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As the Donor Relations and Communications Manager, I had the opportunity to dive headfirst into the heart of our projects, alongside our fantastic team. From visiting the schools we support to checking out the land we purchased for our upcoming Youth Hub, it was an adventure for the books.

The schools we support are more than just buildings; they’re hubs of hope and opportunity. I got to witness firsthand the impact of our initiatives on these young minds, and let me tell you, their energy and enthusiasm were contagious.

We also scoped out the land we recently purchased for our brand-new Youth Hub center. This place is going to be a game-changer, a safe space for the youth to learn, grow, and dream big. I could practically see the future buzzing with possibilities as we stood on that plot of land.

Oh, and let’s not forget the workshop I attended. Our team facilitate some seriously eye-opening sessions, shedding light on crucial topics and empowering youth to drive positive change for themselves, their families and ultimately their communities. The passion and dedication of everyone involved were truly inspiring.

But you know what made this trip truly special? The people. The Zambian people are a whole other level of welcoming. Their warmth and kindness enveloped me from the moment we set foot in their community. I can’t stress this enough: if you ever get the chance, you’ve got to visit our projects here. There’s something truly magical about experiencing the impact of our work firsthand and feeling the pulse of the community.

As I sit here, reminiscing about the laughter, the learning, and the genuine connections we made, I can’t help but feel incredibly grateful for this opportunity. Our team is doing some incredible work, and it’s all thanks to your unwavering support. So, here’s a big shout-out to all our amazing donors—you’re the driving force behind all of this.

Stay tuned for more updates, because together, we’re making a real difference, one step at a time. Let’s keep spreading that love and positivity, shall we?

Till next time,

Cora-Lee

Your Partner in Changing Lives.

Bridging Hearts and Communities: The Journey of a Donor Relations Manager in Zambia

The Reproductive Health initiative primarily targets adolescents, and the response from the Ngwenya community was truly inspiring. We were overwhelmed by their enthusiasm and commitment, which translated into a remarkable turnout for the program’s launch. The community’s strong interest in reproductive health demonstrated their recognition of the program’s potential to bring about positive change in the lives of young individuals.

Throughout the month of September, our dedicated participants immersed themselves in a series of engaging sessions. These sessions were carefully designed to cover a wide range of topics with a focus on enhancing their understanding of sexual reproductive health and overall well-being. Participants eagerly embraced these discussions and activities, actively seeking knowledge and skills that will empower them to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

The Reproductive Health program not only aims to educate but also to inspire. It fosters a sense of responsibility and empowerment among the youth, equipping them with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate the challenges of adolescence and adulthood. As we continue to progress through the program, we are excited to witness the growth and development of these young individuals, who are poised to become informed advocates for their own health and active contributors to the well-being of their community.

The introduction of reproductive health to the Ngwenya community represents a pivotal moment in our ongoing efforts to promote holistic well-being and education. We are grateful for the support and enthusiasm of the community members, and we look forward to the positive impact that this program will undoubtedly bring to the lives of our participants and the broader community.

Here, the emphasis lies on fostering discussions where confident girls and boys lead the way, rather than adults, as selected young leaders facilitate the Insaka gatherings. Our vision is to establish a space for boys and girls to form connections through mutual support, tackling shared challenges, and devising collaborative solutions to cultivate positive mindsets and essential skills for a promising tomorrow.

Youth Insaka has been actively organizing quizzes for both girls and boys, covering a diverse range of topics previously discussed during Term 2 sessions. These quizzes serve the crucial purpose of evaluating students’ understanding of the knowledge they’ve acquired. In the current term, both zones have already delved into an array of subjects, including the empowering concept of self-determination.

Creating Pathways out of Poverty through Gender Equality and Wellness Programmes!

Isice, a young professional from the Netherlands, embarked on a life-changing adventure with the African Impact Foundation’s Gender Equality project in Zambia. She had always been passionate about women’s rights and gender equality, and she was eager to make a real impact on the ground.

