In Kaluluzi Ward, Luangwa District, a simple bag of mealie meal once represented a much bigger challenge than food on a household table. It represented distance, uncertainty and the daily struggle many families faced to access one of Zambia’s most essential staples.
For years, communities in the area had to travel long distances to purchase mealie meal. When supplies became limited, families depended heavily on mealie meal provided by the government, often uncertain about when they would next have access to it. For many households already facing economic challenges, the cost and distance involved in accessing basic necessities added another layer of vulnerability.
But instead of waiting for someone else to solve the problem, a group of community members decided to take action. In 2024, members of the Kaluluzi Community Foundation (CF) looked at the challenge facing their villages and asked a simple but powerful question: “What can we do, with what we have, to create a solution for ourselves?”
That question became the beginning of a remarkable community-driven journey. Established by 32 passionate members from Kaluluzi Ward, the CF was built on a shared belief that communities have the knowledge, commitment and ability to transform their own lives when given the opportunity and support. Their mission is to stand with vulnerable households, reduce poverty and create sustainable opportunities that allow people to thrive.
LtoR: Kaluluzi CF members and the grocery store they operate. Photo credit: ZGF
Their first major step was establishing a community grocery store in order to create a local source of essential goods, starting with mealie meal, so that families no longer had to travel far distances to meet their basic needs. However, turning this idea into reality required determination and collective effort. Members of the foundation mobilised resources within the community, seeking contributions from residents to purchase stock and keep the store operating.
What began as a small community response has grown into an important lifeline for the eight villages that make up Kaluluzi Ward.
Through the support of the Zambian Governance Foundation for Civil Society (ZGF), Kaluluzi Community Foundation has been able to expand its vision beyond the grocery store and strengthen its role as a catalyst for positive change within the community.
“ZGF opened the door for us,” Owen Mphande, the foundation’s coordinator, explained. “The support helped us see that our community foundation can do much more for our people.”
With renewed confidence and access to opportunities, the CF has expanded its work into several areas that respond to the realities faced by community members.
One of their key priorities has been supporting vulnerable children and families. Recognising that some children struggled to attend school because their families could not afford basic school requirements, the CF provided uniforms to eight learners.
LtoR: Kaluluzi CF’s executive. Photo credit: ZGF
The CF is also investing in knowledge and skills that help communities build a more sustainable future. Through environmental awareness programmes, members teach households how to make organic manure, improve farming practices, and protect the environment around them. These efforts are helping communities understand that protecting natural resources is closely linked to protecting their livelihoods.
Beyond agriculture, Kaluluzi Community Foundation is helping preserve traditional skills while creating income opportunities. Community members are trained in making baskets, reed mats and other locally crafted products.
At the centre of their approach is one important principle: development must create opportunities for people to support themselves.
The grocery store has already begun achieving this goal by creating employment for a young person in the community. A 22-year-old youth has been given the opportunity to manage the shop, providing her with a source of income and valuable experience while contributing to the sustainability of the foundation’s work.
The CF’s progress has been strengthened through partnerships and community support. After receiving K15,000 through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), the organisation was able to invest further in its activities. Through ZGF’s Micro Grants Programme, the foundation is also supporting two community savings groups, helping members develop stronger financial habits and create pathways towards economic independence.
For Kaluluzi Community Foundation, sustainability is not just about maintaining current projects, but also creating a future where the community foundation can continue serving people for generations.
To achieve this, the CF has developed plans to establish additional income-generating activities, including brick moulding and gardening. These initiatives will create more employment opportunities, generate resources for community programmes, and reduce dependence on external support.
They also envision establishing another business venture while strengthening partnerships with existing local shop owners and entrepreneurs. Their goal is to build a network of community businesses that contribute to local economic growth.
The story of Kaluluzi Community Foundation is a story of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Their journey demonstrates why investing in community philanthropy matters. When communities are trusted, supported and equipped with opportunities, they do not simply receive development; they create it.
If you would like to contribute to this discussion, please do so via info@zgf.org.zm
