Habitat for Humanity Zambia

Last week, our Volunteer Engagement Officer, Paul Chishimba, had the opportunity to represent Habitat for Humanity Zambia at the Annual International Volunteer Conference (IVCO) in Newcastle, England. With the theme "Building and Sustaining Connections for Change: Volunteering for Solidarity," Chishimba's presentation focused on the essential role local volunteers play in driving community transformation and sustainable development. IVCO brought together over 50 civil society organizations, and academia to discuss the power of volunteering in challenging the status quo and creating meaningful social change. We are proud to have been a part of such an important and inspiring event. The insightful dialogue at IVCO shed light on the current challenges and opportunities in the volunteering in development sector, providing a space for reflection, learning, sharing, and networking. #ivco2024 #Volunteeringforsolidarity #Northumbria university #UNV #VolunteeringForChange #CommunityTransformation Habitat for Humanity Africa Habitat for Humanity International

Africa’s urbanization is rapidly increasing, with cities projected to be home to 56% of the continent’s population by 2050. This growth presents both opportunities and challenges for the continent’s development and transformation. In light of this, the just-ended inaugural Africa Urban Forum, held under the theme “Sustainable Urbanization for Africa’s Transformation - Agenda 2063,” was a timely and crucial event. The forum, held from September 4th to 6th, 2024 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, saw the attendance of our National Director, Ms. Mathabo Makuta, alongside the Project Manager, Mr Albert Chibuye, and the Policy and Advocacy Specialist, Mr Farai Shumba. We had the privilege of having Ms. Makuta make a presentation on “scaling up gender-sensitive land rights towards promoting affordable housing and resilient future cities in Africa.” Additionally, we were honored to participate in the exhibition that showcased the work of Habitat for Humanity Zambia. The forum provided a platform for networking and knowledge sharing among stakeholders from different African countries and beyond. Our representatives had the opportunity to exchange ideas, experiences, and best practices with other participants, fostering collaboration and partnerships for future projects and initiatives. As we move forward, we will continue to work towards empowering African cities and towns to become vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable centers of economic and social transformation. We look forward to implementing the outcomes of the Africa Urban Forum and collaborating with other stakeholders to achieve our shared goal of sustainable urbanization for Africa’s transformation. #AfricaUrbanForum #AUF2024 #Agenda2063 #TheAfricaWeWant Habitat for Humanity Africa Habitat for Humanity International ‘Mathabo Makuta

Today, Habitat for Humanity Zambia made its mark at the Absa Bank Zambia PLC marathon with two of its key team members, Fred Nkowe, Business Development and Partnerships Manager and Chola Kunda, Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning Specialist participating in the event. The two staff exemplified the organization's commitment to promoting health and wellness while also raising awareness of the Habitat for Humanity Zambia cause. The Absa Bank marathon, one of the most prestigious running events in Zambia, attracts a diverse group of athletes from all over the country and beyond. This year, Habitat for Humanity Zambia was proud to have two of its dedicated team members join the ranks of these athletes. Nkowe and Kunda, both experienced runners, took on the challenge of the 5 kilometer and 10 kilometer race respectively with determination and enthusiasm. #AbsaMarathon #wellbeing Habitat for Humanity International Fred Nkowe Chola Kunda

Habitat for Humanity Zambia is proud to announce its participation in the inaugural Africa Urban Forum from September 4th to 6th, 2024 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The forum, with the theme "Sustainable Urbanization for Africa's Transformation - Agenda 2063," will bring together stakeholders from across Africa and beyond to discuss and strategize on sustainable urban growth. As one of the leading voices in advocating for decent housing in Zambia, Habitat for Humanity Zambia delegates will be led by our National Director, Ms. Mathabo Makuta, who will be making a presentation on “scaling up gender-sensitive land rights towards promoting affordable housing and resilient futures cities in Africa”. The Africa Urban Forum serves as a platform for stakeholders from across Africa and beyond to convene, exchange ideas, and chart a path towards sustainable urban growth. The forum underscores the pivotal role of urbanization in advancing Agenda 2063’s objectives and shaping the future trajectory of African urban development. Through collaborative dialogue and innovative solutions, the forum aims to address the unique challenges and opportunities presented by rapid urbanization in the continent. #AfricaUrbanForum #AUF #Agenda2063 Habitat for Humanity International Habitat for Humanity Africa Mathabo Makuta

We are pleased to announce that Habitat for Humanity International has recently appointed Ms. Rudo Kayombo as the Area Vice President (AVP) for Africa. Ms. Kayombo visited Zambia from 28th to 30th August 2024, following the sad news of the passing of the Habitat for Humanity Zambia Board Chairperson, Dr. Maureen Mwanawasa. During her visit, Ms. Kayombo held meetings with the Habitat for Humanity Zambia Board and staff, where she conveyed her condolences and discussed her vision for the organization. Ms. Kayombo's visit to Kabwe gave her the opportunity to familiarize herself with Habitat for Humanity Zambia's work and interact with housing partner families, also known as beneficiaries. She also took the time to inspect a play park currently under construction and water and sanitation infrastructure at Makululu C Basic School. In addition to her visits to Habitat for Humanity Zambia, Ms. Kayombo paid courtesy calls to key government officials in Kabwe. These included His Worship the Mayor of Kabwe, Mr. Patrick Chishala, Kabwe District Commissioner, Mr. Lennox Shimwambwa, and Kabwe Central Member of Parliament, Ms. Chizoster Halwiindi Phiri. Ms. Kayombo's appointment as the AVP for Africa is a significant step in Habitat for Humanity's commitment to providing safe and decent housing for families in need. Her visit to Zambia and interactions with local communities and officials highlights her dedication to the cause and her desire to make a positive impact in the region. The passing of Dr. Maureen Mwanawasa was a great loss for Habitat for Humanity Zambia, and Ms. Kayombo's visit served as a gesture of solidarity and support to the organization and the Zambian community. Ms. Kayombo's vision for the organization focuses on building stronger partnerships and empowering communities to achieve their housing goals. Habitat for Humanity International Habitat for Humanity International Rudo Kayombo Mathabo Makuta

