Dates: Leaders: Cost: Group Size: Application: Donate: May 10 - May 27, 2009 Lauren Brooks & Dan Spellacy Approximately $3,000 14-15 students Click here for the application. Make a contribution here.

Country Overview
Zambia has moved from being a major copper producer and potentially one of the continent's richest countries at independence in 1964 to one of the poorest. Difficulty in transitioning from colonialism, debt and disease has all contributed to the country’s difficulties. About 80% of the Zambian people live on less than one dollar per day. At least one out of every five Zambians is infected with HIV/AIDS, which means almost every family in Zambia is affected by the disease. Currently, Zambia has approximately 1,500,000 orphans under the age of 18 years, and over 100,000 street children.

Quick Facts
Area · 290,579 sq miles
Population · 11,200,000
Religion · Christian (50-75%), indigenous beliefs (50-75%); many people follow both
Languages · English (official), Bemba, Lozi, Nyanja, Tonga
Life expectancy · 38 years (men), 37 years (women)

Our Partner: Hope Fellowship Ministries
Hope Ministries Zambia has established an orphanage in Ndola, Zambia for children who have lost their parents because of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Currently it is a small house where about 20 children live. These children receive food, clothing and education, along with support for their physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Hope has recently purchased 5 acres of land where they plan to build a complex that will house 60 children. Hope Community School currently serves 150 children between the ages of 4 and 18. Hope hires teachers, provides school supplies and serves hot meals several times a week to the children. www.sparkventures.org

Trip Description
The team will spend their time doing a variety of activities including playing with the children at the orphanage, reading to the children in the school, construction projects, assisting with the child sponsorship program, helping out with AIDS awareness programs, and a medical clinic. Students will stay in host homes and eat meals prepared by their host families.  There will also be opportunities to visit churches and participate in cultural activities.  This trip will also have a special focus on prayer and worship.

Team Preparation
All Zambia GP team members must commit to attending all preparation meetings during first semester, (usually one hour a week for 8 weeks.)  During these meetings you will develop as a team and learn about Zambian culture and social justice issues facing the country.  You will also dedicate time to fundraising both individually and as a team.  All team members must pay for their entire trip by May 1, 2009.

There are a limited number of spots for this trip.  Preference will be given to: those who have never been to Zambia; upperclassmen; or those who want to serve abroad as a Global Partnerships leader or as a Spark Ventures intern.  Nursing students are encouraged to apply.

In order to be a part of the Zambia GP team you will need a passport that expires no less than six months after your intended visit.  Those who already have a viable passport, or have applied for a passport at the time of interview will be given preference over those who have not taken action to apply for a passport.  Also, the price of the passport, vaccinations, malaria pills and other personal expenses are not covered in the cost of the trip.