Lizzie's Story

Photo: Salina Kassam

For thousands of girls in Lusaka, the capital city of Zambia, the dream of getting an education is overshadowed by the day-to-day struggle for survival. A local development group is working to change this situation for the better.

Ten-year-old Lizzie lost both of her parents to AIDS at a tender age. After her father died, her sick mother could no longer care for Lizzie and sent her to live with friends of the family. While she lived there, Lizzie was physically abused and raped by the man of the household. When his wife discovered what was happening, she kicked the girl out of the house.

Left crying by the side of the road, a passing woman picked Lizzie up and brought her to the police. From there, Lizzie was taken to a nearby hospital where she received medical treatment, and was then brought to New Horizon Orphanage (NHO). She has now lived at NHO for one year.

NHO provides safe shelter, food, clothing and other basic necessities to girls directly affected by AIDS, many of whom once lived on the unstable city streets. NHO also prepares girls to receive an education. For many, it is the first chance they have had in their lives to go to school. Since she was taken in by NHO, Lizzie has received psychosocial counseling and is beginning to open up to her new environment. She has quickly developed skills in weaving and sewing, expertly making purses and dolls. Although Lizzie has never been to school, Juliet Chilengi, who runs NHO, says that the young girl is "very, very intelligent" and will start school next year.

Note: Although she thrived at the orphanage, Lizzie died from AIDS-related complications in early 2004.

Learn more about New Horizons Orphanage >>

Learn more about the founder of New Horizons Orphanage >>