Where We Work: Zambia | Comboni Lay Missionary Program

Where We Work: ZAMBIA

Do you have a sense of adventure and a desire to serve in Africa? Would you like to live a simple lifestyle close to the people and share your faith and talents with the poor? If so, we would like to invite you to consider joining us in our mission work in rural Zambia.

Zambia: What's it like?
Zambia is a landlocked country in the southern part of Africa with a population of almost 12 million in an area almost the size of Texas. Zambia gained independence in 1964 from the United Kingdom, and began holding multi-party elections by 1991.

Despite being a country rich in mineral wealth (particularly copper), Zambia has had its share of economic difficulties. The price of copper decreased in the 1970s, and over the subsequent decades, Zambians have struggled to have a decent life. It is estimated that about 78% of rural Zambians live below the national poverty line. Since 2005, however, things have been looking up. The economy has been improving with a 5-6% growth in GDP.

Education in Zambia is tuition free through seventh grade, but many students find it difficult to afford school fees for secondary school. There are few opportunities for further education; Zambia has four universities.

The Comboni Missionaries work in a rural community in eastern Zambia called Chikowa. They manage a parish, and operate the Chikowa Youth Development Center, which offers two-year courses in construction, carpentry, and agriculture. Br. Jonas Dzinekou is the principal of the center. It was started as a response to the shortage of educational opportunities in the country, and exists not just to provide important technical skills to the students, but also to form them as human beings.

The human formation program at the center is intended to provide an open space for students to share about their lives and their hopes, to learn skills to become responsible adults who respect community, respect others, and work to improve society.

Although English is the main language used in the training center, the local language of the people is Chinyanja, which is the same language as Chichewa in Malawi. Lay missionaries will study Chinyanja for the length of time recommended by the receiving province.

What Kind of Work Would You Do?

The most needed skills are in the technical areas of carpentry, construction, agriculture, computers and electrical work.
Experience teaching computers, English, mathematics, technical drawing or art/painting would also be useful.
Community animation opportunities also exist in the village of Chikowa.

What Kind of Candidates Are We Looking For?
We are looking for candidates with some skills and experience in the following areas:

A good ability at building relationships and relating to people with different backgrounds and personality types.
A personality comfortable with an isolated, rural environment. (There is limited access to larger towns or cities.) Comfort in a mostly male environment.
Teaching experience.
Community organizing experience.
Skills and interest in sports.

What Does The Comboni Lay Mission Program Provide?

Preparation: We provide a solid 14-week formation for mission at our center in La Grange Park, IL. It includes discussions and workshops in mission theology, skills for cross-cultural living, collaborative leadership, communication and team building skills, mission spirituality, and community.
Language Training: New lay missionaries assigned to Zambia will study Chinyanja. English is the language used at the school.
Local Support: The Comboni community working at the mission site will serve as a support for the lay missionaries. There are usually between 5-7 Comboni brothers and priests of many different nationalities living in community in Chikowa. At times, there are opportunities for interaction with people from European NGOs working in Chikowa.
Room and Board: Housing has already been constructed on the school compound, and is provided for the lay missionaries (and other teachers), along with a $275 monthly stipend for personal expenses and for food. The lay missionaries also receive an annual allowance of $300 for professional growth, retreat, and vacation expenses.
Health Insurance and Other Benefits: Lay missionaries are provided health insurance and transportation to and from the mission site in Zambia. Upon successful completion of their three-year contract, they will also receive $1800 for relocation expenses.

How Do You Take the Next Step?
If you would be interested in serving as a lay missionary for three years in Chikowa, Zambia, please take a look at our requirements for Eligibility. If you think you meet the requirements, fill out the Preliminary Form and we can begin to discuss the possibilities.

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