Zambia, Musosolokwe AP

World Vision began an assessment study in Musosolokwe in July 2009. It was found that the target area was hampered by insufficient health facilities, ill-equipped schools and a lack of food security. Children had to walk long distances to reach medical centres that were inadequately stocked, schools lacked necessary items like desks and learning materials and food was not available all year round. Recognising these needs, the Musosolokwe AP began its initiatives in April 2010.

The harsh landscape in Musosolokwe deprives children of a fair chance at education. Children have to cover over 25 km to reach one of three schools in the area. Flooding also destroys roads and flood waters can wash away and drown children.

In addition, there is a high rate of malaria, diarrhoea and malnutrition among children. This leads to high mortality and stunted growth in children, which further perpetuates poverty in Musosolokwe.

Also, over 40% of children have only one meal a day due to poor crop harvest as a result of bad weather conditions and poor farming methods. Alternative sources of income are hard to come by, and natural resources in Musosolokwe are slowly being exploited by the community to earn more income.