Footprints Foundation for Children in Zambia

The Footprints Foundation for Children in Zambia (Charity number 1151710) is a UK-registered nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting orphans and vulnerable children in Zambia, particularly those living on the streets of Lusaka. Established with the mission to provide assistance that helps these children become happy, healthy, well-educated, and responsible citizens, the charity operates outreach and support programs emphasizing reintegration, education, and health[2][1].

Overview and Mission
The foundation was created on principles of advocacy and direct action for street and working children in Zambia's capital. Its core mission involves outreach programs aimed at vulnerable children who have often fled home due to poverty, abuse, neglect, or family conflict. The charity works to provide care, support, and opportunities for reintegration into family or community life, addressing both immediate needs and long-term wellbeing[1][5].

Programs and Activities
Footprints Foundation runs several key initiatives, including an outreach program that operates on the streets of Lusaka, engaging directly with children living in dangerous and unstable conditions. They offer psychosocial support, education, and pathways back to family environments. A notable aspect of their work is the "Beating HIV" program, designed to reduce the impact of HIV/AIDS among vulnerable children through education and health services[2].

In addition to these support efforts, the charity also provides dignified funerals for street children who pass away without family or means to arrange their own burial, honoring the lives of these marginalized youths[5].

Volunteer and Community Engagement
Volunteers play a significant role in Footprints Foundation’s work. International and local volunteers join dedicated Zambian outreach teams to provide hands-on assistance to street children, ranging from educational activities to emotional and spiritual support. Stories from volunteers recount profound interactions with the children, highlighting the mutual impact of these encounters and the importance of compassionate presence on the streets of Lusaka[1][5].

Governance and Financials
The charity is managed by a board of five trustees and supported by a small volunteer base. It reported a total income of £29,010 and expenditure of £28,189 for the financial year ending March 31, 2024. Footprints Foundation does not employ any staff with total benefits over £60,000 and does not pay its trustees any remuneration, ensuring that donations directly support its charitable activities[2].

Impact
Through outreach, education, health initiatives, and reintegration work, Footprints Foundation has helped many street children return to safer living environments and provided ongoing support for their development. Testimonies from volunteers emphasize the transformative impact on both the children and those who serve alongside them, underlining the foundation’s vital role in advocating for and protecting some of Zambia’s most vulnerable youth[1].

The Footprints Foundation for Children in Zambia continues to be a beacon of hope and practical support for street children in Lusaka, working tirelessly to improve their lives and future prospects.

[1] https://www.footprints.org.uk [2] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5035370 [3] https://www.footprints.org.uk/donate [4] https://ngoexplorer.org/charity/1151710 [5] https://missiondirect.org/news/footprints-team-face-the-realities-of-life-for-street-children-in-zambia/