Zambia is a landlocked country in sub-Saharan Africa. It is a peaceful country, home to many refugees of the troubled surrounding countries. Zambia is one of the poorest countries in the world with the majority of the population living on less than $2 a day.
There are one million orphans in Zambia giving it the highest per capita orphan rate in the world.
There are a few different types of orphans. A double orphan has lost both parents or a single orphan who has lost just one parent. There are also social orphans who are effectively orphaned usually due to alcoholic parents or extreme neglect.
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There are 12 million people living in Zambia…half of them under the age of 16.
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When a child is orphaned usually they become the responsibility of a family member or neighbor. Because they are another mouth to feed, these children are usually not welcomed gladly and often treated as such. Many are forced to find their own food and sleep outside. They are not viewed as a blessing, but rather a burden and even a curse.
Children taking care of children
Theft, rape and ritual witchcraft are very prevalent in the slums where these children live. Most of the time a sheet draped in a doorway is the only thing keeping out others. Witchdoctors regularly enter homes at night and perform rituals on the children. Drunks often wander in homes to rape and beat children. Police presence is nearly non-existent.
While their life is difficult, they are not without hope. Jesus says in John 14:18, “I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you.” Through our three areas of ministry, these orphans are being rescued and hope is being restored. Learn more about our ministry >