Yesterday, the Habitat for Humanity Zambia Board Members and Senior Management Team came together to pay their last respects to Dr. Maureen Kakubo Mwanawasa who was put to rest at Leopard’s Hill Memorial Park in Lusaka at a funeral graced by the President of the Republic of Zambia, Dr. Hakainde Hichilema. The outpouring of love and support from all those in attendance was a testament to the impact she had not only on Habitat for Humanity Zambia but Zambia as a whole. As the Habitat for Humanity Zambia Board Chairperson, Dr. Mwanawasa played a crucial role in guiding the organization towards its mission of seeking to put God’s love into action through bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope. Her dedication and passion for the cause were evident in her tireless efforts to advocate for decent and affordable housing solutions. Habitat for Humanity Africa Habitat for Humanity International Maureen Mwanawasa

Dr Maureen Mwanawasa, Zambia’s former First Lady, a dedicated leader and humanitarian profoundly impacted Habitat for Humanity Zambia. She joined Habitat for Humanity Zambia's Board of Directors in November 2020 as a Board Member, and her passion and dedication to our cause were evident from the start. In just over a year, she was promoted to the position of Board Chairperson, a testament to her exceptional leadership skills. Her commitment to humanity did not go unnoticed, and in March 2024, she was appointed to represent our Habitat for Humanity Africa Region on the Habitat for Humanity International Board of Directors. Maureen's passing is a great loss to Habitat for Humanity Zambia, housing sector, and Zambia, but her legacy will continue to inspire us to carry on her mission of building safe and affordable housing for all. We extend our deepest condolences to her family and friends during this difficult time. May her memory be a blessing to us all. #habitatmourns #zambiamouns Habitat for Humanity Africa Habitat for Humanity International Maureen Mwanawasa

This week, our team gathered for the annual review meeting of the 2024 financial year. This meeting not only provided valuable insights for our organisation's annual performance but also set the foundation for the 2025 annual planning. As an organization that values growth and progress, the review meeting allowed us to reflect on the successes and challenges of the past year, and identify areas for improvement as we planned for the 2025 financial year. With the added bonus of team building exercises, it was a productive and engaging meeting for all involved. The team building exercises were a welcome break from the formal discussions and provided an opportunity for everyone to relax and have some fun. We were able to learn more about each other's strengths and personalities, which will undoubtedly help us work together more effectively in the future. #annualplanning #teambuilding Habitat for Humanity International Habitat for Humanity Africa

Press statement on the passing of Habitat for Humanity Zambia Board Chairperson, Dr Maureen Mwanawasa. Habitat for Humanity Africa Habitat for Humanity International Maureen Mwanawasa

This morning, Habitat for humanity Zambia convened a District Dialogue Forum on sustainable WASH solutions in Makululu which drew the participation of Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation , Kabwe Municipal Council, Lukanga Water Supply & Sanitation Company Limited, Makululu Advocacy Committee, Kabwe Water Watch Group, Mulungushi University, and key civic leaders from Makululu community among others. In her remarks, Habitat for Humanity Zambia Programs Director, Ms Ruth Mitimingi Nabutali called on government to increase the 2025 national budget allocation to WASH in line with its long-term targets. She also emphasized the need for a specific financing strategy that clearly outlines the financial needs in alignment with the water and sanitation needs. Speaking at the Forum, His worship the Deputy Mayor of Kabwe, Mr Wesley Phiri underscored the role that Constituency Development Fund can play in supporting water and Sanitation projects that may culminate in the transformation of countless lives through access to clean and safe water and adequate sanitation. Meanwhile, Makululu Advocacy Committee Chairperson, Mr Lackson Chirwa highlighted some challenges that the Makululu community has been facing with regards to accessing clean and safe drinking water and sanitation facilities thereby increasing waterborne diseases in the community. The challenges included long distances to water points, reliance on sharrow wells, insufficient water supply infrastructure, lack of proper toilets, open defecation practices and inadequate waste management systems. Speaking at the same event, Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation Senior Water Supply, Eng Kabwe Mweenda urged cooperating partners and NGOs to prioritize newly created districts to invest in hand pump boreholes to increase access to safe drinking water. She also recommended there is need for community engagements and WASH trainings in communities to enhance the sustainability of newly constructed WASH facilities. In addition, Kabwe Municipal Council Health Director, Mr Christopher Mtonga announced that the Municipality has partnered with different enterprises to promote waste management in communities including Makululu where they will be required to pay a very small manageable amount. #sdg6cleanwaterandsanitation Habitat for Humanity Africa Habitat for Humanity International Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation Lukanga Water Supply and Sanitation Company Limited (LgWSC)