Streetlife Project
'Streelife' provides care for orphan and street children in and around Kitwe.
Zambia is found in the Southern part of Africa and is experiencing many of the problems associated with the whole continent. It has a population of around 10 million people, literacy is declining and functional literacy is below 25%. The town of Kitwe is located in the north of Zambia in the Copperbelt area and has been hit hard in the past by the fall in world copper prices. In addition to these problems the nation has been devastated by HIVIAIDS and has one of the highest levels of AIDS orphans in the world. Many of these orphans find themselves on the streets with no one left living who can keep them from destitution. These orphans are joined on the streets by those who come from poor families unable to afford to feed and care for them.
The Grace Centre was initially used as a drop-in where children could receive food and friendship. However as the project developed it was decided to permanently house children at the centre. Currently there are 20 orphan boys living at the centre which is known as the Grace Centre. The boys receive sponsorship from supporrters in the UK to further their education at local shools.
The property was purchased for the project in autumn 2004 following many donations from Churches, organisations, schools and individuals. Much work has been done to develop the siteincluding decorating, additional showers and toilets. As well as many volunteers the Streetlife provides employment for several Zambian workers to care for the children and help organise food and chores.
The Faith Centre was opened at a building made available in the nearby township of Luangwa. With help from our friends at 'Touch' in Ireland, the building has undergone significant renovation and decoration. It is envisaged that the building will be developed into a resource centre for the community. There are 18 girls housed at the centre where they are fed and cared for, Some of the girls are sponsored to attend local schools.
Streetlife also feeds hundreds of children weekly at two 'feeding stations' at Kapoto and Luangwa each run by local workers and Church members. These projects enable poor parents to maintain their children at home rather than leaving rhem on the streets.
As you would expect, people and organisations regularly support Streetlife but there is a regular shortfall in terms of funding. Much more could be done and schemes are always being explored that might help Streetlife to generate income locally as well as provide further employment.
