If I Were A Woman In Zambia...

If I were a girl child born in Zambia,

my birth would be welcomed – but not as much as if I were a boy. My mother’s health would be further compromised by the pregnancy and delivery. Already undernourished herself, she would nurse me as long as possible. Soon I would be one more mouth to feed in a family without enough.

If I lived to become a girl in Zambia,

I might go to school for a few years, but my family would struggle to pay for my books and uniform. I might have to walk miles to get to my school. I would be hungry many days, making it hard to concentrate. I would be told that girls do not really need to go to school.

If I became an adolescent girl in Zambia,

I would now take care of my younger brothers and sisters, even if it meant not going to school. I would help cook and clean for the family. Sometimes I would hear about a friend being sent to live with an “uncle” so she would no longer be a burden to their family.

If I become a teenager in Zambia,

school would be considered a luxury. My family couldn’t pay the school fees and the closest secondary school would be many miles from my home. If I wanted to go to school, I could find and older man to pay my fees, but he would expect much in return. If I were a teenage girl in Zambia, many of my friends would get pregnant, drop out of school and some would get infected with HIV.

If I were a woman in Zambia and a man asked to marry me,

my family would rejoice because I would have fulfilled my birth role. Before my marriage, I would go through an initiation ceremony where I would be reminded that my primary responsibility is to please and satisfy my husband in all aspects, and that a well groomed wife is one who is submissive and obedient. I would be told that if my husband becomes unhappy, if it because I have not satisfied him. My family would send me to his house with a broom, a pot, and a chitenge cloth tied around my waist to symbolize that he is head of the house and I am expected to cook and clean.

If I were a married woman in Zambia,

my husband could beat me and I would believe I deserved it. Even if he hurt me badly, I would be ashamed to tell my family because they would blame me. I would be afraid to tell the police because if they arrested my husband – on whom my children and I depended for material support – it would mean untold suffering for my family. It would also mean that I would be stigmatized and blamed by society.

If I made it to my marriage as an HIV negative virgin,

culture norms would prohibit me from negotiating safe sex with my husband even if I was in a high risk marriage. If he had other girlfriends, I would look the other way. Without an education, I would struggle to find work while caring for the children and trying to keep my husband happy.

If I were a woman in Zambia, I would want more for my daughters.

• 

  BEATRICE BANDA

  Beatrice is a married woman with 6 children ranging in age from 21 to 12. Her husband is able to find odds jobs including gardening, house cleaning, brick laying, digging ditches and simple plumbing, however, he does not have steady income. Before beginning in the Recyclocraftz project Beatrice supplemented the income by washing clothes and blankets for others. When times were really difficult Beatrice was willing to resort to crushing rocks, an extremely hazardous job that requires the crusher to pound large pieces of stone into gravel. It is done out in the hot sun for 8 hours a day. Pounding with another piece of stone often results in eye and skin injuries as well as long term lung damage leading to TB. The saddest thing about this occupation is the payment -crushers receive a mere k3, 000 or $.75 for three days of pounding! Since beginning the RecycloCraftz project Beatrice has had a steady increased income. It allows her family to pay the school fees for all her school going children.

  BEATRICE BANDA
• 

  CECILLIA BANDA

  Cecillia Banda is 25 years old, happily married, and the mother of a 2 year old son. She is in school, not pursuing an advanced degree, but hoping to complete her high school education. This year, she is in 11th grade. Cecillia was the 6th child of 10 in her family, and has 3 sisters and 6 brothers. That her parents were able to educate her this far is a remarkable achievement in the Zambian economy. She has completed a program in Food Production at the Kalilingalinga youth resource center but has dreams that require a high school diploma - Cecillia wants to be a nurse.

  Cecillia heard about the Recyclocraftz project from someone at her Lutheran church. The income from making handbags helps her little family and enables her to pursue her education. She wants very much to achieve her goal of attending nursing school.

  A message from Cecillia: “I hope that more people may support us by buying, and those that are already buying should continue to do so and I pray that God should guide Auntie Tracy as she goes about doing the business, because it does not only help her, it helps the rest of us too… I hope to study nursing so may God help me. Please pray for my achievements to come to pass.”

  CECILLIA BANDA
• 

  PEGGY BANDA

  Peggy Banda is 48 years old. Her husband is unemployed, and can only support his wife and 3 children with occasional piecework, such as bricklaying. Peggy has a job as a cleaner at the show grounds. She used to have a second job working at an orphanage, but that was before her friend told her about RecycloCraftz. Now, making handbags and bracelets helps Peggy pay the rent on her family’s home.

  Peggy has some hands-on experience as a doula, helping women give birth. She would like to be able to help more women this way. Pray for Peggy, that she can use her skills as a doula, that her husband can find more steady work, and that God would protect her family.

