By Loretta Dausi | Executive Director
Introduction
In the heart of George Compound—Lusaka’s largest high-density settlement—Hands of Mercy continues to be a lifeline for vulnerable senior citizens. Amid the challenges of poverty, aging, and neglect, our work has never been more urgent.
Through our “My Health, My Wealth” campaign, we aim to restore dignity, offer care, and provide hope to elderly community members who are often forgotten in Zambia’s growing socio-economic struggles.
Our Mission
To create a safe and nurturing environment—a home—for the underprivileged, enabling access to healthcare, food, education, shelter, and the fundamental necessities required for survival and human dignity.
Our Vision
A nation where underprivileged persons, especially the elderly, can thrive—attaining self-worth, dignity, and mental wellness.
Why Mental Health Matters
Mental health is often overlooked, yet it is a growing crisis in our community. Poverty, hunger, loss, and neglect are constant companions for many elderly residents of George Compound. With 76% of Zambia’s population living below the poverty line, mental distress among the elderly is on the rise.
What Triggers Poor Mental Health in Our Community?
Poverty: Elderly citizens wake up not knowing where the next meal will come from.
Unemployment and High Cost of Living: This affects both caregivers and their extended families.
Neglect and Isolation: Especially those who have lost children or family support.
Substance Abuse: A dangerous coping mechanism some turn to.
Challenges
Unfortunately, the key challenges we reported in March 2025 remain:
Lack of a dedicated Mental Health Centre:
We still lack a serene, safe facility to support our clients. Without dedicated space, we are limited in our ability to monitor progress or offer proper interventions.
Inadequate Funding:
Our efforts to raise funds for a mental health facility have not yet yielded the resources needed to begin construction or major renovations.
Our Vision for the Mental Health Centre
Despite the challenges, we remain hopeful. A dedicated facility would:
Provide a safe, monitored space for clients.
Allow us to admit and support critical cases.
Serve as a center for community mental health education.
Expand our services to include group therapy, medical referrals, and rehabilitation.
Our Ongoing Solutions and Activities
Despite financial limitations, we continue to implement impactful, community-driven interventions:
Awareness Workshops:
Conducted with community caregivers, volunteers, and faith leaders.
Food and Grocery Support:
Through generous donations from partners and well-wishers, we continue to distribute food parcels to elderly beneficiaries—offering relief and restoring dignity.
Mental Health Conversations:
Facilitating open dialogues around mental health to reduce stigma and promote help-seeking.
Sustainable Solutions:
We’re exploring long-term poverty reduction strategies through local food security initiatives.
Impact Story
Mr. Mwansa, a 74-year-old grandfather, lost both his children to illness and now raises three grandchildren alone. Before Hands of Mercy, he often went days without food and suffered in silence. Through our campaign, he now receives monthly grocery support and participates in mental health sessions.
He recently told us, “I feel human again. I no longer cry myself to sleep.”
His story reflects hundreds more we aim to reach.
Conclusion and Call for Support
The My Health, My Wealth campaign is more than a project—it’s a lifeline.
With your continued support, we can bring our dream of a community Mental Health Centre to life. Every donation brings us closer to creating a world where the elderly are not only remembered but celebrated and supported.
Thank you for walking this journey with us.
Ways You Can Help
To continue being the support system that you are.
Sponsor a monthly grocery pack for a senior as intervention for Mental Health.
Partner with us for workshops or mental health outreach
Because when health is secure, dignity is restored.
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