Zoe Empowers Donates Farm Inputs to Vulnerable Children in Dowa

Zoe Empowers, a local organization, has distributed farm inputs worth K118.6 million to orphans and vulnerable children in Dowa as part of efforts to improve food security among vulnerable households.

The donation, which includes fertilizer, soya beans, maize seeds, and pesticides, has benefitted 950 children from Traditional Authorities Mkukula, Dzoole, Mponela, and Chakhaza.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Esther Chinkhadze, the senior programmes facilitator for Zoe Empowers, stated that the organization is committed to addressing food insecurity as a fundamental step toward empowering vulnerable children.

“One of our core focus areas is agriculture. During our initial visits to their homes, we observed that many children were struggling with food insecurity. We decided to first address this critical need before introducing our business empowerment initiatives,” Chinkhadze explained.

She added that the organization has partnered with the Ministry of Agriculture to train youth in modern farming techniques. Chinkhadze expressed satisfaction with the progress made since the programme began, noting that it is already yielding positive results.

“We are optimistic that this initiative will transform their homes and enable them to achieve self-reliance,” she added.

One of the beneficiaries, Nelson Diyason from the Tiyanjane group, expressed gratitude for the initiative. He noted that it has significantly improved his household’s food security and paved the way for self-sufficiency.

Another beneficiary, Priscilla Makina from the Takondwa group, shared how the programme has alleviated her challenges.
“With this programme, I can now pay my school fees and also support my relatives,” Makina said.

Zoe Empowers runs a three-year empowerment programme designed to support orphaned and vulnerable youth. The initiative equips participants with life skills, trains them in business management, and provides microgrants to help them start small enterprises.

In addition to agriculture and business, the programme also emphasizes spiritual growth, food security, education, and child rights, fostering holistic development for the youth.