The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Zambia has launched the WASH Integrating Nutrition in Schools (WINS-2) Project to improve access to safe water, sanitation, nutrition, and life skills in Chirundu and Siavonga districts.

The ZMW 5.5 million (approximately USD 200,000) project is being implemented with support from the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung Foundation (FAZ Foundation) and Stiftung Kinderzukunft, both based in Germany. The initiative will run from May 2026 to December 2027 and is expected to directly benefit more than 1,770 people, with over 8,850 community members benefitting indirectly.

WINS-2 will deliver a package of interventions including the installation of solar-powered water systems, construction of sanitation facilities, establishment of nutrition gardens, menstrual hygiene management, reusable sanitary pad production, and life skills training for learners and youth.

ADRA Zambia Country Director Kennedy Habasimbi said the project reflects ADRA's commitment to improving the wellbeing of vulnerable children and communities through sustainable, inclusive development.

"The WINS-2 Project is not only about water and sanitation. It is about restoring dignity, improving school attendance, supporting nutrition security, empowering youth with life skills, and creating opportunities for a better future," Habasimbi said.

Siavonga District Commissioner Geoffrey Jakopo, who served as Guest of Honour, said the project comes at a critical time when many schools and communities still struggle to access clean and safe water.

"Many learners, especially girls, walk long distances in search of water, leading to absenteeism, poor academic performance, and in some cases school dropouts. The WINS-2 Project is therefore not just a water project. It is an investment in education, nutrition, health, dignity, and the future of our children," Jakopo said.

He commended ADRA Zambia and its partners for complementing government efforts through sustainable community-based interventions. "The integration of solar-powered water systems, school gardens, reusable sanitary pad production, and life skills training demonstrates a holistic and innovative approach to development," he added.

The launch brought together government officials, traditional leaders, cooperating partners, community representatives, and the media, reaffirming the shared commitment to improving education, health, and resilience in vulnerable communities.