Our Story
Kuwala was born out of a year-long journey of learning and discovery. We traveled through rural Zambia, talking to local leaders, community members, NGOs, and government officials. We were amazed by the strength and potential we saw in the women we talked to despite the difficulties they face every day as a result of poverty. We listened to their stories, learned about their challenges, and together, we dreamed of a better future.
We believe that women in Zambia have incredible potential but often lack the opportunities to fully realize it. By empowering women with skills, education, and resources, we can create positive changes that help entire communities. Our mission is to provide these opportunities so women can lift themselves out of poverty and build brighter futures for their families and communities.
Every woman we support is a beacon of hope, lighting the way to a better future. This is reflected in our name, "Kuwala," which means "light" in the local language. It also symbolizes the hope and opportunities we aim to bring to the communities we serve. Kuwala seeks to illuminate the lives of women and their families, helping them overcome poverty, realize their full potential, and achieve lasting change through empowerment.
The Reiner Family
Founders of Kuwala
Our Mission
Kuwala is a local Zambian non-governmental organization dedicated to empowering women with the skills, opportunities, and resources to end poverty for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Our Vision
A future where empowered women lead their communities out of poverty
Our Values
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We help women gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to be independent and lead their families out of poverty.
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We work with local communities, governments, and other groups to create strong partnerships that support our mission to help women and improve communities.
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We are honest and responsible in everything we do. We make sure our actions and resources are used to make a positive impact on Zambian women’s lives.
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We focus on helping women in ways that last. By teaching sustainable skills, we ensure women can thrive long-term and promote economic, social, and environmental wellbeing.
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We believe in fairness and include everyone in our work. We work to remove barriers so all women, especially those facing the hardest challenges, have equal access to opportunities and resources.
Our Team
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Eunice Siakachoma
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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Ian Banda
FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION
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Mwansa Kanyanta
MONITORING, EVALUATION, & LEARNING
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Chisala Mukonkami
PROGRAMS
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Nalishebo Kashina
COMMUNICATIONS
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Rees Reiner
FOUNDER & ADVISOR
Board of Directors
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Chilala Mayanda Habasimbi
Development and Research Officer
Ministry of Tourism & Arts -
John Schroer
Executive Director
MAHI International -
Dr. Peter Julius
Medical Doctor, Lecturer, Researcher
UNZA School of Medicine -
Rees Reiner
Founder
Kuwala Zambia -
Scott Reiner
President
The Reiner Foundation
Our Partners
Development Partners
Implementing Partners