Help Provide Education to 300 Children in Need

 Introduction

The Charity Centre for Children and Youth Development (CCCYD) continues to make significant strides in empowering vulnerable girls and young women through education. Guided by the belief that education is a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty, CCCYD has invested in girls’ education through scholarship support and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) initiatives.

This report highlights the progress made as of 2026 in transforming the lives of girls through the Girls’ Scholarship Programme and STEM Education Support.

Background

CCCYD was founded with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by vulnerable children, particularly girls, in accessing education. Many girls in rural Zambia face barriers such as poverty, early marriages, teenage pregnancies, and limited access to educational resources.

In response, CCCYD, in partnership with organizations such as Beautiful World Canada Foundation and other stakeholders, has implemented targeted interventions to support girls' access to quality education and skills development.

Girls’ Scholarship Programme

The Girls’ Scholarship Programme focuses on supporting vulnerable and academically promising girls to access post-secondary education, particularly in fields such as teaching and nursing.

The programme provides:

- Tuition support

- Accommodation and living stipends

- Learning materials

- Mentorship and psychosocial support

STEM Education Initiative

In addition to scholarships, CCCYD has integrated STEM education into its programming to equip young people, especially girls, with 21st-century skills required for innovation and economic participation.

• The STEM programme focuses on:

  • Basic computer literacy

  • Digital skills training

  • Exposure to science and technology

  • Encouraging girls to pursue STEM-related careers

1. Introduction

The Charity Centre for Children and Youth Development (CCCYD) continues its commitment to expanding quality, inclusive education for vulnerable and orphaned children in Solwezi District of Zambia. With the growing demand for digital skills, CCCYD has integrated ICT learning into its education program to ensure that children are not only school-ready, but also future-ready.

2. Number of Beneficiaries

During the reporting period, CCCYD provided education support to over 150 vulnerable children (boys and girls) from low-income households across Kimiteto, Mulemba, Kyawama and surrounding peri-urban communities in Solwezi District. These include children facing social and economic barriers such as poverty, single-parent households, teen-headed homes, and long distances to school.

3. Type of Education Support Provided

The support provided includes:

• Early childhood, primary and remedial learning support

• Basic literacy, numeracy and reading improvement

• Integration of ICT learning (computer literacy and digital awareness)

• Provision of learning materials (notebooks, pens, uniforms where available)

• Mentorship and life skills education through Glow Clubs and CCCYD mentors

• Safe learning environment within CCCYD community-based learning hubs

4. ICT Integration

In line with Zambia’s digital transformation agenda, CCCYD has now integrated basic ICT lessons into learning activities for children. Using donated laptops and solar-powered backup systems, learners are exposed to:

• Basic computer operations and internet awareness

• Typing, research skills and digital safety

• Educational digital platforms to enhance learning outcomes

This has particularly motivated girls to pursue STEM-related pathways, building confidence and early digital exposure.