Caritas, CCO Provide Boreholes to Solwezi Communities
By Sr. Mary Immaculate Tembo, GSSC, Solwezi CNCS Hub Caritas, in partnership with the Crossed Catholic Outreach (CCO), has provided boreholes to seven communities in Solwezi to address severe water shortages. The project targets eight communities, including Kande, Kabombo, Samununga, St. Dorothy, Kisasa, and Nganda Yamwaka, with the goal of completing installations before the end of 2025. Caritas Project Officer Ms. Dorcas Mutembo said the initiative began this year and is expected to conclude by June 2026. “North Western Province in Solwezi is facing a water challenge, so Caritas decided to work hand in hand with the Crossed Catholic Outreach organization, which provided us with funds to help the people. We conducted an assessment to identify the needs in communities within Solwezi,” Ms. Mutembo said. “We later identified 15 sites and made a plan to target at least eight communities with boreholes before the end of 2025,” she added. She said many communities faced drying boreholes, depleted rivers, aging water reticulation systems and prolonged drought. “Funding of USD 125,000 was provided by CCO and 98 percent of planned boreholes have been installed,” Ms. Mutembo said. She explained that Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) committees have been formed to maintain the boreholes and the project includes sanitation education for adults and children. He added that Caritas, together with CCO, should continue supporting communities with the same spirit. Meanwhile, Fr. Eric Sebente of Kabombo community said he is grateful for the project, noting that the community has experienced fewer cases of diarrhoea and other waterborne diseases. Fr. Sebente said that before the installation of the boreholes, children used to walk up to seven kilometres in search of water, which affected school attendance. He added that the lack of clean water also contributed to the spread of waterborne diseases. Fr. Sebente said that Caritas, together with CCO, should continue supporting communities with the same spirit. And One of the beneficiaries, Ms. Deborah Magaisa, said she is excited about the development because she no longer has to walk long distances to fetch clean water.
Emerging Farmers Initiative: Empowering Youths Through Sustainable Agriculture
In the southern part of Zambia, the Sisters of the Holy Spirit have embarked on a mission to transform lives through the Emerging Farmers Initiative. Situated in Mazabuka and operating under the James Corboy Secondary School Production Unit, this Eco-friendly, integrated agricultural project empowers young people with hands-on skills to turn farming into a sustainable business. Recognizing the challenges of youth unemployment and the limitations of traditional academic paths, the initiative provides practical training in poultry farming, piggery, aquaculture, gardening, and feed production. It opens doors for students to explore agribusiness, regardless of their academic performance, creating new opportunities for self-reliance and entrepreneurship. Beyond skills development, the program emphasizes Eco-friendly farming practices, utilizing natural solutions for crop maintenance and disease treatment. This approach not only protects the environment but also inspires innovation among participants. Despite its success, the project faces challenges, including high operational costs and reliance on an unstable power grid. Yet, with the support of donors and the resilience of the sisters, it continues to thrive, providing hope and opportunities to many. This initiative is more than just a training program, it’s a lifeline for the community and a beacon of sustainable development. Discover the journey of hope and transformation below.