Communities Without Borders

Background

Since 2001, First Parish, Lexington, Massachusetts has joined hands with other U.S. Communities In proud support of the educational future of over 1,500 orphaned and vulnerable children in Zambia. Through Communities Without Borders, a Boston non-profit organization, members and friends of First Parish have raised more than $60,000 to provide school uniforms, shoes, books, book bags, school fees, nutrition and health care.

We often visit our children and their caregivers. In recognition of this service and long-standing commitment, First Parish was awarded the first Red Ribbon Congregational Award in 2007 from the Unitarian Universalist Global AIDS Coalition.

Located in the center of southern Africa, Zambia is among the nations most affected by AIDS. Nearly 20% of Zambia’s four million children are now orphans, mostly as a result of AIDS. Without outside support, many of these children would not be able to attend school. Although tuition is now free through 6th grade, each child must purchase uniforms and supplies that total $100 to $300 per year depending on grade level, in a country having a per-capita income of $300.

By providing that support, First Parish Lexington has made school attendance possible for many children. Since 2001, First Parish has worked with other area churches and organizations through the Communities Without Borders (CWB) charity to sponsor many vulnerable children in Lusaka’s compounds. This program allows children to get a few meals a week, and to pay for their school books and their school clothes and shoes. $100 per year will give a child a chance for a decent education at the primary school level.

First Parish is partnering with two different communities in Zambia, Ng’Ombe Community with the Pilgrim Church also in Lexington and Linda community with Eliot Church in Newton. In Ng’Ombe we are supporting the education of 32 pre-school children and 67 primary school students. In Linda community we are supporting 39 primary school students.

Many congregants have made a service oriented trips to Zambia to see the conditions first hand and establish personal connections with our partner communities in Lusaka.

Below are pictures taken by Al Jacobson on his trip to Zambia. First Parish members are supporting the children in the photos.