CONCERN WORLDWIDE UK and its Hunger Stops Here appeal, for which The Irish Post was a communications partner, has raised an incredible £2.8million.
As a result the Irish charity has launched a new project fighting child undernutrition in Zambia.
The appeal, which ran between September and December 2014, highlighted that around the world, maternal and child undernutrition causes 3.5 million deaths every year.
Public support for the appeal was backed by the British Government, with every donation made being matched pound for pound.
Rose Caldwell, Executive Director at Concern Worldwide UK said: “We are so grateful to readers of The Irish Post for supporting our appeal.
"It is only through the generosity of the public that we have been able to launch this new project that will transform the lives of children living in Zambia.”
The new project, launched in April, aims to cut child and maternal undernutrition in Mumbwa District by giving women and families vital knowledge, and access to many of the foods they need for a balanced diet.
Although the three-year project has only just begun, the charity has already formed 155 women’s groups with nearly 2,500 members, who meet twice a week for support and skill building sessions.
A total of 150 farmers have been trained in sustainable agricultural techniques, homestead food production and livestock management, with each being given a bicycle to help them visit and train other group members.
The charity has also worked with 210 community health volunteers to promote breastfeeding and explain the benefits of nutrition to pregnant women and new mothers in their communities.
Meanwhile a further 150 men are being helped to become role models in their communities and boost behaviour change such as encouraging other men to take part in household and childcare tasks.
“These activities are just the start,” said Danny Harvey, Concern’s Country Director in Zambia.
“We want this project to have a huge impact on children’s ability to grow and learn, and leave them better placed to earn a living as adults.
"This will help future generations escape the poverty trap and build a brighter future for their families, communities and country."
How you can help...
Concern Worldwide UK have partnered with the British Government – who have pledged to match every pound that Concern raise until December 13. To donate £5 * to Concern’s Comeback from Crisis appeal text Comeback to 70099 or click HERE
All donations made before December 13 will be matched by the British Government to help even more people. For terms and conditions see HERE
