About the Diocesan Link

Central Zambia

About Zambia About Central Zambia Diocese

Zambia has moved from being a major copper producer and potentially one of the continent's richest countries at independence in 1964 to one of the world's poorest.

A colonial legacy, mismanagement, debt and disease are said to have contributed to the country's tribulations.

Politically, it switched from colonial government into an era of one-party rule lasting 27 years, and for the past decade has been what some call an emerging democracy.

ZAMBIA FACTS

Population: 10.8 million (UN, 2003)
Capital: Lusaka
Major language: English (official), Bemba, Lozi, Nyanja, Tonga
Major religions: Christianity, indigenous beliefs, Hinduism, Islam
Life expectancy: 33 years (men), 32 years (women) (UN)
Monetary unit: 1 Kwacha = 100 ngwee
Main exports: Copper, minerals, tobacco
Average annual income: US $320 (World Bank, 2001)

Information courtesy of BBCi

Diocese of Central Zambia

Capital: Ndola
Diocesan President: Agnes Mupeta
Workers: Florence Mumba, Grace Mulabika

2005 Report:

Even in the formerly industrial urban areas, as well as in the rural areas, many households are unemployed. Yet MU Membership grows in the 15 parishes and 120 Branches. They are proud of their school of design and tailoring at the Diocesan Headquarters, and in addition have projects such as looking after HIV/AIDS orphans, rearing chickens and growing crops. They also hold seminars and workshops to help increase not only their practical skills in dye batik and business management, but also the ability to face the challenges of some of their community problems, of women’s literacy and violence to children and women.

Most of the news from Zambia recently has been through emails from Margaret Wijnberg, a long-serving member of MU in N'Dola who is involved with Margaret House Training Centre. Some of the young women learning new skills at Margaret House are now taking government exams. 25 completed the sewing course in December 2002, and new students were enrolled in January 2003. Their most urgent need is for sewing materials.

Dorothy Clay visited Zambia in 2001, but unfortunately missed meeting Agnes or Rebecca Tamba (former Diocesan Worker). She took over some sewing equipment, including scissors, thread and material. The British High Commission gave the centre a grant to purchase more sewing machines. There are now plans to start a secretarial school in Luanshya, if they can get hold of computers.

In Autumn 2002 there was a National Rally, attended by 1,500; it is hoped that a video will follow.

They continue to pray for our UK Branches, large and small.