The U.S Embassy to Zambia has awarded $55,000 to six Zambian community-based organisations through its Community Investment small grant program.

Embassy Public Affairs Officer Janet Deutsch told News Diggers in a statement that the grants will expand economic opportunities and improve the standard of living in communities in four provinces of Zambia.

And speaking at the signing ceremony, outgoing US Ambassador to Zambia Eric Schultz stated that the Embassy was proud to provide such modest, but meaningful funding opportunities to dedicated organisations seeking their own solutions to economic shortcomings within their communities.

Ambassador Schultz also recognised the commitment and leadership of the grantee organisations working to improve the lives of community members through sustainable projects that also bolster food security and sustainable development locally.

“The U.S. government delivers financial support directly to Zambian organisations with sustainable, innovative ideas to serve traditionally underserved areas or populations. Grants awarded today will assist Action for Positive Change in the Chipata district to begin a bee-keeping operation for area youth; fund the Cheshire Homes Society-Kabulonga building renovation project for a mother – child recovery facility for children visiting Lusaka for medical care; establish a community-managed egg laying business through the Mulobelwa Multi-purpose Cooperative Society in Kaputa; and begin two groundnuts processing projects with the Natwesheko Multipurpose Cooperative Society in Mansa and with Participatory Education and Action for Community Empowerment in Luwingu,” the statement read.