Zambia

The Republic of Zambia, formerly known as Northern Rhodesia,gained its independence from Britain in 1964. Kenneth Kaunda, the leader of the United National Independence Party, was named the first president and remained in power until 1991.

After nearly three decades of one-party rule and worsening economic conditions. The Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) won Zambia's first free presidential and general election in 1991. Frederick Chiluba was elected as the nation's second president and was reelected in 1996. In 2001, Levy Mwanawasa was elected president under the banner of the MMD. He was reelected in 2006 for a second term.

The government of Zambia requested the Peace Corps' assistance soon after the election of President Chiluba in 1991. Volunteer projects focus on health, agriculture, the environment, and education. All Volunteers, regardless of sector, are trained in methods to promote HIV/AIDS awareness.

Agriculture

Volunteers help Zambia's Department of Fisheries to develop rural fish-farming projects to improve the livelihoods in rural communities. After determining their needs and resources, rural farmers receive technical assistance in establishing dams, furrows, fish ponds and integrated agriculture. In addition to providing an excellent source of nutrition for rural families, surplus fish and agricultural products are also sold to provide substantial supplementary income. Volunteers also provide training to farmers in small agribusiness skills.

Education

Peace Corps' education project builds on the initial success of a national radio education program called"Learning at Taonga Market" (LTM). This interactive radio instruction program produced by the Zambian Ministry of Education covers the primary school curriculum in a fun and engaging way, and is broadcast over the national radio station.

Environment

The Zambian Wildlife Authority invited Peace Corps/Zambia to join in an initiative with communities living near game management areas that have recently gained an economic stake and a voice in managing these protected areas. Environment Volunteers help community members develop group decision-making skills and educate them about environmental and conservation issues. Volunteers work with communities to improve natural resource management techniques, improve food security, establish environmental education initiatives, and seek to create links in the community between education and natural resource management.

Health and HIV/AIDS

Health Volunteers in Zambia work with rural health centers to address health problems that exist at the local level. In addition to providing leadership and organizational training, Volunteers also teach communication skills and facilitate improved linkages among rural health centers, communities, and district health management boards.

Volunteers also help communities implement cost-effective and sustainable health interventions, addressing malaria, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, maternal and reproductive health, child health and nutrition, and water and sanitation. Volunteers have also helped form anti-AIDS clubs and several Volunteers have set up HIV/AIDS youth awareness sports camps.

Last updated Sep 28 2008