KZF Chairman dies, put to rest Keepers Zambia Foundation has just completed its saddest day yet in its 14 year history with the death of its founding Board Chairman Mr. Evans Simukulwa. The Late Mr. Simukulwa, who lost the battle against cancer on14th July, was put to rest at the Leopard's Hill Memorial Park on the 17th July 2010. He is survived by his wife and two children. In paying their last respects, several people from his family, former workmates and colleagues as well as friends from all walks of life described him as a jovial person, a counsellor and bridge-builder. The late Mr. Simukulwa  served Zambia's Civil Service with distinction, rising to the rank of Permanent Secretary in a number of Ministries including the Western Province. He was also among the founder members of KZF, an organisation which he served as its Board Chairman till the time of his death. Keepers Zambia Foundation joins the many people that shared the benefit of knowing and working with the Late Mr. Simukulwa, in praying for his family for God's strength and guidance in these trying moments. May His Soul Rest In Eternal Peace. Posted 18th July 2010 by John Msimuko EU Delegation visits North West Two representatives from the delegation of the European Union in Zambia have just completed a familiarisation mission to projects implemented by Keepers Zambia Foundation in North Western Province. Mr. Benoist Bazin who is the Head of the section that deals with social sectors and governance at the delegation and Ms. Sabrina Bazzanella the Project Manager responsible for thematic budget lines were accompanied by John Msimuko, Executive Director of KZF and Kalongo Chitengi the Country Director for Self Help Africa (SHA) to Mwinilunga and Kasempa districts between the 16th and 19th February, 2010. Benoist and Sabrina were on routine familiarisation mission of European Union funded projects implemented by Non State Actors (NSAs) in the country. On this particular leg, the mission team visited the Food Security Initiative for the Vulnerable households of Mwinilunga and Kabompo districts (FSIV) project and the Market Oriented Rural Enterprise (MORE) project of Kasempa and Solwezi. During the wrap up session of the mission, the two representatives expressed satisfaction with the results and impacts registered by the projects among local communities. Posted 22nd February 2010 by John Msimuko Some pictures from the mission New partnerships and projects for KZF in 2010 The beginning of the year 2010 has seen the establishment of new partnerships and projects for KZF. Water Aid Zambia (WAZ) and the Ministry of Finance and National Planning (MOFNP) have become the latest partners.  Through the partnership with Water Aid, KZF will be able to expand her water and sanitation activities in Lusaka's Ng'ombe township. The partnership with MOFNP on the other hand ushers in a project to promote savings among the people of Kaoma, Mongu and Senanga in Western Province under a national IFAD funded initiative called Rural Finance Programme (RFP). In addition, KZF will also participate in an EU funded food facility programme in four districts of Western and North Western provinces. This project will be implemented under the auspices of Self Help Africa and Development Fund (SHADF) from January 2010 till October 2011. Posted 4th February 2010 by John Msimuko
KZF turns fourteen On the 29th January, 2010, Keepers Zambia Foundation turned fourteen years of existence. This is a major milestone for KZF which is among the very few Zambian NGOs to boast of such a long period of existence and sustained growth and prosperity. The board and management of KZF wishes to thank all stakeholders over the 14 year period for their valuable contribution to what has come to be one of Zambia's success story in civil society terms. Keepers Zambia Foundation was formed in January 1996 through a process facilitated by the Netherlands government as an alternative way of financing the agricultural sector. The Royal Netherlands government provided KZF with initial funding for a period of one year only on the understanding that the organisation would stand on its own afterwards. Over the years, KZF has grown by leaps and bounds expanding from Western Province to other parts of Zambia and has broadened its partnerships to include the UNDP, the European Union and various international NGO as well as the government of Zambia. Posted 5th February, 2010 by John Msimuko
Staff change: Evelyn Mufunte Kabengele becomes Programme Manager Management of Keepers Zambia Foundation has elevated Evelyn Mufunte Kabengele to the vacant position of Programme Manager responsible for Mwinilunga and Kabompo districts. Evelyn took over from Joshua Mukonko who left the organisation at the end of January 2010. Before the appointment, Evelyn has been one of the Project Officers in Mwinilunga district. Posted 5th February 2010 by John Msimuko