Learn more about this beacon of hope in the rural villages for countless women and children.
Nestled in the rural villages around Chongwe, Lusaka, Zambia, the Nsansa Village Women's Shelter stands as a shining beacon of hope and resilience. For over 18 years, this remarkable shelter has been a lifeline for over a hundred mothers and children, providing essential medical services that are otherwise inaccessible in these remote areas.
From its humble beginnings under a tree and in a small hut, the mission of the Nsansa Village Women's Shelter has remained steadfast: to safeguard the health and well-being of the local community. Each month, the shelter offers crucial services such as weight checks, vaccinations, HIV testing, and malaria prevention education, making a profound impact on the lives of those it serves.
February's event at the shelter highlighted the pressing need for expanded health services. Among the attendees was the youngest mother, a brave 15-year-old who brought her 2-year-old child, just days after celebrating her own birthday. To avoid legal complications for the father, she claimed to be 17. A Grade 10 student at a nearby school, her story underscores the urgent need for comprehensive health services tailored to the unique challenges faced by young mothers.
The Nsansa Village Women's Shelter is a testament to the strength and resilience of the community. However, it also serves as a stark reminder of the critical needs that remain unmet. The facility is extremely sparse, lacking essential infrastructure. The shelter is not enclosed, there is no running water for sanitation and hygiene, and there are no seats for the mothers, aunties, and grandmothers who walk up to 15 kilometers to reach the shelter.
The need for expanded health services is critical, encompassing a broad spectrum of care from pre-menstrual gynecology to obstetrics and delivery, as well as post-partum care. Accurate health tracking for children also requires the purchase of a more reliable pediatric scale.
As we look to the future, our hope is that the Nsansa Village Women's Shelter will evolve into a fully equipped, enclosed facility with running water and comfortable seating. Here, mothers and children can receive the comprehensive care they deserve, free from the hardships they currently face.
For the latest updates on our family and happenings at Nsansa Village, please follow our social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram.
Blessings, dear friends,
Laura
Check out more photos from our day at the Mother's Shelter!
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