepared life. Training children in the WAY they should go and keeping them responsible for this, is the solution.

Light of Africa is responding to this need by training children, training those who take care of children in orphanages, teachers who impact children’s lives in the classroom. This is done via Bible training, mentoring, role modeling, providing resources, consultation, etc. is all part of methods used to equip, challenge and encourage children, youth and adults to live a life that is God honoring and God fearing. A life that will enable them to live the full purpose and destiny God created for them.

For more information on HIV/AIDS in Zambia, please,

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