  PEGGY BANDA
• 

  SUSAN BANDA

  Susan is 18 years and the mother of a young child. She came from the village of Chipata, where her parents are, to live with her grandmother and help take care of her. She has little formal education and no vocational training. Susan heard about Recyclocraftz from a member of her Lutheran church. Making handbags puts food on the table for Susan, her baby, and her grandmother.

  Pray for Susan, that she can be a good mother and provide for her child’s needs - “That I may be able to support the baby that I have given birth to and that all will be well with me in my life.”

  SUSAN BANDA
• 

  JENNIPHER BUKOMA

  Jennipher is married with two young children. Her husband sold flour in a small shop but no longer works there. She learned about New Creations project from two other members. Jennipher used to platt hair and crochet baby clothes for a small income. Since she joined NCM she is able to provide food for her family and it is easier for her children to go to school. Jennipher says, “Our lives have changed in many ways, I have learned many things during the weekly Bible study time. I hope the ministry can continue because we have changed from what we were before.”

  JENNIPHER BUKOMA
• 

  RODIA CHIFUNO

  Rodia is a woman in her late forties. She is a mother of five children, two of which are studying at a university. She is married to a polygamous man and it makes her marriage very difficult. In addition, Shea is responsible for her brother-in-law’s three orphaned children. Her aging parent used to help with school fees, but are no longer able to contribute. Rodia used to sell sour milk to earn money . She also worked as a stone crusher for three years. She would work at selling milk until she had enough to pay someone to bring large stones to her from a quarry. Once she got the stones she would pound them into gravel, often suffering injuries to hands, legs and eyes. The long term affects of this occupation are lung damage and TB due to the inhalation of the dust. The pay for this grueling occupation? $.1.25 every three days, if she is able to crush a wheelbarrow size mound! Because of New Creations, Rodia is now able to provide healthy food for her children and pay for their school fees all from the comfort of her home, often surrounded by other friends and family members!

  RODIA CHIFUNO
• 

  JANE CHIKATULA

  Jane is 42 years old and the mother of four children. Two children are in basic school while the others are in post-secondary. Jane’s husband was retrenched (layed off) from the Examination Council of Zambia and is now looking for temporary employment. New Creations Ministry is Jane’s first formal employment. Jane and some of her friends heard about the program and went to search for the Murray’s house in the Chelston community. Her involvement in the program allows Jane to purchase food for her family as well as supplement any income her husband generates.

  Prayers Needs: “I need help with school fees for my children. They are too high for us to pay. My child is very bright and it is very painful when she cannot go to school because of the lack of money.’

  JANE CHIKATULA

• CHRISTABEL CHILANGWA

  Christabel Chilangwa is 27 years old, married and the mother of a little girl. Her family is her top priority - not only her husband and daughter, but also her mother and many siblings. She understands that strong families are the basis of a strong church, and is determined to follow that model for her family. Her mother Mary Mwanga is the one who introduced her to the Recyclocraftz project.

  Recyclocraftz makes trash into handbags, and Christabel makes handbags into cement - using the money she earns to help buy supplies for the house her maternal family is building. She has never been able to take her high school completion exams due to a lack of funds.

  Christabel’s house has a strong foundation of cement she has earned with Recyclocraftz - her family has a strong foundation built on her heart for God. Pray that they remain unshaken! Pray also that she can get the money to complete both the house and her education.

  CHRISTABEL CHILANGWA
• 

  IREEN CHILANGWA

  Ireen Chilangwa is 16 years old. Like many high school students, she has big dreams of attending college. She wants to be a lawyer, or psychologist, or maybe both! But Ireen lives in a poor family in Zambia, and some of her siblings have not been able to even graduate high school, much less pursue advanced degrees. However, Ireen can continue to dream big dreams - thanks to RecycloCraftz, she can pay her school fees. Every year she can afford to stay in school is one year closer to her dreams.

  Ireen came to the Recyclocraftz project almost by accident, when her mother Mary Mwanga was unable to bring completed handbags. Instead Ireen came, was invited to stay, and has been part of it ever since. She is one of many children. She loves her family very much, especially her mother, who has cared for them all since her father passed away in 2007. Her nieces always put a smile on her face. Besides attending school and making handbags Ireen’s honesty and dependability has singled her and her sister, Wendy, out as the bookkeepers in the project as well as liners for the handbags. Ireen has devoted many long hours to seeing that the bags are finished and ready to be shipped to the US.

  Ireen is active in her church, singing in the Divine Faith choir at Winner’s Chapel. She loves dancing. Ireen also has a mind open to learning new things and finding out about other cultures. Pray for Ireen, that she will have wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. Pray for success as she dreams big dreams - that, thanks to Recyclocraftz, are just a little more possible.

  IREEN CHILANGWA

• KARREN CHILANGWA

  Karren Chilingwa is a 24 year old single mother to a baby girl. She lives at home with her mother Mary Mwanga and siblings. Her family is her top priority. Like her sisters, her mother first introduced her to the Recyclocraftz project. At first, she helped other family members with their handbags - helping her mother crochet or pitching in when Ireen needed a hand. Later, she asked to join the project herself.

