Assistance in Zambia: Aiding the Homeless and End-of-Life Cases in Street Conditions
Carol McBrady's Holistic Approach to Rehabilitating Street Children in Zambia
Carol McBrady: The Heart of Action For Children Zambia
Carol McBrady, affectionately known as 'Mama Carol', has dedicated her life to rescuing and rehabilitating street children in Zambia. Her tireless efforts, spearheaded by Action For Children Zambia (AFCZ), have transformed the lives of hundreds of children, providing them with a second chance at life.
A Comprehensive Approach to Child Rehabilitation
McBrady's approach is rooted in a holistic, child-centric philosophy that addresses the unique needs of each child. This approach encompasses providing safe shelter, meeting basic needs, offering psychosocial support, educational and vocational training, family reunification, life skills education, and continuous follow-up and monitoring.
A Haven for Healing: Salvation Home and Redemption House
One of the homes, Salvation Home, offers a sanctuary for children requiring counselling or drug detox. Meanwhile, Redemption House, intended for older boys, is currently expanding to accommodate more children. Here, children live together, forming a real family, with some older boys even taking on the role of 'uncles' responsible for preparing meals.
The Power of Community and Family
The children at AFCZ's homes are not just residents; they are part of a family. Manda Raban, who has lived with Carol for fifteen years, considers the community at AFCZ to be her family. This sense of belonging and mutual support is instrumental in helping children adapt to a life with responsibilities and in overcoming challenges.
Empowering Children for a Brighter Future
Through her work, McBrady empowers street children to complete their education, secure jobs, and reintegrate into Zambian society. Over the past twenty years, she has opened three homes for rescued street children in Zambia, offering them a path to independence and a chance to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness.
Overcoming Obstacles Together
While the journey is not without its challenges, McBrady's unwavering commitment remains steadfast. She welcomes back children who run away, offering them unconditional love and support if they choose to change their lives. The resilience and determination of these children, coupled with McBrady's unyielding dedication, continue to drive positive change in the lives of street children in Zambia.
Katarzyna Rybarczyk, a renowned journalist specialising in humanitarian issues and crises in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, has documented McBrady's inspiring work. Her stories serve as a testament to the power of compassion, determination, and community in transforming the lives of street children in Zambia.
- Carol McBrady's approach to child rehabilitation at Action For Children Zambia (AFCZ) includes various therapies-and-treatments, such as mental-health counseling and drug detox, at places like Salvation Home.
- As part of its comprehensive approach, AFCZ offers education and vocational training, which empowers street children to find jobs and secure a brighter future, breaking the cycle of poverty and homelessness.
- In addition to physical-health-and-wellness, Carol McBrady integrates fitness-and-exercise and wellness practices, like CBD (cannabidiol), into the children's daily routine at AFCZ, promoting overall mental-health and holistic well-being.
