By Marsha Winsryg | Project Leader
Zambia on the Rise
2025 was a very good year for Zambia as well as for the Zambezi Farm, run by mothers and grandmothers of the disabled children served by the African Artists Community Development Project (AACDP).
A New Era of Leadership
When Zambian independence was declared in 1964, free public education through high school was mandated but never carried out. But 57 years later, in 2021, newly elected President Hakainde Hichilema declared all public schools to be free as they were always meant to be, transforming the lives of children and families across the nation.
Hichilema is also tackling decades of failing infrastructure. Friends in Zambia tell me that in the past few months, load-shedding—when electricity was available only a few hours a day—has finally ended. The government has accomplished this by building new power stations and installing solar panels.
Health and employment programs for women and the poor are being promoted and world leaders are taking notice. This is a new day in Zambia, and people are energized and hopeful for the future.
Progress at Zambezi Farm
After initial setbacks including well problems and a low water table, the Zambezi Farm Project has begun to see progress. The rains have returned and the water table is high. December and January brought bumper crops of maize (corn), peanuts, and beans. The farmers literally danced and sang celebrating the harvest.
Vegetable sales have increased, bringing more income to our families and covering more of the operation costs of natural fertilizers and maintenance of our farm vehicle that takes produce into town to sell. We are now looking to learn more about sustainable land practices that will improve the soil and ensure continued success.
It's been a long road, but seeing our mothers selling their harvest and their children attending free schools fills us with hope. The progress at Zambezi Farm reflects Zambia's national progress—proof that people only need the opportunity to work for their own livelihood for the sake of their families.
Links:
By Marsha Winsryg | Director
By Marsha Winsryg | Project Leader
Project reports on GlobalGiving are posted directly to globalgiving.org by Project Leaders as they are completed, generally every 3-4 months. To protect the integrity of these documents, GlobalGiving does not alter them; therefore you may find some language or formatting issues.
If you donate to this project or have donated to this project, you can receive an email when this project posts a report. You can also subscribe for reports without donating.
Support this important cause by creating a personalized fundraising page.
Start a Fundraiser
