Safe, Supported, and Thriving: A New Chapter for Zambia’s Children

At the Kabwata Orphanage in Lusaka, Zambia, there are 106 orphaned and abandoned children and youth (62 girls and 44 boys) living there who call it home, for many, their first “real” home.

With grant support from Bread and Water for Africa®, Kabwata provides “holistic care to vulnerable children under our protection,” states Kabwata administrator Simambo Miyanda,  the son of founder and director Angela Miyanda.

“The program ensures consistent access to safe shelter, nutritious meals, medical care, education, and psychosocial support.

“It is designed to stabilize each child’s immediate circumstances while equipping them with the support and skills needed to overcome early-life disadvantages and progress toward long-term independence.”

 And added Simambo in a report in January, “The Bread and Water for Africa® grant provided essential operational support that allowed us to function effectively throughout the reporting period.”

He noted that despite the challenges faced by the orphanage in recent years, stemming primarily from “rising costs of goods nationwide, continued electricity constraints, and broader economic pressures that have continued to strain service delivery, the grant helped absorb these shocks and ensured continuity of care.

“Our core needs, such as food provision, access to healthcare, and day-to-day supervision of the children, were consistently met without interruption.”

In addition, he explained that the grant funding made possible by the supporters of Bread and Water for Africa® further “enabled learning activities to proceed as planned, ensuring children remained enrolled, supported, and engaged in their education.”

“Children who once faced irregular meals, untreated health concerns, and disrupted schooling now experience consistency – regular, balanced nutrition, prompt medical care, and uninterrupted access to education.

 Among them is Beatrice Mwiinga, now 16 years old, who arrived at the home in 2021 following years of abuse and mistreatment by her parents.

It was there that Beatrice returned to primary school, attending The Eugene School (established in 2020 by Bread and Water for Africa® for the Kabwata students and named in honor of the late founder of Bread and Water for Africa®, Eugene Lad Krizek), entering Grade 3 at 11 years old.

“The orphanage helped me, and I started going to school until I wrote my Grade 7 exam, and I passed and qualified to enter Grade 8.”

Beatrice continued her education beyond primary school, subsequently successfully completing Grade 9 and qualifying to enter Grade 10.

“I’m really grateful for what you have done for my life, and I really appreciate it.

“May God’s greatest love reach out to you and your family in thick and thin times. Thank you!!”

Simambo noted that, “This year, one of our most significant accomplishments was the strong academic performance of our learners in Grade 7 and Grade 9 – both national examination years.

“All six children who sat for these entry-level exams (including Beatrice) passed successfully and were promoted to the next stages of their education, progressing to Grade 8 and Grade 10, respectively.

“Given the academic disruptions many of the children experienced prior to coming into our care, this achievement represents not only scholastic success but also the effectiveness of the consistent support, stability, and encouragement provided through our education programs.”

In sum, he wanted to ensure that the supporters of Bread and Water for Africa® “know that their generosity goes far beyond funding a program – it truly transforms lives.

“The funded programs have brought about visible and lasting improvements in the lives of the children we serve.

“Most importantly, they have provided stability in an environment where uncertainty is common.”