Missions > Development Projects
Zambia
Zambia - The Country
Zambia is one of the more politically stable countries in Southern Africa, despite the conflicts raging at its borders with Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Yet this landlocked country faces many challenges. As one of the world's poorest and indebted countries, Zambia experiences multiple issues that impact its development. A steady influx of refugees, the effects of HIV/AIDS, poverty and corruption, and food shortages leave the country in crisis. The decline of the copper industry has negatively impacted the economy, and while the agricultural sector employs 85% of the labour force, most farmers own a single plot, barely producing enough to feed their own families.The HIV/AIDS epidemic is drastically impacting the country as a whole. The pandemic is blamed for decimating the cream of professionals (doctors, politicians, engineers, etc.), and thus has impacted the development of the country. As usual, children are particularly vulnerable in the ramifications of the pandemic, and many end up on the streets after loosing one or both parents. Children on the street lack access to food, protection, health care and education. Many children resort to theft or commercial sex as a means of survival. Street children are the most vulnerable in society, often experiencing daily abuse and rejection.
The Lazarus Project
The Lazarus project grew out of a women's ministry at Northmead Assembly in Lusaka that sought to provide food, clothing and HIV/health awareness for the overwhelming number of destitute street children in the area. In 2002, a Canadian businessman provided the means for The Lazarus Project to purchase a 40-acre farm. In addition to being an active agricultural farm, the property hosts residential buildings for destitute boys, a community school, and an administrative building. Read more ...
The Siavonga/Kabwe Community HIV/AIDS Mitigation Project
January 2008 marked the beginning of a new and exciting project for Crossroads Missions. In partnership with the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), Visionledd and an established national partner called Chreso Ministries, we were able to strengthen Zambia's medical system through offering the innovative concept of a mobile clinic that will service high-need areas of Zambia. In just 14 months, this project has experienced enormous success by reaching over 19,000 people with Primary Health Care (PHC). Read more ...
