CHILDFUND’S ROAD MAP FOR LUANGWA, ZAMBIA

By undertaking projects that eliminate the causes of child poverty. This will be achieved by leveraging resources and capabilities and working with partners to ensure that the deprived, excluded and vulnerable groups are not marginalized.

The Luangwa Child Development Agency (LCDA) is the Luangwa based partner of ChildFund Zambia. ChildFund New Zealand has been supporting them as a Dedicated Partner since 2010. We work in four communities there; Tigwilizane, Mandombe, Chikondwelelo and Kavalamanja. The Agency will take the lead role in achieving the Roadmap. ChildFund is the only international NGO present in the district, so are critical in improving the lives of children and their families

This plan has been developed by the community, with the goal that by 2020 the community will be well on its way to solving problems on their own. ChildFund will then ease-up on its support, and move to another area where help is needed. Click here for Detailed Strategic Plan

LIVELIHOODS

Agriculture is the main livelihood in Luangwa, but it does not provide either food security or sufficient income for families. The main challenges facing farmers are drought, lack of access to farming inputs, low prices for produce, and the high cost of farming inputs. Youth find farming to be unprofitable and as there are limited other opportunities for employment, over 80% of youth currently live in poverty.

LCDA has developed strong connections with state actors, including local government ministries. Ministries such as the Department of Agriculture and Livestock Services, the Department of Water Affairs, and the Zambia Wildlife Authority will provide much of the technical assistance, training and ongoing support that is needed. LCDA will also work closely with the community and traditional leaders.Click here for Detailed Strategic Plan

COMMUNITY CAPACITY

LCDA has a well-grounded community structure. It has Sections, Zones, and Community Associations which together make a Federation.

ChildFund Zambia and relevant district ministries and departments are available to provide technical assistance to build community capacity, including Community Development, Social Welfare, Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock, Education, and Health Click here for Detailed Strategic Plan

WATER & SANITATION

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

LCDA will work with the Ministry of Local Government and Housing. The Ministry launched the National Water and Sanitation Programme in 2007 to accelerate progress on access to safe drinking water and improved sanitation in Zambia, particularly in rural areas.Click here for Detailed Strategic Plan

EDUCATION

Luangwa has 15 primary schools, 6 secondary schools and 2 community schools. In addition, there are 24 early childhood education centres that are supported by LCDA.

LCDA will work with stakeholders such as the Ministry of Education’s District Education Board, UNICEF, traditional leaders and the community, community development and social welfare services, the council and the District Commissioner. The agency will also collaborate with the Preschools Association of Zambia.Click here for Detailed Strategic Plan

HEALTH

LCDA works with local health authorities to support growth monitoring and registration of children, bi-annual Child Health Weeks, de-worming and Vitamin A supplementation. The District plans to develop nutrition gardens with community members to reduce malnutrition.Click here for Detailed Strategic Plan

CHILD PROTECTION

Child abuse in Luangwa is partly the result of people not having adequate information about children’s rights.

LCDA is a child-focused, community based agency, which places it in an ideal position to contribute to child protection. LCDA can mobilize the community and empower it with skills to play an active role in their own development efforts. LCDA works with other key child development organizations and government institutions, and closely collaborates with the Department of Social Welfare, Safe Motherhood Groups, District OVC Coordinating Committees and Child Care Protection units. Click here for Detailed Strategic Plan