Women attending a VSO training in Zambia
©VSO/Adriane Ohanesian

Zambia

We've worked in Zambia since 1958, building healthy communities and supporting people to develop sustainable and resilient livelihoods.

6,365

We've supported 6,365 marginalised people to develop the skills needed to take advantage of economic opportunities.

8,000

We've empowered 8,000 young people living in rural communities to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.

567

We've reached 567 young people through coaching sessions that use the power of football to learn about sexual and reproductive health issues.

Healthy communities

Peer educator Geofrey Mwaba stands at the front of a classroom to deliver a session
VSO/Jason J Mulikita

Challenging harmful beliefs through peer education is at the heart of the Adolescent TALK! project

Our health programmes work to equip hard-to-reach people – especially prisoners, and young people living in rural areas – with the skills, knowledge, opportunities and services they need to lead healthy and productive lives.

On the remote island of Mbabala on Lake Bangweulu, we’ve increased uptake of contraceptives and reduced teenage pregnancies through our Adolescent TALK! project – a community-focused intervention which worked to challenge existing taboos and empower young people to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.

Alongside building the capacity of health service providers, we reached almost 8,000 young people across the rural Samfya district through a comprehensive awareness-raising programme combining peer education, radio listening clubs, and community champions who promoted positive attitudes and healthy behaviours.

Tackling sexual health taboos

As part of our regional prison health programme across southern Africa, we work to improve the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and general wellbeing of highly vulnerable prison populations. Our innovative approach uses the power of peer-to-peer education to improve prisoners' knowledge of SRH and communicable diseases, whilst developing inmate-led support groups that provide essential counselling and cell-based care.

Improving the health and wellbeing of prison populations in southern Africa

Resilient livelihoods

Our livelihoods programming works to equip some of Zambia’s most marginalised populations – including prisoners, ex-offenders, young people and women – with the knowledge and skills they need to earn a decent living. The Youth Entrepreneurshop Programme (YEP) has supported 486 young entrepreneurs through training in business services and expert coaching, as well as establishing 10 business clubs.

VSO has been able to reach far-flung areas, as far as the islands where no SRH intervention has gone. This is the real meaning of reaching marginalised groups.
District Commissioner, Samfya

Contact us

We work with a number of partners including the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the Planned Parenthood Association of Zambia (PPAZ), Zambia Development Agency, TackleAfrica, and Caritas.

If you are interested in supporting our work, or if you have another query, get in touch:

Office address: VSO Zambia, No.17734, Nangwenya Road, Mass Media Area, Lusaka, Zambia

Tel: +260 965 700124


Find out more about our work in:

Regina Mwaba sharing her story and encouragement to some young girls inside the Youth Friendly Space at Mbabala Clinic.
Chosa Mweemba

Inclusive sexual and reproductive health and rights

Supporting the most vulnerable people to realise their sexual and reproductive health and rights.

A student watches intently as her instructor demonstrates machinery in a welding and metal workshop

Employment and entrepreneurship

Ensuring that everyone has access to decent employment and market opportunities.

A male prisoner sits on a tree stump and reads a book in the yard of Mutimurefu Prison, whilst other prisoners chop wood in the background
VSO/Cynthia Matonhodze

Improving the health and wellbeing of prison populations in Southern Africa

Improving prison health through an innovative combination of volunteer peer support, skills training, and advocating for change.