The Problem

The ZACTS School for Orphans and Vulnerable Children is located in Solwezi, and serves over 1,700 students. Many of these children come from low-income households and rely on the school for daily meals to stay healthy and focused in class. While the school receives support through child sponsorship and some government funding, it still lacks the resources needed to consistently provide meals for every student. This shortfall not only affects children’s ability to learn but also places additional strain on families who are already facing poverty and food insecurity.

The Program

To help meet this need,  ZACTS started a farm on school grounds in 2018. Today, they grow vegetables, raise livestock, and farm fish, all to support student nutrition and reduce dependency on outside funding.

Now, ZACTS has broadened this initiative by involving students in the farm. The school offers 600 students in grades 8-12 the opportunity to learn about agriculture. This approach aims to deepen their knowledge of farming, nurture their entrepreneurial skills, and engage them in growing the food they consume daily.