World Vision’s photographers traveled around the world this year to tell stories of children and their families. They captured moments of struggle and moments of joy. Here are their favorite photos of 2019 and the stories behind them.
Why World Vision is in Zambia
In 2018, Zambia remained stable overall. The country’s currency, the kwacha, fell sharply this year, which caused the price of basics like fuel, electricity, and food to rise. Some dry months in the farming season also caused food prices to rise, since farmers couldn’t grow enough for everyone. These price increases hurt already-vulnerable families throughout the country. This year, Zambia’s government made strides to combat gender-based violence, child marriage, and other child protection issues like abuse or exploitation. National events highlighted the needs of people suffering from HIV and AIDS, as well as those struggling to access healthcare and education. Working together with our donors, many of these vulnerable children and families were supported. Communities became stronger as more people participated in making their regions better for everyone. Programs helped people learn how to make the best use of clean water as well as sanitation facilities and helped spread health instead of germs through hygiene behavior change training. Mothers and their babies are growing strong and healthy through specific care and trainings for mothers. Programs that improve families’ livelihoods help the most vulnerable families have better access to food year round, so their children can thrive.
We never give up on people
World Vision child sponsorship looks at all the things that prevent children from surviving and thriving in their community, and then works with that community to bring all the pieces of the puzzle together to build a better life for all children. For sponsors, it’s a personal way to show God’s love to a child in need in a life-changing way.
Sponsor a child in Zambia ❯
Progress in Zambia
Thanks to the generous support of donors, we’re making great progress toward the well-being of children and their families.
Child Protection and Care
Boys and girls are safe and valued, well cared for by their families, and participating in their communities as agents of transformation.
- More children live in communities that protects their rights. Parents and religious leaders learned about children's rights and how to identify and report suspected cases of child abuse. Children also took part in councils where they discussed issues affecting them.
- World Vision helped parents to obtain birth certificates for their children, demonstrating the importance of children's rights, and giving children access to public services such as schools and health facilities.
Healthy Children and Families
Children and families are well nourished, protected from infection and disease, and have access to essential health services.
- Mothers are receiving education to keep their babies healthy. Prenatal counseling was given to pregnant women, helping them have safer pregnancies and births. Caregivers also learned about important breastfeeding and nutrition practices, and when to seek medical care for their children.
- More girls and boys had resources to improve their reading skills after joining and participating in reading camps that helped boost literacy rates among children in first through fourth grades.
Education for Better Lives
Children have opportunities to learn and to develop their talents, young people are equipped for the future, and families and communities support children's education.
- More teachers are equipped to provide quality education to students. Teachers took part in training that helped them improve their teaching methods and skills.
Prayer Requests from Zambia
World Vision's staff in Zambia are asking us to join them in prayer for the following:
Sponsored children and their families will be resilient as they go through difficult challenges trying to access education, health, food, clean water, and more.
Zambia will remain peaceful, loving, and united, avoiding politics based on ethnicity and regions that spark violence and disrupt peace.
News from Zambia
Change Makers
20 reasons to have hope in 2020
Hope shines a light in the darkness. It’s infectious, even healing. But what is there to be hopeful for? Let’s look at the year ahead with 20 reasons to have hope in 2020 — and how to pray them into reality.
From the Field
Zambia: Four farming families fight long-term drought
Most Zambians are small-scale farmers who depend on rainfed crops. A drought season brings hunger, hardships, and hard decisions. Learn how four families cope.
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