  Karren’s income from Recyclocraftz helps her family in many ways. It has allowed her younger brothers to stay in school. Karren herself has not finished high school, although she is hopeful that the handbag project may someday bring in enough income for her to go back to school. However, the basics come first - Recyclocraftz helps pay the rent and electricity for the home where Karren lives with her baby girl, mother, and siblings.

  Pray for Karren, that her family will have enough to meet their basic needs and possibly enough for her own education.

  KARREN CHILANGWA
• 

  WENDY CHILANGWA

  Wendy Chilangwa is 21 years old and lives with her mother Mary Mwanga and siblings. She was one of the lucky few who managed to complete her high school education, although she is interested in further studies. Like her sisters, Wendy was introduced to the Recyclocraftz program by her mother. In addition to crocheting beautiful bags, Wendy’s diligence, honesty and dependability has singled her and her sister Ireen out to be the bookkeepers for the projet. Wendy has often carried loads of purses many kilometers to her home where she adds the finishing touches to the linings she has put in at Tracy’s house.

  Wendy loves her family dearly and they are a top priority for her. All the money she makes from Recyclocraftz goes to help them. She has younger brothers and sisters, and Wendy’s handbags help them stay in school. Sometimes, the income goes to basic needs like electricity, rent, and supplies for the home the family is building.

  Wendy and her family are in desperate need of the income from the Recyclocraftz project. More than that, tho, it helps provide fellowship. Meetings with other ladies who make handbags provides encouragement and a bright spot in her hard life. Pray for Wendy and her family, that her family will have enough to pay for their most basic needs, and that she can continue to help her younger siblings finish school.

  WENDY CHILANGWA
• 

  CONCILLIA CHIVUNDU

  Bio Coming Soon

  CONCILLIA CHIVUNDU
• 

  MARY DAKA

  Mary is a widow in her early fifties. Her husband died ten years ago leaving her with 4 children who are now 18, 17, 16 and 14. Three have completed their education and don’t live at home. Mary learned to use a knitting machine and was making sweaters for school children, however, the machine was not hers and the owner asked for it to be returned. Mary also learned to make floor mats with scrap fabrics. This provided a good income, but the market got flooded. Ten years ago Mary was in a bus accident that killed most of the passengers. She escaped alive, but lost her left leg, it was amputated just above the knee. Since that time her mobility has been severely limited and she was left to get about with crude wooden crutches. After she joined the RecycloBagz project Tracy took her to get prosthesis with funds from the handbag ministry. Although she has learned to walk with it, her fluctuating weight makes it difficult for her to use. Since she began making bags she is able to depend on a consistent income. It allows her to buy more food for her family and to pay for the transportation costs needed for her last born child to get to school.

  MARY DAKA
• 

  ELIZABETH CHANDA

  Elizabeth Chanda, age 38, has a full heart and home. She is married to a teacher at Our Lady’s Catholic School, and together, they have 5 children. She is also the guardian of 3 orphans whose parents died in the AIDS epidemic. Her top priority is her family! Working with the Recyclocraftz project helps pay the school fees for the orphans (her 5 children‘s fees are paid because her husband is a teacher.) Elizabeth also invests some of the money, planting maize and cotton which she can then sell. This kind of investment provides income year after year.

  Pray for Elizabeth, that she would have spiritual strength to care for her large family. Her heart is that all of the children would follow the Word of God.

  ELIZABETH CHANDA
• 

  EVELYN GARAKARA

  Evelyn is a widowed mother of 6 children. She has been taking care of her children on her own for ten years. Evelyn learned about New Creations Ministry from a woman who was not a member of the organization but had once attended an NCM training day. Evelyn works full time with the NGOs (non-governmental helping agencies) as a volunteer at Kamanga Community Center. She helps distribute donated money to women and youth in need. The center helps Evelyn provide shoes and books for her youngest child still in school. Evelyn’s boss allows her to take off Tuesdays to help with NCM. Evelyn says New Creations has helped her family spiritually, as well as with added income which allows her to pay for electricity and Mealie Meal (the staple Zambian food) . Evelyn says,“I am very grateful for this ministry, very, very grateful. We should thank God for helping us through this program. To the people in America--a big thank you to the ones who are selling and the ones who are buying.”

  EVELYN GARAKARA
• 

  BRIDGET KANSONSO

  Bridget is 26 years old and married with two children ages 6 and 8. She and her husband are also responsible for the care and school fees for her twin brothers who were left orphaned after Bridget’s father died. In addition, they also care, for another nephew. Bridget dropped out of school in the ninth grade; her work with New Creations Ministry is her first job. Bridget heard about NCM from a friend who invited her to join. Bridget’s knitting skills helped her catch on quickly to crafting hand bags. Bridget’s income allows her to add to the income her husband makes as a taxi driver. Through the NCM savings program Bridget is learning how to save for her money and budget for the future.

