ZAMBIA, UGANDA, THE GAMBIA, USA

“With the right tools at hand, a woman is capable to do anything in life.” — Mwanandeka Kindembo.

Empowering African Women through the Women's Sustainability Initiative


In July 2020, Don and Shelli Johnson and the Church of God in Zambia launched the Women's Sustainability Initiative pilot program to help African women achieve self-sufficiency and self-sustainability by starting their gardens. The program provided essential equipment, seeds, fertilizer, manure, and chemicals to help women grow crops, including pumpkin leaves, tomatoes, kale, onion, spinach, okra, and corn, on a 10-acre plot. Through this program, women could take control of their livelihoods and contribute to the broader economic growth of their communities. Participants gained knowledge and skills in agriculture, created jobs, supported sustainable agricultural practices, and generated income.

The initial program's success inspired OGD to extend its commitment to empowering women across different churches and communities in several countries. In addition to women’s conferences to encourage women and leaders, women now receive prenatal bags in the Gambia. In Uganda, funding for sanitary supplies has been donated to young girls. Our women will receive over 7,000 pairs of women’s undergarments through a generous donation. This donation allows us to contribute to women's needs locally and internationally.

The mission is to reach as many women as possible, share the gospel, and meet their needs. With this goal in mind, OGD aims to expand its initiatives by giving women the resources to become entrepreneurs, use their talents to empower their families and communities, replicate the program in different areas, and expand to other countries.

ZAMBIA

Empowering Students and Communities through our Unique Fish Farming Project in Zambia

Our agricultural project in Zambia is centered around an innovative fish farm on school grounds. Our goal is to provide a sustainable source of fish for the local community while educating students on the benefits of aquaculture. The fishpond contains bream fish and is designed to ensure controlled and sustainable growth.

In addition to providing a sustainable source of fish, our project serves as an educational resource for students. By engaging with the farm, students can learn about various topics related to fish farming, including water quality, fish feed, breeding, and harvesting. We are committed to promoting the importance of sustainable fishing practices while raising awareness of the benefits of aquaculture.

Our fish farm aligns with several sustainable development goals, including SDG 14 (life below water) and SDG 4 (quality education). By promoting sustainable fishing practices, we are helping to protect marine life and preserve aquatic ecosystems. Additionally, our fish farm provides a sustainable source of protein to the local community, reducing the reliance on unsustainable fishing practices. Through our educational program, we empower future generations to actively protect our oceans and aquatic ecosystems while promoting quality education.