We are delighted to announce the launch of our newest programme country, Zambia. Together with Zambia Anglican Council Outreach Programmes (ZACOP), we launched our first groups in
Celebrating the milestone, ZACOP shared: “Celebrating another milestone by Zambia Anglican Council Outreach Programmes-ZACOP in partnership with Five Talents as we launch the Chikwama Thriving Initiative. We acknowledge and express gratitude to the Bishops of the Anglican Church in Zambia and the ZACOP Board for their support and leadership. To all staff, thank you for your efforts in making this launch a success. To Five Talents, thank you for your support and prayers. To all our other partners in the Church, government, cooperating partners, and civil society, thank you for always supporting us. Thank you, and God Almighty bless you all”
Co-CEO Rachel Lindley with the ZACOP team and Maria Owen (FTUS) earlier on in the year
Through this new initiative, 80 literacy and savings groups will be established across all five dioceses in Zambia over the next 3 years. These groups will bring women and men together to learn, earn, save and invest—creating opportunities to build more secure and sustainable livelihoods.
As Rachel Lindley, Five Talents UK co-CEO reflected: “Five Talents is delighted to partner with ZACOP in a new savings group ministry which will establish 80 Literacy and Savings Groups across all 5 dioceses in Zambia over the next 3 years. Through these groups, women and men will come together to learn, earn, save and invest in building a better future.”
She added: “Five Talents’ experience shows that over time, members of these groups,especially women from rural communities, will develop new skills and confidence as they realise their talents and rights, build their businesses and earn more income to support their families. They will be able to afford better food, schooling and housing for their children. They will become more resilient to climate change. Some will go on to employ other people in their businesses, and many will take up leadership roles in the Church and community. We look forward to seeing and celebrating the fruits of the partnership with you over the years ahead.”
A key strength of the programme is its foundation within the Church. As Rachel noted: “One of the key success factors of Five Talents’ partnerships is the role of the Church. We are very grateful to the Anglican Church in Zambia, to His Grace the Most Revd Archbishop Albert Chama for inviting Five Talents to begin this partnership, and to all the Bishops and clergy in the country for supporting it. We are also very grateful to the hard-working and excellent team at ZACOP led by Madame Ellen Mubanga.”
As the programme begins, there is a shared sense of hope for what lies ahead, as communities across Zambia come together to build skills, strengthen livelihoods, and create new opportunities for the future.