  Prayer needs: “Pray that the handbag ministry expands that we be able to make more bags and have a greater income.”

  BRIDGET KANSONSO
• 

  CLARA MAKUWIRE

  Clara is the 22 year old daughter of Evelyn Garakara, an original member of the project. She is a very fortunate Zambian. Even though she is the ninth born child in her family, she has completed her secondary education. She lives with her mom and two of her sisters, her other siblings are in Zimbabwe. She is currently enrolled in a training course to become a pre-school teacher with hopes of someday furthering her studies and becoming a primary level teacher.

  Her mom told her about the project after a neighbor learned of it. Clara especially enjoys creating bags from old and damaged blue jeans. The money she earns from the project helps to pay for her school tuition and exam fees. She prays she will find a permanent job that will sustain her thru each day.

  CLARA MAKUWIRE
• 

  ALICE MALUZA

  Alice is a single parent in her early fifties. She was separated from her husband 14 years ago when her first child was 8 and her second born was 4. Although she did not want to see her marriage end, her husband was involved with another woman and he bribed the magistrate to terminate their marriage. Although she knows of his whereabouts he has never wanted anything to do with his children and has not helped in any way. Following the divorce she went into a depression and lost her government job. God brought her out of that depression. If she found work it was only enough to buy a small amount of food. Before meeting Tracy God gave her a scripture to give to a woman named Tracy who she would meet. Zachariah 4:10 says “For who has despised the day of small beginnings?” Alice says, “NCM is a ministry that can teach and preach, it can offer the love of God. It is not just for Zambians, it is for all nations, the bags are going out to all nations. It is a helps ministry, Tracy took a step of faith to start ministry and now the ladies are encouraged to take steps in their faith.” “I am using my hands and can help others. I can receive money for my bag and when my neighbor comes I can give her a k1,000 ($.25) or k2,000 ($.50) to help her go buy some sugar. When I am serious I can buy uniforms or shoes for my niece or nephew or even my neighbor’s children so they can all go to school.“

  ALICE MALUZA
• 

  FALESI MBEWE

  Falesi Mbewe’s heartache in life has led her to be a woman of compassion. Falesi has lived a life as a wife of a polygamous husband.(Interestingly enough, the other wife is also a member of NCM’s cycloCraftz project). Three of her eight children have passed away, now Falesi at 68, cares for eight orphans on her own—five of which are in secondary school. Falesi says New Creations Ministry has greatly helped her. She first heard about the program from her younger sister. Because of NCM, Falesi is now able to buy food herself as well as afford books and pencils for her children. Falesi is no longer dependent on others. Falesi would appreciate prayer for the orphaned children she cares for. Some of their parents neglect and mistreat them which is why Falesi takes care of them; she prays that they will do well in their studies. Falesi would like to encourage people in the States to keep supporting NCM because the funds from the creations go such a long way in meeting basic needs of those in Zambia.

  FALESI MBEWE
• 

  LINDA MITI

  Linda is 35 years old and a mother to three children. She was married for twelve years before she and her husband divorced. Linda was introduced to New Creations by a friend and has been making bags for over two years. NCM has been helpful to Linda by providing funds for transportation and purchasing food; it also supplements the irregular child support monies she receives from the father of her children. Linda is grateful that through NCM she has learned to crochet and make bags. Although she completed her 12th grade education she never had any formal employment.

  Linda would appreciate prayers so she could become more powerful and committed towards God’s work. She would also like prayer for her children that they would come to know Christ, and that she would be able to provide school funds for her children’s education.

  LINDA MITI
• 

  EUNICE MULANDO

  Eunice Mulando is married with 6 children. All of her children attend school (except for the youngest, who is only a baby.) The only way this is possible is through the income her family receives from the Recyclocraftz project. Neither Eunice nor her husband have other employment. Before Recyclocraftz, Eunice struggled to pay school fees, especially for her children in high school. She knew only the basics of knitting. Then her friend from church, already part of the handbag project, told her about Recyclocraftz. Eunice learned the skills she needed to make handbags. Now she has the money to not only send her children to school, but also a little bit to save for the future.

  Pray for Eunice and her family. If her husband could find a job, her family would have steady income. In the mean time, pray for her children to make the most of their time in school and excel. Children with an education are children that can help support their family in the future. Recyclocraftz is helping make that a possibility for Eunice and her family.

  EUNICE MULANDO
• 

  SARA MUMBA

  Sarah Mumba is 37 years old. She has 2 young children: one son and one daughter. She is a tailor who specializes in making traditional Zambian women’s outfits. Sarah is a long-term member of the Recyclocraftz project and met Tracy while attending church together. Sarah has designed bags and taught others the details associated with all the different styles of handbags made on the sewing machine. Not only does making handbags provide her with additional income, but the skills she has gained help in her tailoring business.