Isice writes…

“My name is Isice Michels, last August I went to Livingstone in Zambia to work on the Girl Impact project to combat gender inequality in Zambia.

I have always been very passionate about doing something good in this world and to make a change, that is the reason why I started working in sustainability. But going to Zambia and working on the girl impact classes was the first time in my life that I felt that I had the possibility to make a real change.

As Nelson Mandela said, ‘The life we live is not the mere fact that we have lived, it is what difference we have made to the life of others that determine the significance of the life we lead.’

I remember the moment when we visited a school to conduct a teaching session for Girl Impact. We arrived with a suitcase filled with clothing and a supply of menstrual pads. The other volunteers and I were tasked to share these clothes among the girls. As we did so, we had to ask who of the girls already started having their period and did not have any sanitary products. Approximately 10 girls raised their hands, signalling their need, yet we only had four packages of pads available. This situation felt surreal to me. Menstrual pads, something I considered a basic necessity, were not within reach for these girls.

It broke my heart as we could only provide pads to four out of the ten girls in need. It was at that moment that I realized I could make a meaningful difference right here and right now in these girls’ lives. Some girls had to walk for almost 2 hours to get to school and each month, during their week-long period, these girls couldn’t make the journey to school, simply because they lacked the means to manage their menstrual flow. Consequently, they missed a significant portion of their education each month. It became clear to me why only 8% of girls complete secondary school in Zambia.

I understood that by providing sanitary products for all these girls, we weren’t only ensuring their comfort but also contributing significantly to the cause of gender equality. It was just as simple as donating menstrual pads.

I began discussing the issue with the women from the African Impact Foundation, who informed me about reusable menstrual pads produced by local women in Zambia. These reusable pads could serve a single girl for 3 to 5 years. This revelation astounded me because investing in these reusable pads meant not only supporting girls in completing their education but also aiding the growth of local women’s businesses in Zambia in a sustainable way”.

Isice took her commitment to another level. She successfully raised nearly €1000 to support the provision of menstrual pads for women and girls in Zambia, making a profound impact on their lives.

Are you ready to make a positive impact like Isice? Join our Internship Program in Zambia and be part of the change. Together, we can create a brighter and more equal future for all. Visit our website to learn more about our programs and how you can get involved.

Leave a Lasting Legacy in Africa!

My time working with the African Impact Foundation has been incredibly rewarding. Having the ability to make an impact on the local community in Livingstone, both through working with the Foundation as well as volunteering on the project with African Impact has been great. Given my interest in NGOs, it has been really insightful to witness one functioning in person, and has broadened my outlook regarding future careers.

I have helped raise money for the Foundation’s great causes, such as Girl Impact, through promoting activities for volunteers. I have also been able to gain first-hand experience of the impact that AIF has on the ground, via my involvement in the likes of Youth Insaka; LETS; Girl Impact; and sports coaching. The likes of Youth Insaka, Girl Impact, and LETS are evidently important to the education of the local children, providing them with important knowledge that may take up a less central role within their school education. These topics range from financial skills, entrepreneurship, health-related topics, and other vital social skills. Working on the sports project was specifically exciting for me, given it being one of my passions. Witnessing the enthusiasm of the local children when participating in these sessions made it all worthwhile.

Participating alongside the volunteers from African Impact was a similarly enjoyable experience. I have made both great friends and memories through project work as well as external activities. The staff from both African Impact and AIF have all been wonderful to work with. The notable enjoyment they receive from their role only worked to heighten my own determination to make a difference. The ability to take part in a safari through Chobe National Park was truly unforgettable and is certainly one of the highlights of my stay. I also took part in rafting and the bungee jump, which are both unique experiences. My visit to Victoria Falls was equally incredible. The countless opportunities to explore the local area, as well as its unbelievable surroundings, have simply added to my unforgettable experience here in Livingstone.

Discover Zambia – Make an Impact through African Impact Foundation