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The Sisters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary (SSHJM) - Inclusive Development Programme Zambia (formerly called Households in Distress (HID) Programme) is a faith-based organization that has been providing essential development and humanitarian support to impoverished, marginalized, and vulnerable individuals, including persons living with disabilities, for 33 years.
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The SSHJM IDP Zambia was established in 1991 in Mbala district by the congregation of Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary (SSHJM) in response to the devastating impact of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Northern Zambia
The Programme is a large community development programme, with an original focus on HIV/AIDS prevention and response. Its original vision was to have an AIDS-free generation. While this focus and mission is retained, the programme has naturally evolved to widen its focus to sustainable livelihoods and environmental care, inclusive education, and human rights.
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Since its evolution into a multi-sectorial development Programme, the organization continues to support persons living with disabilities (PLWDs), orphans, and vulnerable children (OVC), unemployed youths, vulnerable women and men, and people living with HIV/AIDS, in poor communities of Mbala, Senga, Mpulungu, Kasama, and Mungwi districts in Northern Province, Zambia.
Today, SSHJM Inclusive Development Programme Zambia works towards the attainment of a healthy, sustainable, empowered, and healed community that appreciates the coexistence and dignity of humanity, whereby every human being is regarded, loved, and respected.
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The SSHJM- IDP Zambia programme’s recent years' development work has resulted in the achievement of the following goals/results among supported beneficiaries:
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Increased food and nutrition security through the promotion of diversified livelihood opportunities;
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Increased economic security through the promotion of marketable income-generating activities, including smart agriculture, reducing poverty levels
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Agricultural practices are more organic and less destructive to the environment resulting in more sustainable and productive livelihood opportunities
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Children, including children with special needs, access quality inclusive education, producing quality education outcomes, enabling them to learn and thrive
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Targeted communities and stakeholders understand and support children's and women's rights, ensuring increased access and realization of fundamental rights.
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The SSHJM- IDP Zambia have experienced, skilled, and qualified staff in key positions at the project level, and the organization has a well-coordinated management structure to implement the ambitious and highly impactful programme.