  Pray for Sarah, that her business continues to do well so she can support her children. Also pray that she stays in good health.

  SARA MUMBA

• 

  HELEN MUSANGILI

  Helen is 28 years old mother of a baby and a five year old child. Neither Helen nor her husband is employed. Helen used to sell tomatoes for income but has since stopped since the income from New Creations is more substantial than selling tomatoes. Since Helen learned about NCM from a friend. “The program has helped me get basic needs like soap for the children and has helped me send kids to school. I am also able to support my mom as she is very old and past the stage of working.” Helen would appreciate prayer for her family.

  HELEN MUSANGILI
• 

  RUTH MUSHILI

  Ruth Mushilli is a 38 year old widow with 3 children. She works at Chopmore Enterprises but her job is very stressful. She heard about Recyclocraftz from a friend who was in the program. Since then, making handbags has helped Ruth buy food for her children. Her daughter, Bridget Musando ( also a member of the project), and her orphan nephew, Davson, have also benefitted. They both received an educational micro loan and a scholarship that came from the Educational Scholarship Fund. These funds made it possible for them to resume their education after they dropped out to lack of funds.

  Ruth is a woman with a heart after God, who cares deeply for her children. She wants to be a witness as well as a good provider. Recyclocraftz helps her meet both goal, by providing income and a place to fellowship. Pray that Ruth can find a better job so she can continue to be a good mother to her children.

  RUTH MUSHILLI
• 

  JOSINA MUVWANGA

  Josina Muvwanga is a 52 year old mother and grandmother. Together with her husband, she has raised five children and now helps care for eight grandchildren. One of her children and two of her grandchildren still live with Josina and her husband. Josina works in an orphanage, caring for Zambia’s children who have lost their parents in the AIDS epidemic. Mrs Murray and her children visited that orphanage regularly to read and share the Gospel with the orphans. When Mrs Murray saw Josina crocheting, she realized that she would be an excellent asset to bring on board with the Recyclocraftz project. Not only did she possess beautiful crocheting skills and the ability to teach others, she also was a Godly woman with a passion for prayer that helps sustain the ministry. She has become a trusted friend and advisor, bringing an ability to help Tracy share with the women when triumphs and challenges come along.

  The money Josina makes from crocheting handbags helps pay the tuition for one of her daughters, who is in college. It also helps put food on the table where three generations gather to eat every day. Josina has cared for not only her own children and grandchildren, but also orphaned children. Her prayer is that the money she earns from Recyclocrafts will enable her to continue caring for those that God brings across her path.

  JOSINA MUVWANGA
• 

  ABIGAIL MWAILENGE

  Abbie is the last born of 4 children to her pastor father and nurse mother. She is among the very fortunate Zambians to attend a university in Zambia and graduate. Not only did she attend, but she studied Mining and Metallurgical Engineering; she was awarded many honors for her work in that field. Abbie isone of the three children in the Mwailenge family to take part in the project. Her determination, creative mind and spunk lead this ambitious young woman to develop the sewing skills she learned from Auntie Tracy and further her life. The original monies she earned helped to pay for books, toiletries, clothes and even a laptop computer which aided in her school work. Later on she was able to purchase a sewing machine, teach herself other sewing skills and begin her own sewing business making clothes and things which she has sold to others.

  Abbie recently got married and moved out of the Lusaka area. However, the skills she gained will follow her wherever she goes. Thru the RecycloCraftz project, Abbie has been empowered for her own future and for others with whom she will share her new found talents.

  ABIGAIL MWAILENGE
• 

  ESTHER MWAILENGE

  Esther Mwailenge is a 23 year old woman, who recently graduated from college and was hired immediately as a physical therapist. She lives at home with her father (The Murray’s pastor), her mother (a nurse, for whom the RecycloCraftz project was started). Her brother and sister also learned to sew, line purses and make sling bags in the project as well. They too have graduated from college and gotten married. Having two living parents who are both educated and employed, as well as being an employed college graduate college makes Esther and her siblings more successful than 99% of the Zambian population.

  Esther first saw handbags when visiting a similar project in the Ngombe Compound. She realized that this was a way for her to develop a marketable skill and bring in some income while still in school. Recyclocraftz gatherings have given her the chance to share in Bible reading with other Zambian women of many different backgrounds. She has a growing sensitivity to the difficult situations faced by some of the less privileged women there.

  The Recyclocraftz project helped Esther pay for her college education. It is also teaching her some life lessons about the value of hard work, and broadened her horizons for ministry and fellowship. Esther hopes that people in America recognize how much the handbags project means to her and her fellow Zambian women.

  ESTHER MWAILENGE
• 

  MAULDRINE MWAILENGE

  Mauldrene holds a place of honor in this project. It is for her, her husband, Saul, and her 4 children that the project was started. This 58 year old woman and her family arrived in the Chelston community, just outside the capital city of Lusaka a week before the Murray family arrived in Zambia. The friendship between Tracy and Mauldrene quickly grew into a tight bond as they struggled together to help their husbands grow the ailing church they had both come to serve. Both she and Tracy share a love for prayer and for needy children. They are also two women who never stop.

