Our S.H.E Programme in Zambia targets the Chibombo (Central Province, 100km from Lusaka) district.
We holistically support twenty – two (22) beneficiaries and their families across two (2) schools in rural Zambia.
Statistics:
In Zambia, 58% of people live below the international monetary poverty line of $1.90 per day.
In Zambia, 58% of people live below the international monetary poverty line of $1.90 per day.
Only 27% of girls in Zambia complete upper secondary school, and among the poorest children, this falls to 3%.
Only 27% of girls in Zambia complete upper secondary school, and among the poorest children, this falls to 3%.
In Zambia, 29% of girls are married before the age of 18, and 5% before the age of 15.
In Zambia, 29% of girls are married before the age of 18, and 5% before the age of 15.
Due to the extreme poverty experienced in the Chibombo District, it has led to the majority of girls being unable to receive an education, which has been the reason for the high rates of girl-child related abuse, HIV/AIDS, early child marriages and pregnancies, child labour, along with many other issues.
The common barriers that we have identified through our ‘Thorough Needs Assessments’, that often prevent girls in rural Zambia from accessing an education include, but are not limited to:
Security
- Experiencing harmful cultural practices,
- Being exposed to various forms of abuse,
- Facing extreme poverty at home,
- Suffering from extreme hunger,
- Having inadequate basic clothing,
- Being orphaned, leading to girls living in child -led homes,
- Being involved in child labour,
- Having no legal documentation,
- Having to travel long distances to school every day.
Health
- Having limited access to, or being unable to afford basic healthcare services,
- Having limited knowledge of menstrual hygiene and access to sanitary products,
- Being affected by HIV/AIDS, and other conditions such as Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs).
Education
Lack of finance for:
- textbooks,
- exercise books,
- uniforms
- stationery.
We meet all of our beneficiaries’ needs holistically and remove the above barriers, to allow each S.H.E girl the opportunity to fully focus on their education and take full advantage of their uniquely tailored support plan. If any additional need arises, we meet this and add it to the support offered.
The Direct Cost of sending one girl to school in Zambia is as follows:
| US $ (UNITED STATES DOLLARS) | £ (BRITISH POUNDS) | |
| TERMLY | $191.00 | £158.00 |
| ANNUALLY | $573.00 | £473.00 |
(Includes: schools fees, examination fees, extra lesson fees, stationery, textbooks, exercise books, school uniforms, basic clothing, food hampers, health checks, sanitary products and school outings.)
