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Boys joke and pose together in Zambia

Zambia

Mary’s Meals reaches more than 400,000 children every school day in Zambia

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Where we work

Life in Zambia

Zambia is currently ranked 154 out of 191 countries and territories in the Human Development Index (HDI). Around 61% of the population lives below the international poverty line ($2.15 USD a day).

Rates of malnutrition, poverty and food insecurity are high in Zambia. It is estimated that one million people have insufficient food consumption and – with survival taking precedence over education – many primary school-age children drop out of school early.

Zambia is a landlocked country situated on a plateau in south-central Africa. It takes its name from the Zambezi River, which starts in Zambia and flows through countries including Angola, Namibia and Botswana, before meeting the Indian Ocean. Zambia is bordered by Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique and Malawi. 

A girl leans forward eagerly as she writes during a lesson

Mary's Meals in Zambia

Mary’s Meals has been serving school meals to children in Zambia since 2014 and the programme has grown significantly in recent years.

We are the main provider of school meals in the 11 districts where we operate in the Eastern Province: Chadiza, Chasefu, Chipangali, Chipata, Kasenengwa, Katete, Lumezi, Lundazi, Mambwe, Sinda, and Vubwi. We work in collaboration with representatives from the Zambian Ministry of Education and other key stakeholders.

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Mary with her Grandmother Charity

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Mary and her younger brother have lived in Zambia with their grandmother, Charity, since the tragic death of their parents. However, Charity is in poor health and the burden of both the housework and providing for the family therefore falls to ten-year-old Mary.
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When did we start working in Zambia?

Mary’s Meals first served school meals in Zambia in 2014.

How many children do we reach in Zambia?

Mary’s Meals reaches more than 400,000 children every school day in Zambia.

What meal do we provide?

A corn and soya porridge that is fortified with vitamins and minerals.

Where are we based/where do we operate?

Our school feeding programme operates in 11 districts in Zambia and we are the main provider of school meals in each of the areas where we work: Chadiza, Chasefu, Chipangali, Chipata, Kasenengwa, Katete, Lumezi, Lundazi, Mambwe, Sinda and Vubwi.

What is the capital city of Zambia?

The capital city of Zambia is Lusaka.

What language is spoken in Zambia?

Zambia’s official language is English, but there are more than 70 different languages and dialects spoken throughout the country.

What is the population of Zambia?

The population of Zambia is 19,439,243.

What currency is used in Zambia?

The Zambian Kwacha (ZMW).