  Mauldrene's skills as a midwife made her a much sought after nurse at the local government clinic. Still her skills were never compensated for and due to a lack of educational certification Mauldrene was unable to get a job paying her for her level of competency. When Tracy saw this dear family struggling on Sauls' monthly salary of $250 that would come if there was enough in the offering and her meager compensation of $170/month she decided to begin the Recyclocraftz project. Her early bags were much sought after by women in the States. Mauldrene possessed the skills to crochet tight even stitches. Night after night her husband would fold and cut bags into strips so she could crochet them into beautiful new creations in her down time at the clinic.

  Her determination paid off. She no longer crochets bags but has started raising and selling chickens. The last of her four children have finished their college education ( three of whom have taken part in the project, including her son Caleb, who made the original sling bags). But her small home remains full as she opens it to the children of her needy relatives or other orphaned young people to whom she is drawn. No monies she ever earns are kept for herself and her family. She has recently been promoted to a teacher/trainer for other nurses teaching maternal and infant nutrition to women in the rural areas of Zambia.

  MAULDRINE MWAILENGE
• 

  MARY MWANGA

  Mary Mwanga is the 51 year old matriarch of a large family, many of whom are involved in the Recyclocraftz handbag program (see the bios of her daughters Ireen, Karren, Wendy, and Christabel Chilangwa.) Her husband passed away in 2007. At that time, his family clan enacted a Zambian practice known as “property grabbing”, leaving his widow and children with almost in their home. They moved from their village of Mufulira to the city of Lusaka, hoping for a better life there - but little improved. Since the move to Lusaka, Mary Mwanga and her family have had no steady income. At times, they have been unable to pay for basic costs of living, such as rent and electricity. School fees for her children became a luxury. Some of her older children were unable to finish high school.

  Thanks to Recyclocraftz, Mary Mwanga and her family have hope! She and 4 of her daughters all make handbags, pitching in to help one another if one falls behind or gets sick. The income they bring in helps keep a roof over their heads and the lights on. It also pays for the school fees for the younger children: her 16 year old with big dreams, Ireen, and some of her sons. Right now, the widow Mary shoulders the burden of caring for a family that includes her own children, some of their babies, a couple of orphans, and her aged mother back in her home village. Mary Mwanga and her family dream of a place to call their own. The income she and her daughters bring in from the Recyclocraftz project is enabling them to build their own home - where they will no longer have to spend so much money each month paying rent. Recyclocraftz turns trash into handbags, and Mary turns handbags into cement for her family’s home. Each month she and her daughters can sell handbags is another building block of their future - the literal blocks of cement in their home‘s walls, the blocks of education for her younger children, and the blocks of spiritual encouragement for a destitute and struggling family.

  Pray for Mary and her large family - for a physical home as well as spiritual shelter. One handbag can make so much of a difference for them!

  MARY MWANGA
• 

  KELVIN MWANSA

  Kelvin Mwanza is 27 years old. He was born second to last of 9 siblings; two of them have died already. Kelvin never knew his father, but helps support his 65-year-old mother while she works on and off as a nanny. His mother supports five orphaned cousins and five orphaned nieces and nephews. A few of Kelvin’s siblings also work to help support the family. Kelvin was educated in the capital city of Lusaka, but became too sick with Tuberculosis to finish his grade 12 exams. After Kelvin’s health improved, he began to do artwork in hopes of earning money to return to school. His mother’s boss was an art teacher at the American school crafting wire figures and paintings. The teacher became interested in Kelvin’s work and couraged him to sell it. At 19 Kelvin began selling his artwork in the Dutch Reformed Craft Market. A Baptist woman saw a nativity he designed and now people are copying his designs and Kelvin is earning a good income. Kelvin employs a number of orphaned to keep up with the demand for his artwork. Because of Kelvin’s artistic success, he is able to move forward and support himself. He dreams of having a big home where he can help orphans and aid them in developing their talents in art. Kelvin already has people asking for Help but has no place to teach them. NCM is helping Kelvin to make his dream possible.

  KELVIN MWANSA
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  CATHRINE MWAPE

  Catherine is 50 years old and the mother to 9 children. Her husband is a businessman who is currently studying in Bible school and planning to join the ministry afterward. Her eldest child has a family, while the next three are receiving their secondary education. Catherine stays at home with her remaining children ranging-in ages from nursery age to grade 12. New Creations Ministry helps Catherine afford various costs from food to transportation. NCM has taught her life skills such as crocheting and bag making. Catherine has also formed friendships with other women in the group and has grown spiritually from scripture sharing time in the program. Catherine would appreciate pray for God’s direction in her life.

