Primach Lusaka
Child Sponsorship
Microfinance
Support Groups
Links
About Us
The current statistics indicate that almost 80% of the Zambian population is living below the poverty datum line.
The targeted areas, Mwapona & Kabanana are densely populated and are no exception to the problem of poverty, HIV/AIDS, hopelessness, and many other negative vices. Therefore, it is hoped that these projects we have understated will change the gloomy faces of these communities and bring hope in a hopeless situation.
Primach began in 2000 as a result of Mr and Mrs Mfula’s desire to help the poor.
The work in Choma began as a result of Mrs Mfula talking to some boys who were selling apples and mangoes on the streets in the market. What she found was that many of these children would sleep at the market, and children would earn less than $1 a month. They would do anything to go to school.
As an organization our core objective is to alleviate the suffering of the less privileged Orphans and Vulnerable Children. To enable children in crisis to enjoy basic rights and privileges so that they grow up in an environment that is loving and caring.
Primach is a small organization, very much based on spending time with people at their homes. Taking time to visit people means a great deal here in Zambia. Even when the resources are not there, and we have nothing to offer, we can see the value in going to spend time to encourage and pray with the poor. However, despite the lack of resources, Primach has achieved a great deal for the children it has supported.
Primach began in Lusaka, where it was for 4 years. Then in the Copper Belt. Mufulira for 3 years and Ndola for 2 years. It’s been here in Choma for 2 years now.
Children
There was one thing that made the Mfulas realise they had to help the kids here in Choma. When sitting in a restaurant, they spotted a child outside looking in the bin for food. “I actually captured it on my phone. It struck me and I felt bad.”
There are those who have kids sell for them on the streets, which is child abuse. Children have a right to stay with their parents, and to go to school. They have a right to their childhood.
The kids under the programme are the ones we feel are more in need. They are the ones we found on the streets. These are kids younger than 16 years who have to take up the responsibility of the parent. They hare being denied their childhood.
Primach finds places for children in school and sponsors their education until Grade 12.
Empowering through microfinance
Microfinance is the name given to a programme under Primach, whereby small loans are given to parents on the compounds to start businesses. For example, someone can buy and sell vegetables in the market, and should make enough to pay back the money.
The aim is to for parents to be empowered economically so that they eventually take over full support of their children. Through this programme we hope to see parents empowered to the extent that they are able to have dignity and self esteem by according them the chance to become breadwinners. Furthermore, this project encourages community participation.
It began half way through 2007. Mrs Mfula explains that she would visit kids in the compound, and their parents would always come to her and tell her their problems as well. She thought, instead of just handing out money to address the short term issues, she could empower them by giving them the initial help they need, to start something long term. If they do business to make a profit, and pay the money back in good time, then Primach is able to help others.
The projects are designed to empower men and women with the ability to fight hunger and help them take responsibility of their own families economically, socially, etc. And this is achieved through empowerment of individual households who will subsequently empower the communities were they live.
The selling and buying projects are a common feature in most of our communities because of most people not having the ability to process raw materials into finished products ready for sale.
House building
It is from spending so much time visiting in the compounds that it is easy to identify a person who has need for help with shelter. The heavy rains from January to March often cause a lot of damage to houses. Also, when someone is hungry then it is hard to think of repairing the house.
Primach has built houses for people from the ground, and also worked to re-roof houses. At first, someone would tell us about the damage to their house. After visiting, we would promise to pray for that person, and tell them to pray also. It has been through some generous donations for house building that some of these prayers have been answered.
Support Groups for those living with HIV/AIDS
There are two support groups under Primach, one in each of our target areas, Kabanana and Mwapona.
The groups are community based and consist of people who are keen to encourage one another and learn of how to live positive lives, despite the virus that they suffer. They are very open people and passionate about eradicating the stigma which is still attached to HIV/AIDS, by educating the community and encouraging others to be open about their status.
With the help of Primach they have undertaken the upkeep of a large garden and poultry projects. This is in order to empower themselves economically as well as supplement their diets.
The groups are taught regularly by Primach staff, trained in this type of community and awareness education. The objective of these lessons is to broaden the knowledge of the group on HIV/AIDS and its management, as well as to train them in running the small businesses they have undertaken and managing the garden and the poultry projects.
If you would like more information,
please contact Primach at the following address or by e-mail:
Primach
Rose
Bewick,
Tan y
Bryn,
Glanwern,
Borth,
Ceredigion, SY24
5LT
