World Vision closes Pemba programme

World Vision Zambia has closed its Moyo Area Development Programme in Pemba District after investing more than 12.9 million United States dollars in Moyo Chiefdom over the past 17 years. The programme, which commenced in 2009, benefited more than 30,000 people through…

 World Vision Zambia has closed its Moyo Area Development Programme in Pemba District after investing more than 12.9 million United States dollars in Moyo Chiefdom over the past 17 years.

The programme, which commenced in 2009, benefited more than 30,000 people through interventions in health, education, livelihoods and child protection.

Southern Province Acting Permanent Secretary Gift Monde said the investments had made a significant impact on the lives of people in the chiefdom.

Mr Monde said the construction of Moyo Mini Hospital and maternity annexes at health facilities across the chiefdom was in line with President Hakainde Hichilema’s vision of bringing health services closer to the people.

“Government appreciates the contribution that World Vision Zambia has made towards improving the lives of people in Moyo Chiefdom. The investments in health, education and livelihoods have left a significant impact on the community,” Mr Monde said.

He said government would continue working with development partners to complement its efforts in improving service delivery and creating opportunities for communities to become self-reliant.

World Vision Zambia Associate Director of Programmes Betty Mbewe said the organisation was pleased to leave behind an empowered community with skills to sustain the gains made under the programme.

Ms Mbewe said the community had acquired skills in livestock management, gardening and savings, which would help residents continue improving their livelihoods after the programme’s closure.

She said World Vision had distributed more than 11,000 goats during the programme, contributing to an increase in the goat population in the area from less than 5,000 at the beginning of the programme to about 55,000.

Ms Mbewe said 175 savings groups had also been established, providing community members with opportunities to save, access small loans and invest in income-generating activities.

She thanked government and the people of Moyo Chiefdom for supporting World Vision’s development initiatives over the years.

Meanwhile, Chief Moyo pledged to sustain the gains made under the programme and ensure that the infrastructure and skills transferred to the community continued to benefit residents.

The Chief said the community would take ownership of the projects and work together to protect the investments made in the chiefdom.

The traditional leadership also called on community members to maintain the spirit of self-reliance and ensure that the benefits of the programme were passed on to future generations.