  CATHRINE MWAPE
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  MARY NANKOLOWE

  Mary is 39 years old and one of the earliest members of New Creations Ministry. Her husband is a lab assistant who works at a scientific research center. Mary and her husband have five children- ages 20 to 4. She learned of New Creations Ministry from friends. Mary used to crochet baby sets but her employer was slow to pay, sometimes taking up to six months to pay. Through the project Mary learned how to make bags and bracelets. In the RecycloCraftz project everyone receives their monies immediately. Mary has been able to pay for her children’s school fees. “We are grateful because the money we get here helps us a lot in our homes.” Mary would appreciate prayer for her broken leg and recent illness. She also is in need of finances for her children, especially her first-born daughter who hopes to attend college soon. “I am very grateful for Tracy and may God give blessings to those who are buying and selling the bags, because they are helping us very much.”

  MARY NANKOLOWE
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  JENNIPHER NJOBVU

  Jennifer Njobvu is 54 years old and a mother of ten children. Jennifer’s husband, a polygamist passed away ten years ago; she has been providing for her children ever since. Interestingly enough, the other wife of her husband is also a member of the RecycloCraftz project. Jennifer’s eldest son was helping with financial support but it has become difficult since he married. Now that Jennifer is a part of New Creations Ministry, she is able to pay school fees for her children as well as cover the costs for books and uniforms. Because of the NCM savings program Jennifer is currently putting monies away to pay for her daughter’s grade 11 exam fees next year.

  JENNIPHER NJOBVU
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  PENELOPE NYAMBE

  Penelope Nyambe is a 32 year old married Zambian woman. She and her husband have 3 children, and they are also raising 2 orphans. Penelope had heard about Recyclocraftz, and was curious about the project. Finally one day she met some women who made the handbags, and was able to follow them in joining RecycloCraftz.

  The income Penelope earns making handbags helps her provide for her family, especially with rent and school fees. In addition to the orphans that live with her, she helps out other orphans as much as she can. Penelope also teaches Sunday school at the Apostolic Faith Mission. The handbag project put in her contact with Mark and his Bible school while providing her with Bibles and other teaching materials that empower her own outreach.

  Penelope hopes that the handbag project can help her continue to care for her family and loved ones. She also would like to see her ministry grow. With money she has made from RecycloCraftz, Penelope has been able to record an album of Christian music. She is looking for sponsors so that she can pursue her goals of caring for her family and sharing the love of God.

  PENELOPE NYAMBE
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  PATRICA NYRENDA

  Patricia Nyirenda lives with her widowed mother, her husband, and their son and daughter. Her husband does tailoring in the Kamanga market. Before RecycloCraftz, her only source of income was from collecting glass bottles for recycling. Patricia would pay children a little bit of money to bring her glass bottles, and she would turn them in for the deposit. Each bottle is worth only a few cents.

  Patricia heard about RecycloCraftz from Mary Nankolowe, an active member. She learned to crochet by making the handbags. Selling handbags helps pay the bills when her husband doesn’t have much tailoring work. Now they can afford food, rent and lotion. It also enables her 9 year old daughter to stay in school. Patricia herself had to drop out of school after 5th grade, when her father passed away. RecycloCraftz has given her a chance to learn both English and the Bible. She is grateful for the chance to earn a living by making handbags.

  PATRICA NYRENDA
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  CAROL NZUNGA

  Carol Nzunga is a young married woman with 3 children. Her family lives in the Kaunda Square development. Her mother Josina Muvwanga, who is part of the RecycloCraftz project, first taught Carol how to make the handbags.

  With her income from RecycloCraftz, Carol is able to help her husband pay the rent and put food on the table. Carol’s goal is to earn a steady income so her children are able to attend school. Education would help the whole family improve their lives, and the money from making handbags could help make that dream come true for Carol.

  CAROL NZUNGA
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  JUDITH PHIRI

  Judith Phiri is a 20 year old student who just completed ninth grade. She lives with her parents and two siblings. Judith’s father is in the Zambian Air Force, and her mother sells foodstuffs at the market. After completing high school, Judith hopes to follow in her father’s footsteps and join the military.

  Judith heard about RecycloCraftz from someone at her church. Since Judith already knew how to crochet, the handbag project was a good fit for her. Making handbags has helped provide money for clothes and toiletries. It has also given her an allowance that she can use for special things, like attending church retreats.

  Judith hopes to finish her education and get a good job. RecycloCraftz is helping her take steps towards those goals.

  JUDITH PHIRI
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  SIMON PHIRI

  Most of the people who make handbags are Zambian women, but that didn’t keep Simon Phiri away from the project. Simon is a single 27 year old who lives with his divorced mother. He has 3 living siblings (a number of his siblings died as children.)

