Vision of Hope
Vision of Hope is a project we started working with closely over the past number of years. We were introduced to Chitalu (Director) by Brother Isaac (Home of Hope) back in 2016. Since then, we have formalised a partnership agreement enabling us to work alongside Vision of Hope to try and help their everchanging needs.
When we first met, Vision of Hope was a small plot of land in Chawama slum with very little facilities to adequately support the girls. Fortunately, Chitalu has since managed to purchase more suitable land in Chamba Valley allowing for a purpose-built centre for the girls to reside - with a large dorm, kitchen, common room, offices, counselling room and craft house. The land is safer and more spacious than that in Chawama and has become a home to those who are living there.
Each girl living in Vision of Hope has their own story; trafficking, addiction, abuse, pregnancy, forced into prostitution, the list is endless. Here, the aim is to empower these girls and show them their worth, whilst helping them reintegrate into society. The girls are encouraged to channel their energy into something creative such as crafts which in turn are then sold at the local market, to act as a source of income and further teach the girls valuable life skills.
One thing that we make sure to include each trip is a visit to the old site in Chawama, to remind us how important it is for charities and NGOs to continue to support our partners and watch them grow – even if they no longer look like the “picture perfect poverty”. This reiterates our ethos, giving a hand up rather than a handout. Many new volunteers have not had the privilege to watch the projects grow over the years, and so it is usually when visiting the old site that allows most to realise what immersion is truly about.
Vision of Hope always has an uplifting atmosphere. With girls (and two young boys) singing and dancing about their daily duties, everyone looks forward to visiting the site - to interact with everyone there. We are always greeted with a big welcome and made to feel so comfortable from the outset. Each individual girl is truly remarkable and always leaves an imprint on your heart. There are endless stories to tell and memories to treasure.
List of Achievements
Partnership
Project Zambia have partnership agreements with each host community as a way of holding each other accountable, highlight our history together and to create short term and long term goals for the future. Documents are reviewed regularly to ensure all parties are happy with progress and have the same vision going forward. We work as co-equals throughout the development of each project to ensure we progess in the most efficient way possible.
What have we done:
Funded a new septic tank
provide materials and craft materials for income generating projects
Help establish connections with Cabrini University, PA
Sold their face masks through Covid to provide fund during the pandemic
adopted a dog for security and to teach responsibility
