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Chikumbuso Women & Orphans Project -- Ng'ombe, Zambia Chikumbuso, a grassroots project located in Ng’ombe, Zambia, provides hope and opportunity to some of the most vulnerable women and children in the township. Chikumbuso offers free education for children, adult training and capacity building through micro enterprise opportunities, youth life skills training and outreach to the elderly. Chikumbuso means Remembrance. We remember those who have died, where we come from and to do for others. Our artists earn a living making beautiful, handcrafted, fashion products for sale both locally and internationally; our school and sponsorship programs educate students and help sustain families; and, our local staff provides counseling and encouragement for those affected by HIV/AIDS. In late 2004, Linda Wilkinson approached a group of widows living in Ng’ombe. Their families had been decimated by the HIV/AIDS crisis and they found themselves without any means for earning money to care for their ever-growing households.They nursed and buried their children and relatives and took in grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
The first priority for the group became finding a means of making money. They had little formal education and leaned on artistic skills. The handbag project began with just a few recycled Shoprite bags, a crochet hook and a pair of scissors.
Today, the group has grown to 45 widows and 25 at risk youth making beautiful handcrafted items. Their skills as artists and entrepreneurs have grown through various classes ranging from learning about color and design to financial training for both their personal and professional lives. The Ludington Rotary Club is partnering with Rotaryvclubs and other organizations throughout the US to raise funds for this endeavor. Ludington asks us to join them in participating in raising $10,000 which will be used to leverage additional funds from the Rotary international Foundation. More information is available at https://www.chikumbuso.com/ or find them on Facebook. |