  Simon receives a small amount of money working part time as a gardener. He also serves at his church in a nonpaying position as a lay minister. He heard from a friend at church about RecycloCraftz. Simon was determined to learn to make handbags, but crocheting proved not to be his strong suit. Instead, he learned to make the wooden buttons and toggles for the handbags. Later, although he had never sewed before, Simon learned to make the cloth sling bags.

  RecycloCraftz has enabled Simon to help support his family and buy food. He donates much of his monies to the youth and young adult program at church; often sacrificing his own need for a pair of shoes first. Not only that, but Simon has been able to take his new-found sewing skills into the marketplace. He has learned not only to repair and tailor clothes but to make traditional Zambian clothes from beginning to end. Recently, he clothed all the members of his church choir in new matching shirts! He also makes vestments for the Lutheran church where he ministers. In addition, Simon has learned the basics of sewing machine repair, another source of income.

  Simon’s persistent hard work with making handbags has earned him material benefits. But the spiritual benefits he reaps are even greater. Simon dreams of founding his own youth program to reach the young people of Zambia and spread the Word of God. Simon was determined not to give up, so he tried first crochet, then making buttons, and finally found his niche with a sewing machine. His determination is also his best asset in sharing the Word of God. Thanks to Recyclocraftz, Simon has the skills to not only make handbags but also to make his dreams of ministry come true.

  SIMON PHIRI
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  CHARITY SAMBOKO

  Charity is married with 5 children ranging in ages 1 to 12. Charity’s husband is a full time plumber. Charity sold soft drinks at her home, she earned $1.50-$2.50 per week; but had no capital to start another business. She prayed for a new idea, for a way to earn income, even if it meant working hard. Charity wanted to help support her parents when they had financial needs. Charity was at a fair in the community when she saw a woman making a carpet out of yarn scraps. She asked Charity if she could make bags with plastic. She said she could not, but the woman taught her and explained that there was a woman looking for people to do exactly that. Now Charity is enjoying what she does and is able to help her parents as well as help support the rest of her family. Charity says “NCM was helped me a lot, I can go to saloon, I even take my children. I am able to go and buy salaulla ( second hand clothing) for my kids.“

  CHARITY SAMBOKO
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  MARY SHAMWETE

  Mary Shamwete is married with 4 children between the ages of 21 and 11. Her husband works as a field manager for Chamba Valley. However, his income is often barely enough to buy mealiemeal used to make the staple food called n’shima and oil. For a time, Mary tried using those meager ingredients to make and sell fritters (fried dough), but there was no profit in that venture. For 4 years, she performed the most menial labor imaginable, breaking rocks. In Zambia, there are no stone-crushing machines - only the poorest and most desperate Zambians, sustain the dangerous flying rock shards while they sit in the dirt hitting one rock with another until they shatter. Three days of back breaking work fills a wheelbarrow- for this she would receive $0.75! Some of the rocks she broke went into the concrete to build her family’s home, but she still couldn’t earn a living.

  Making handbags with RecycloCraftz has helped Mary bring in income that her family desperately needs. It pays for not only school fees but also the clothing, shoes and books that her children need to attend school. Sometimes, Mary can even buy new clothes for herself.

  MARY SHAMWETE

• LUCAS SINCALA

  Mr. Lucas Sincala is 73 years old, which is older than the average Zambian life expectancy. He has been married for 47 years. He and his wife had 3 sons and 3 daughters. although not all of them are still living.

  Mr Sincala was educated in the traditional British system when Zambia was still a British colony. He completed a level which was called Standard 6. After school, he went to work in the mines in the Copper Belt. He toiled underground for more than 30 years, and then was finally promoted to driving a front end loader.

  Mr Sincala lives in Foxdale with his wife. She makes and sells a traditional drink called “mukoya” (made from fermented cornmeal.) He is a skilled artist who makes wood carving sculptures.

  Mr Sincala does not crochet or sew for the Recyclocraftz. Instead, he makes beautifully crafted wooden buttons and clasps for the handbags. Some of the little scraps of wood he carves are so beautiful that they have been made into jewelry. This work helps provide Mr Sincala and his wife with income in their later years.

  LUCAS SINCALA
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  ASNED TENBO

  Asned Tembo is 22 years old. If she lived in America, she would be in college right now. Instead, she lives in Zambia. Her education ended after 9th grade, when her family could no longer afford to send her to school. Her dream is to be a nurse, but instead she is the woman of the house after her mother passed away. Asned’s father has a small welding business but does not work himself; his income is barely enough to support his 3 sons and Asned.

  Asned heard about the RecycloCraftz project from her mother, who had been part of the project before she died. Asned took her place making bracelets, and the income she brings in helps meet basic needs such as paying for food, clothing, and the personal care products that every young woman needs. RecycloCraftz helps, but Asned’s dream of getting a high school diploma and going to nursing school are still sadly out of reach.

  Pray for Asned to be able to finish high school and fulfill her dream of becoming a nurse.

  ASNED TENBO

• MAUREEN ZULU

  Bio Coming Soon

  MAUREEN ZULU