MC-Zambia
Zambia
About us
Who We Are
Established in 2011, MC-Zambia’s community center is based in the center of Chanyanya (pop: 11,018), a fishing village nestled on a lagoon off the Kafue River, approximately 22 miles from the town of Kafue. Today, the center offers accredited programs in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Design, Cutting, and Tailoring, alongside a literacy program and youth-focused social programs. The local MC-Zambia Leadership Team (Board of Directors and Country Manager) oversees the center and its programs. MC-Zambia is registered as a non-profit under the Societies Act CAP 119 of the laws of Zambia.
The Need
Most of Chanyanya’s residents depend on fishing for their livelihoods. Since it is a seasonal occupation, the intense swings in economic activity take a drastic toll on people’s lives during the year. During the off season, Chanyanya consistently sees increased poverty levels, high rates of alcoholism, and unemployment. During the fishing season, when people are driven by the need to reap as much profit as possible in a small window of time, families often take their children out of school to help the family business. Many of these children do not return to the classroom.
Chanyanya also lacks social opportunities for young people, which contributes to the high rates of illicit activities, such as alcohol and drug abuse. Young girl pregnancy rates are also high, along with the number of girls getting married at a tender age. Illiteracy rates for both children and adults are high, especially among young people. There is also a lack of access to clean and healthy water and sanitation health (WASH).
Our Solutions
What We Offer
The community center, the only one in the area, offers vocational, social, and literacy programs to everyone; however, children and youth are the ones who participate regularly. Behind our programs is the commitment to build community where children and youth become the young leaders of tomorrow.
Vocational Training Courses
Education
Launched in 2012, our vocational training programs – ICT and Tailoring – offer Zambians the practical skills they need to find employment and to secure a steady income either in existing businesses or at ones they start.
Education
Literacy Program
Open to both young and adult learners, our literacy program, Learn2Learn, aims to help children reach literacy levels required to continue with their education; and adults maintain their literacy levels in order to improve their livelihoods. The program also organizes public debates and field trips for the students to national parks. It also supports a library.
Economic security
Social Projects
Since 2012, we have offered youth a range of social activities, such as soccer, cultural clubs and majorettes. These activities provide them with the opportunity to speak about the issues affecting their lives and to come up with solutions. They also offer sensitization courses on critical health topics, who, in turn, share the information in the community. Recently, these courses have focused on hygienic and sanitation practices due to the lack of access to clean water.
Our Impact
We're making change
Our location
Want to pay us a visit? We’d love to have you!