Meet Maria!
Maria has captured the hearts of all at Lusungu Children’s Home with her early desire to attend school.
Age: 3
Grade: Baby Class
Location: Zambia
Overview
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Challenge:
In Zambia, over 22 million people live across both urban and rural communities, many facing ongoing economic hardship—especially in mining regions like Chingola. With an average monthly salary around $330, families often struggle to meet basic needs. Job instability, illness, and the loss of parents—sometimes due to HIV/AIDS—can leave children without consistent care or support.Our Support:
Mercy Kids Africa partners with Lusungu Children’s Home to provide consistent, family-style care for children who need it most. This includes safe housing, daily meals, education support, and mentorship from local caregivers who are deeply invested in each child’s life and future. -
Challenge:
While primary education is more accessible in Zambia, secondary school often requires fees that many families cannot afford. As a result, only about 24% of students go on to complete secondary school. Financial pressure and the need to contribute income at home often force students to leave school early.Our Support:
Through child sponsorship, Mercy Kids Africa helps cover the cost of school fees, uniforms, and supplies. In addition, we work alongside local staff to support each child’s academic progress and encourage long-term educational goals. -
Challenge:
Food insecurity and limited access to healthcare continue to affect many families. In Zambia, 56 out of every 1,000 children do not live to see their fifth birthday—often due to preventable or treatable conditions. Lack of consistent nutrition and medical care plays a significant role in these outcomes.Our Support:
Lusungu Children’s Home provides regular, balanced meals for every child in its care. Sponsorship also helps cover basic healthcare needs, ensuring children receive medical attention when needed and can grow in a stable, healthy environment. -
Challenge:
Many children’s homes and community programs rely heavily on outside funding, making long-term sustainability difficult without consistent support and strong local leadership. Economic limitations within the country can make it challenging to generate enough local resources to fully sustain these efforts long-term.Our Support:
Mercy Kids Africa is committed to strengthening systems that support sustainability—from developing reliable sponsorship structures to equipping local leaders with the resources they need to operate effectively. The goal is not just to meet immediate needs, but to support lasting, locally led impact.
Walk alongside as their story unfolds
Begin with a welcome packet and photo that introduces you to your child—their story, their personality, and the life you get to be part of.
Know Their Story
Receive ongoing updates and photos that invite you into their everyday moments, growth, milestones along the way, and write letters of encouragement.
Stay Connected
Pray over and celebrate progress through annual updates and, if you feel led, experience it in person with a visit to Lusungu Children’s Home.
Walk the Journey Together
