Zambia Street Children

The exact number of street children in Zambia is not known, some estimate it to be 75,000 (in 2019 UNICEF believed it was 30,000 in Lusaka alone), some double that figure, some put it at close to 500,000, yet one thing is known, the number of street children in Zambia has risen inexorably attributed to neglect by parents or guardians due to poverty or sickness, death of parents and grandparents to broken homes because of addictions. Then, of course, there is the impact of AIDS/HIV that had left 1.4 million children as orphans out of a total population of 18.38 million in 2020. Over the past ten years, reflecting trends across much of Africa, HIV numbers have been falling from an annual infection rate of 60,000 in 2010 to 51,000 in 2019 with new infections among children 0-14 years declining from an estimated 10,000 in 2010 to 6,000 in 2019 but, despite this limited progress, HIV continues to make a heavy impact and it is this HIV prevelance that has been contributing to the breakdown of the traditional family support network in Zambia, a country known for its care and respect of children but one where street children are labelled "hungry dogs".

When fathers in particular fall ill, the family income can drop to nothing in a country where over 50% earn less than the international poverty line and, without a social safety net, many children turn to the streets simply to survive or are driven into urban areas after the loss of both parents. As one 15-yr-old Zambian boy stated, "I [have] lived like this since [my] parents died. I sleep in ditches. If I see people carrying plastic bags, I ask to help. They give anything, maybe 1,000 kwacha [UK 18p], maybe more." As with many children who turn to life on the streets, many seek solace in blocking out the physical and emotional pain by turning to substance misuse. In Zambia one such form of abuse highlights just how desperate their plight is.

While many street children in Lusaka spending their nights sleeping around the Intercity bus station, North-Mead market, and town centre as well as under railway bridges, during the day they will visit sewage ponds and fill plastic bottles with raw sewage. In the heat the sewage ferments to form what is known locally as 'Jenkem', a methane based substance which can then be inhaled causing hallucinations. As one 16-yr-old boy reported, "With glue, I just hear voices in my head, but, with Jenkem, I see visions. I see my mother who is dead and I forget about the problems in my life." Others sniff 'stika', a jet fuel based substance.

The government, together with NGOs, have acknowledged the extent of the problem with the Zambian Ministry of Community Development and Social Services (MCDSS) in 2018 launching the 'Efficiency and Effectiveness for Vulnerable Children and Adolescents Initiative (SEEVCA) programme' in 15 districts in Zambia. More recently they have started placing some of the street children into training centres run by the Zambia National Service where, according to the Zambian government, "When they complete their training, they will be awarded with Certificates and provided with start-up tools and materials needed for them to excel in the businesses that will help them put their skills into practice". However the programs are short lived and most of the children return to the streets having no where to peddle any skills gained in an economy where, in 2020, the estimated youth unemployment rate in Zambia was at 22.63%, much higher in urban areas and for those who haven't any, or limited, education.

One young person who underwent the process lamented, "If they [government] want me to leave [the streets], let them also give me job. They take me to camp, they teach me English, they teach me to make beds, to make chairs; but they don't give me a job after. They give me tools. I sold them for a cheap price. So, I have come back to start begging again, nothing has changed. I have no supporter [sponsor], I beg to live." The video (below) gives some insights into the lives of street children in Zambia together with projects and programs operating there that you may choose to support.

Zambia Street Children

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Zambia Street Children: Action for Children Zambia Action for Children~Zambia (AFCZ) is a multi-national non-profit organization dedicated to helping the children living and dying on the streets in Zambia. They work to keep the children they care for connected to and involved in their communities in Zambia. Visit >

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Zambia Street Children: Anglican Children's Programme, Zambia The Anglican Children's Programme aims to bring vulnerable children back into the education system and away from child labour, early marriage and a life on the streets. They have have set up transitional schools to help young street children adjust to a more normal life, so that when they move back into full-time education, they can integrate more easily. Visit >

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Zambia Street Children: Sponsor Children in Zambia Details of how to sponsor children in Zambia with Zambian child sponsor programs. More >

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Zambia Street Children: Children in Zambia Facts and figures, video and information about the education and daily life of children in Zambia. More >

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Zambia Street Children: Volunteer in Zambia As well as sponsoring a child why not explore volunteering opportunities in Zambia? More >

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Zambia Street Children: Zambia Country Profile In another of our African country profiles, find out all about Zambia in a series of information articles, latest daily news, videos, and images together with volunteering and child sponsorship opportunities. More >

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