Country Overview

Zambia has moved from being a major copper producer and potentially one of the continent's richest countries at independence in 1964 to one of the world's poorest. Difficulty in transitioning from colonialism, debt and disease have all contributed to the country’s difficulties. About 80% of the Zambian people live on less than one dollar per day. At least one out of every five Zambians is infected with HIV/AIDS, which means almost every family in Zambia is affected by the disease. Currently, Zambia has approximately 1,500,000 orphans under the age of 18 years, and over 100,000 street children.

Quick Facts:

Area · 290,579 sq miles
Population · 11,200,000
Religion · Christian (50-75%), indigenous beliefs (50-75%); many people follow both
Languages · English (official), Bemba, Lozi, Nyanja, Tonga
Life expectancy · 38 years (men), 37 years (women)

Our Partner: Hope Fellowship Ministries

Hope Ministries Zambia has established an orphanage in Ndola, Zambia for children who have lost their parents because of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Currently it is a small house where about 20 children live. These children receive food, clothing and education, along with support for their physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Hope has recently purchased 5 acres of land where they plan to build a complex that will house 60 children. Hope Community School currently serves 150 children between the ages of 4 and 18. Hope hires teachers, provides school supplies and serves hot meals several times a week to the children. www.sparkventures.org

Trip Description:

The team will spend their time doing a variety of activities including playing with the children at the orphanage, reading to the children in the school, construction projects, assisting with the child sponsorship program, helping out with AIDS awareness programs, and a medical clinic. There will also be opportunities to visit churches and participate in cultural activities.