We are committed to the well-being of these women and youth—and know that they have a powerful potential to become advocates for generational change. In Zambia, women continue to have higher rates of HIV/AIDS and illiteracy than men. 

Only 31% of girls complete primary school and only 8% complete secondary school. As 42% of girls in rural communities are married by age 18—meaning that Zambia has the 16th highest rate of child marriages in the world. These conditions contribute to an ongoing cycle of poverty, illiteracy, poor health outcomes, and high rates of child marriages and teen pregnancies. 

For more than 20 years, our programs have focused on empowering and preparing each individual we serve to face challenges with confidence and self-determination. We provide youth with education and mentorship from women and men who have faced their own challenges with courage, grace, and determination. The women in our empowerment clubs receive business skills training, literacy classes, and access to micro loans. 

We continue to see that while empowerment and educational success are intertwined for an individual, that same individual can empower their friends, family, and community..