Barriers preventing vulnerable girls in Zambia from accessing an education.

In Zambia, the Chibombo district faces extreme poverty, thus, it has resulted in many young girls becoming vulnerable, unable to go to school and instead, they become victims of girl-child related abuse (emotional, physical, sexual or neglect).

Other barriers identified include:

  • Experiencing harmful cultural practices (belief that girls should not be educated, leading to their involvement in intensive child labour activities, early child marriages/pregnancies and exploitation). 29% of girls are married before the age of 18, and 5% before the age of 15.
  • Facing extreme poverty at home – lack of finance for education (textbooks, uniforms, stationary as well as basic clothing), as the priority is survival!
  • Experiencing extreme hunger leading to malnutrition disorder.
  • Having limited access to basic healthcare services and sanitary products.
  • Being affected by HIV/AIDS and other conditions.
  • Living in child-led homes due to being orphaned or having no other relatives/care givers to support them.
  • Having no legal registration documentation.
  • Schools being situated very far away from their areas of living – thus, long distances are required to travel to school every day.

Our holistic support that we will be offering to our beneficiaries in Zambia will include us removing all of the barriers stated above, allowing our S.H.E girls to be able to live ‘normal’ lives and be able to go to school on a daily basis – as we believe that they have the right to an education and access to all of their basic needs!

You are minutes away from transforming a girl’s life!

Imagine a girl, uncertain of her next meal, with a future clouded by hunger and a lack of education. Your generosity can change that.

By supporting Catalyst Foundation, you will provide more than just food hampers and clothing. You will empower a girl to dream beyond survival.  School textbooks and unwavering encouragement will light her path to a brighter tomorrow.

Visit our Impact Stories to witness firsthand how our impact has changed the lives of our beneficiaries to date, thanks to passionate donors like YOU!

With heartfelt gratitude from all of us at Catalyst Foundation, THANK YOU!

Become a Monthly Donor and be the reason why a girl is safely in school.

  • For £11 a month, you can equip a girl with the essential stationery supplies she needs to thrive in her studies for a year.
  • For £15 a month, you can provide a girl with brand new school uniforms and shoes for an entire year, giving her the confidence she deserves.
  • For £20 a month, you can provide a girl with a monthly food hamper for a year, ensuring she receives the adequate nutrition she needs to thrive.
  • For £32 a month, you can keep a girl in school for a year by covering her tuition fees.
  • For £47 a month, you can provide two girls with bicycles, transforming their daily commute to school into a safer and quicker journey.


Empower your giving by choosing a custom donation amount. This flexibility enables you to tailor your support, blending various contributions listed above to create a unique impact. By donating in this way, you will allow Catalyst Foundation to address the specific needs of its beneficiaries with precision, responding to their preferences and urgent requirements.