On April 19th, 2011, the US Ambassador to Zambia, His Excellency Mark C. Storella paid a cordial visit to the USAID supported WEAVE project in Mpika District in Zambia.  WEAVE is a three-year women’s empowerment program being implemented by Nascent Solutions in Zambia. Its immediate goals are to:

– Increase the ability of 12,000 women affected by HIV/AIDS in Mpika District to start and run economically successful and sustainable small businesses.

– Improve the nutritional status of 1,500 vulnerable children under age 5.

Ambassador Storella was received at the Chikakala Health center by members of the WEAVE staff, the Country Director, the District Health Officer and the USAID team. The Ambassador was given a tour of the site, during which he asked pointed questions about the program’s implementation, the acquisition of data, medication and the challenge of meeting electrical and power needs. The Country Director fielded the Ambassador’s questions, and he was particularly happy to learn that Health Center used solar panels to sustain and maintain power.