Zambia faces multiple challenges including food insecurity, climate change, and deforestation.  These challenges are especially felt by families living in rural communities, over half of whom live under the poverty line.  Poverty stems from interrelated factors including reliance on costly imports and exports, unpredictable weather events, poor soil quality, and lack of access to loans.  As a result, over 40% of Zambia’s children face at least three hardships: lack of access to education, housing, food, water and/or sanitation resources.

ODW is partnering with Alliance for Children Everywhere (ACE) to empower impoverished households with vulnerable children to meet their basic needs while improving their long-term financial stability.  ACE supports families through food stipends, training and start-up funds to launch small businesses, savings groups, and regular mentorship to support participants’ unique goals.  Through this partnership, 200 families will “graduate” from extreme poverty and experience the freedom of economic empowerment!