Working Towards Ending Poverty in Luangwa

Luangwa Child Development Agency (LCDA) is a child-centred, non-profit making, non-religious, non-political, Non-Governmental Organisation, working to support vulnerable children and communities of Luangwa Districts in the areas of Health, Safe Water provision, Early Childhood Development (ECD), Education, Livelihood and Child Protection. LCDA was formed and registered in 2009 and operates through its three community associations of Tigwilizane, Chikondwelelo and Mandombe.

LCDA has a board which has representation of parents and government technocrats is responsible for policy formulation. The policies are implemented by staff headed by a Chief Executive Officer. Through the sponsorship program, ChildFund International provides funding to the LCDA for its program activities. The LCDA has over 5000 children enrolled under the ChildFund Zambia sponsorship programmes. LCDA also receives funding from other donors to implement all its programmes in the areas of Health, Safe Water provision, Early Childhood Development (ECD), Education, Livelihood and Child Protection.

Water and Sanitation

Two of the largest rivers (Zambezi and Luangwa) in Zambia wind their way through Luangwa District and later on into Indian Ocean through Mozambique. However, this does not guarantee safe access to clean water for the neighbouring communities. Thirty-five percent of people have no access to safe drinking water. Boreholes are few, and many people walk long distances to collect water from shallow wells that are contaminated by animals, and often dry up during droughts. Collecting water from rivers places people at significant risk of crocodile attacks.