Zambia Victory Mission Orphanage Project

The concept for the Zambia Victory Mission Orphanage was conceived first by citizens and church leaders in the town of Maamba, Zambia. Since a large percentage of adults in this region suffer and die from HIV/AIDS, many children are left orphaned every year. In 2004, H.E.L.P. International partnered with local leaders to enable the orphanage project to begin. In the summer of 2004, a team of Canadian volunteers traveled to Maamba to help dig the foundation for the orphanage. Located on the same property as the Victory Church of Maamba, the orphanage's foundation was dug at the heart of the community.

For three years, the donations of people from around the world were channeled to this building project by H.E.L.P. International, and volunteers continued to arrive to aid with the building project. Hired Zambian labourers completed many aspects of the construction and electrical work. In 2007, the boys' dormitory, the first of three planned buildings, was completed with enough rooms to house 32 boys. A large indoor washroom was also installed with toilets and showers for all the boys.

Bricks dry in the sun

The Victory Mission Orphanage project continues to grow and develop. On our most recent trip in November, 2007, H.E.L.P. International was able to purchase a brick-making machine that will enable long term sustainability for construction in Maamba and the Gwembe Valley region. As the picture above shows, bricks are an essential building supply for building projects in Zambia. Bricks can be made through natural resources by combining the correct mixture of water, sand, and concrete. Previously, bricks used in the Zambia Victory Mission Orphanage project were handmade one at a time in a form-type mold. Molded bricks are turned out to finish baking in the sun. The new brick-making machine that has been purchased will provide an ease in this brick-making process. The machine will also be used to run a business that will employ local men who are very much in need of work.

H.E.L.P. International is also currently working with the local government social services representative to finalize the legal aspects of running an orphanage. A fence will soon be built around the property to enable the children to have an even more safe and secure home. Other short-term plans include the completion of a second building, which will house all the kitchen and eating facilities. This all should wrap up soon and we can welcome the first boys into the dormitory.



Helping Needy Kids: Zambia

In regards to its Helping Needy Kids program, H.E.L.P. International has been working in the Gwembe Valley, Zambia since 2002. The need for a children’s orphanage was brought to our attention several years ago. There are too many orphaned children (due to HIV/AIDS and other diseases) for extended family members to care for properly. Zambia is one of the poorest countries in the world where education in rural areas is not a priority. It is our aim to bring these vulnerable children to a safe place where education, clothing, nutritious food and a loving ‘family’ environment will be provided. The first phase of the orphanage is complete and we are working closely with the government and social workers to open up the orphanage as soon as possible. Excessive flooding has paralyzed the building of a required fence. Fourteen children have been screened and accepted by Victory Missions Orphanage and the government social worker. Support for these precious children will begin this year.