Zambia
Poverty prevents education. We empower parents in Zambia so that their children and young people can go to school. This is how we create prospects for the next generation.
Situation
Without education, there are no possibilities.
Zambia is still suffering from the consequences of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Almost half of the approximately 21 million inhabitants live in poverty. Climate change is already having devastating consequences in Zambia: Long dry seasons combined with shorter and heavier rainfall threaten the livelihoods of rural farming families. And there are many of them: Around 60% of people live in rural areas and rely on what their land yields. The economy has also deteriorated in recent years; income is falling and prices are rising.
Many children and young people have lost one or both parents due to illness (often HIV/Aids). As a result, they grow up with relatives or take on responsibility for the family and younger siblings themselves. They often have hardly any money for the most necessary expenses. Although schooling is free, the school uniform, school materials and examination fees are too expensive for them or their foster family. They are at risk of remaining trapped in poverty.
Overview
A generation seeks a future.
At 752,614 km2, Zambia is around eighteen times the size of Switzerland.
153rd place out of 193 countries in the Human Development Index - Switzerland is in 2nd place.
21 million people live in Zambia, two and a half times as many as in Switzerland.
Of these, 1.4 million are children who have lost one or both parents. Often through AIDS.
In Zambia, 29% of young people are unemployed.
Vision
We help families in difficult circumstances to build a stable existence. This enables children and young people to go to school, learn a trade and build a self-determined life. We are convinced that education lays the foundation for a life full of prospects.
Approach
Self-determination for all.
Together with the local partner organization Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ), we support (foster) parents in improving their economic situation. This enables them to provide for their children and young people themselves. They learn to set up their own small business or to harvest more through sustainable agriculture. In addition, 300 young people (many of whom already bear the main responsibility for their families) are given the opportunity to complete vocational training. They are also supported in building up their own livelihoods.
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Saving and investing
With mini-companies to maxi earnings
The (foster) families learn how they can build up a successful business or generate a higher income through farming. The aim is to enable them to pay for their children's and young people's school fees themselves. They also become members of savings and lending groups. These consist of a maximum of 25 people who meet regularly to save together and grant each other mini-loans. Here they are also trained in financial literacy and entrepreneurship.
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Education
School materials enable education
Children and young people in primary and secondary school receive school materials, uniforms and school fees so that they can go to school at all. They also receive sex education and learn important life skills. Volunteers visit the children regularly and provide psychosocial support.
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Vocational training
Prospects for a self-determined life
Young people complete vocational training - for example as tailors or motorcycle mechanics). As there are very few jobs in Zambia, they receive start-up capital after their training so that they can set up their own business.
Impact
Every donation changes lives in Zambia.
3,000 children who can attend school thanks to a better family income
Although schools in Zambia are free, school uniforms and materials often become insurmountable obstacles. This is because only those who can afford the necessary school materials are actually allowed to go to school.
300 young people are supported so that they can complete vocational training.
This crucial start into adulthood provides real possibilities for genuine prospects. It allows young adults to build independent lives and break free from the cycle of poverty.
2,500 (foster) parents earn a higher income.
Thanks to their new skills in business management and farming, the (foster) parents earn an income that secures their livelihood. Their membership of savings and lending groups also helps them to do this.
News
New stories from Zambia.
Possibilitieschange lives
Your donation to our projects in Zambia
Donate possibilities now.
Quality and transparency
Our certificates oblige us to maintain high standards.
We carry out our global aid projects not only with great dedication but also with the highest standards of quality and transparency to ensure your donation has the greatest impact. This is confirmed by various certifications, and through the KoGe umbrella organization, ena is accredited with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).
Learn more
Transparency
ZEWO seal of approval
The most established donation seal of approval in Switzerland guarantees that the use of donations at ena is transparent and effective.
Quality
ISO 9001:2015
The ISO 9001:2015 certification attests that our aid organization complies with quality and organizational standards and is constantly developing these further.
Responsibility
CHS Alliance
The CHS Alliance sets global standards for humanitarian aid and development cooperation and monitors compliance with these standards. ena's CHS certification confirms the quality and accountability of our work.
Relevance
SDC
Our long-standing cooperation with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) as part of the umbrella organization KoGe ensures that we are a professional partner.
About us
Effective emergency aid and development cooperation.
As a relief organization, we provide life-changing opportunities worldwide through effective, straightforward assistance. We are committed to both short- and medium-term emergency aid, as well as long-term development cooperation. Based on mutual respect and an understanding of local needs, we focus primarily on livelihoods, education, health, and peace. The responsible and impactful use of entrusted donations is confirmed by the ZEWO quality seal and our commitment to the standards of the CHS Alliance.
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Our project in a single document
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Zambia
Published: March 3, 2026