Chongwe learners find strength in every spoon

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A new chapter of hope has begun for hundreds of vulnerable children in Chongwe District, where the Acquire2Share Foundation has launched its inaugural feeding program part of a broader initiative to tackle poverty and promote access to education.

Over 300 children, many from disadvantaged backgrounds including those living with disabilities and those who have never attended school, were fed during the launch event held on land earmarked for the construction of a community school under the foundation’s vision.

Speaking at the event, Acquire2Share Foundation Executive Director Victoria Yambani said the Organisation was founded with the goal of addressing poverty in underserved communities by empowering vulnerable children through nutrition, education, and long-term development.

“This is just the beginning,” Ms. Yambani said. “We chose Chongwe because this is where we’ve already secured land in Chikonkoto Village, Under Senior Chieftainess Nkomeshya’s Chiefdom for the construction of a community school. It made sense to launch our feeding program here, where we envision a centre of hope for hundreds of children.”

She said some of the children fed during the event were as old as 15 but had never stepped into a classroom, a situation the foundation aims to change.

“There is no greater gift than education that one can give to a child,” she added. “In these children lie future professionals, presidents, journalists, doctors. All they need is an opportunity.”

Ms. Yambani has disclosed that the feeding program will run twice a month and is expected to directly support at least 50 vulnerable children per session.

She said the initiative is part of a long-term vision to provide both nutrition and access to education for underprivileged communities.

The foundation’s efforts have already garnered strong support from local leaders and residents.

“The reception from the community and traditional leadership has been overwhelming,” she said. “You can see from the attendance today that they have embraced our vision.”

She has also expressed gratitude to cooperating partners and singled out Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Media, Thabo Kawana, for his continued support of the foundation’s work.

Despite the successful launch, Mrs. Yambani has acknowledged the road ahead remains challenging, particularly in mobilizing resources for the construction of the school.

“We recently held a car wash fundraiser, but we didn’t raise enough. Our goal is to raise at least one million kwacha to kickstart the construction,” she said. “We are appealing to individuals, organisations, and well-wishers to come on board. This dream can become a reality if we work together.”

The Acquire 2 Share Foundation Executive Director is calling on the public and private sectors to partner in creating sustainable impact for Zambia’s most vulnerable children, starting with bricks, meals and hope in Chongwe.

Ends…………………..

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