In 1998, the organization that would become Bread and Water for Africa® awarded a grant of $5,000 to the Kabwata Transit Centre (later the Kabwata Orphanage and Transit Centre) in Lusaka, Zambia, upon the request of its founder, Angela Miyanda, who had formed a committee to house orphaned and abused children until permanent home could be found for them.
In a June 2, 1998, letter to the late Gene Krizek (founder of Christian Relief Services, the umbrella organization of Bread and Water for Africa®), Angela wrote to express her sincere gratitude for the donation to help her serve areas in the country’s capital city “where HIV/AIDS has hit the most.”
She also thanked Gene for her appointment to serve on the Bread and Water for Africa® advisory board, telling him “It is a great blessing and honour for me and the nation.
“Once again, thank you for being there to make life worth living for the Zambian orphaned children in my country.
“May the Lord continue blessing you abundantly as you reach out to the needs of the suffering masses.”
Twenty-seven years later, the bond between Bread and Water for Africa® and Angela and the Kabwata Orphanage and Transit Centre remains stronger than ever.
Over nearly three decades, thousands of orphaned, abandoned, and abused children and youth have called Kabwata their home, or benefited through its outreach/foster care programs, thanks in large part to the supporters of Bread and Water for Africa®.
At Kabwata, these children have not only survived dire poverty and desperate situations but thrived in the loving arms of Angela and caring staff who have dedicated their lives to ensuring they receive three hearty and nutritious meals daily, have a warm bed to sleep in every night, receive the medical care they need to lead healthy, happy lives, and receive an education that gives them the opportunity for a successful, self-sufficient adulthood.
Transforming Lives; One Child at a Time…
Among them is Lute, who arrived at Kabwata as a days-old newborn, reports Kabwata administrator Simambo Miyanda, Angela’s son, who is helping to carry on his mother’s legacy for another generation.
“Lute’s journey began at the Kabwata Orphanage,” says Simambo. “Growing up under the care and guidance of the home, she found not only shelter but a foundation that allowed her to thrive and reach her potential.”
She excelled in her education, eventually graduating from post-secondary education and completing professional certification in cosmetology.
“With her strong determination and a sense of purpose instilled by her upbringing, she did not stop there,” says Simambo.
“Lute pursued a specialized course that trained her to assess the general well-being of children entering the home, a role she now fulfils with great passion.
“Today, Lute stands as a testament to the transformative power of care and opportunity.”
Now in her mid-20s, she not only evaluates and monitors the progress of the children who arrive at the home, “but also serves as a beacon of hope for those in her care.
“Her work is deeply personal; having walked a similar path, she understands the challenges and dreams of these children better than most.
“Lute’s journey is a powerful example of how the support provided by the Kabwata Orphanage has the potential to change lives profoundly.”
Simambo notes that the children entrusted to Kabwata’s orphan care program are referrals from the country’s Social Welfare office and local law enforcement, including the Zambia Police’s Victim Support Unit, and that each child’s case is assessed based on their level of need, family circumstances, and background.
“The remarkable progress many children make, such as improvements in health, nutrition, and emotional well-being, serves as a strong indicator of the programs’ positive impact,” says Simambo.
And as for Lute, he notes that “the home that raised her is more than just a place.
“It is a legacy she now helps to uphold, ensuring the same opportunities she received are available to others.
“Her life has come full circle, embodying the spirit of the orphanage’s mission to nurture, empower, and inspire.”
At Bread and Water for Africa®, our foremost priority is the welfare of orphans, empowering them to achieve their maximum potential. We are committed to implementing effective strategies and operational frameworks that enhance the welfare and development of the orphanages with which we collaborate. Our efforts are focused on providing comprehensive support to optimize the resources and programs available for these vulnerable populations.
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