On our second day in Lusaka, we had the opportunity to visit the Chikumbuso Project in the neighborhood (or compound as they are called) of N’gombe.  For over 10 years, this grassroots effort has provided support for widows and orphans struggling financially and socially.  Many of the project’s participants have lost family members to the AIDS epidemic, which still affects 1 in 7 Zambians.  A centerpiece of the Chikumbuso Project is a homegrown business (or microenterprise) through which widows and young adults learn the trade of crocheting a variety of handbags and satchels from shredded plastic bags (which are ubiquitous in Lusaka).  The sturdy, beautifully colored bags are each handmade by women at Chikumbuso.   The project is also home to a thriving primary school (grades 1-6) providing classes and a hot meal for the compound’s many orphans.  Currently, about 300 children attend the school surrounding the women’s crocheting workshop.  This creates a bustling, boisterous environment full of energy and life.

We found Chikumbuso at Katrina’s behest and thanks to Musenge, our driver and guide for the day.  We ventured off the main road into the compound with its undulating dirt path and stopped a group of women in blue smocks for directions.  After meandering through the compound without finding the project, we encountered the women again and, blushing, asked once again for directions.  They laughed and pointed to a sign right behind us half hidden in a large shrub….we were there!

We were met by Barbara, one of the weavers.  She showed us several schoolrooms–one of which was full of enthusiastic first graders—eager to pose for the picture below.  We then saw some of the dorms for older kids, one of which was obviously the room of a teenage girl.  As we gawked, an elegant girl in a bright red party dress and tiara strode up.  This was her room.  Her name was Grace.  Her tiara was an award from a modeling contest.  When she learned it was Darby’s birthday and immediately took off her necklace and gave it to Darby.  Grace indeed!  Our last stop was a classroom of young adults.  This was the Gap Year class—a group of students who had recently finished secondary school.  Their teacher, Mary, was conducting a lesson on creativity, reasoning and intellect—right brain/left brain stuff.  We chatted with the class and they became curious about our life and, in particular, the kids’ lives.  They asked us to return later in our trip and, indeed, we did return two weeks later and Deanna led a discussion ranging from HIV to safe sex to cervical cancer to peer pressure and self esteem.  Joe acknowledged that they faced the same pressures he did, but with more clarity and confidence than he and his friends ever could.  We left them with a few soccer balls and books; they left us with much more—vivid memories, inspiration and awe.

Please visit the project’s website to learn more at  http://www.chikumbuso.com/about/