Zambia project profile

Mporokoso ADP

Education
There are many primary schools in the area, but only one secondary school. Two-thirds of children begin school, but due to lack of understanding of the importance of education, distance or early marriage, few complete their education.

The ADP will build and renovate classrooms and latrines, provide school equipment and work with parents to increase their involvement in their children’s education. Teachers will be trained to instruct students about social issues including HIV-prevention, health and nutrition.

HIV and AIDS
AIDS is having a devastating impact on the community. About 45 per cent of households have taken in orphaned children. However, few people understand how HIV is transmitted.

World Vision will educate the community about HIV-prevention and promote testing and counselling. It will form youth groups and provide training and support for existing groups caring for those affected.

Health
Mporokoso receives plenty of rain, but many drinking water sources are contaminated. As firewood is scarce, people rarely boil water and most don’t understand the use of chlorine for purification. Diarrhoea and scabies result from poor sanitation and personal hygiene.

There are five health centres and one hospital, but some people have to travel as far as 30km for health services. Many believe ill health is caused by witchcraft and consult witch doctors. Malaria, diphtheria, tuberculosis, worms and malnutrition are common. Only half of pregnancies and births involve a trained birth attendant.

World Vision will protect wells and construct new wells for safe drinking water. It will educate people about boiling and chlorinating water, and provide chlorine and promote the use of fuel efficient stoves.

Mporokoso ADP plans to improve the overall health infrastructure and teach communities to construct sanitary latrines. Traditional birth attendants and community health workers will be trained to use modern hygienic techniques and educate people about health, hygiene and sanitation.

Agriculture
There is plenty of land and water available in Mporokoso, however it is not used efficiently and the soil is infertile. Farmers cultivate fewer than two hectares, using slash and burn techniques, axes and hand hoes. They grow maize, cassava and beans for domestic use, and keep a few chickens, pigs or goats.

World Vision will support agricultural extension officers to teach farmers modern, environmentally friendly techniques for increasing their harvests. It will provide improved seeds and credit facilities to help farmers implement these improved methods. Tree planting will increase soil fertility and replace trees cut for firewood.

Community leadership
There are strong community leadership structures in Mporokoso. Chief Mumpolokoso works closely with a committee of village headmen.

World Vision will train community leaders in the leadership and project management skills necessary to oversee development activities. It will also encourage women’s participation on the committee.

Sustainable development
It is envisaged that by September 2022 the community will be resourced and able to continue managing development initiatives without World Vision’s direct assistance. We will keep you updated on the community’s progress.