Spicing up continental trade

Customs officers inspect a shipment of dried Rwandan chilli peppers at a warehouse in Qingdao, Shandong Province, on 11 June (XINHUA) 

By Derrick Silimina

As the morning sun casts its glow over the lush rolling hills of Nyagatare District, chilli farming is spicing up cross-continental trade and bringing tangible benefits to local farmers in Rwanda. 

“I can now afford to pay school fees for my children, and meet other financial needs at home, a tangible benefit of chilli farming compared to other commercial crops,” Noel Nzabamwita told ChinAfrica.  

Nzabamwita, a 46-year-old member of the Ejo Heza cooperative who transitioned from tea to chilli cultivation, demonstrates how integrating traditional agricultural resilience with modern agribusiness practices can transform one’s socio-economic status.  

This shift aligns with Rwanda’s export strategy of enhancing agricultural productivity. The strategy has significantly contributed to an agricultural revolution driven by strategic partnerships and the dedication of local chilli farmers such as Nzabamwita. This approach underpins the country’s broader economic growth, highlighting the importance of strengthening agricultural sectors and fostering collaborations to boost exports in the east African country. 

Strategic shift 

“Chilli farming has been a game-changer for me. I have even managed to build a house thanks to the lucrative chilli market - something I couldn’t afford with my previous crop production,” Nzabamwita said.  

Gashora Farm PLC, a prominent Rwandan agribusiness, plays a key role in supporting smallholder farmers like Nzabamwita with essential services, including technical assistance, inputs, access to finance, and guaranteed markets. These measures help to integrate small-scale farmers into the export value chain while reducing their risks. 

“My entrepreneurial journey began after completing school, when I managed ventures such as organising events and selling music devices. Later, I transitioned to establishing a small chilli farm,” Gashora Farm Managing Director Dieudonne Twahirwa said recently. 

Twahirwa’s agribusiness began with small-scale production of tomatoes and watermelons aimed at earning quick cash. However, he faced challenges in achieving stable income from these ventures. After attending an agricultural show in Kigali in 2015, he shifted his focus to the international market, recognising opportunities for better contracts and greater stability for chilli farmers. 

This strategic move marked a significant turning point in Gashora Farm’s development, underscoring the importance of export markets for sustainable rural development. Since the first China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in 2019, enterprises in China’s Hunan Province have reached preliminary agreements with their Rwandan counterparts to purchase dried chillies, following Rwanda’s export application of dried chillies to China. 

In 2021, Twahirwa successfully entered the Chinese market, following entry to Europe and India. Recognising the immense potential of China’s market, Rwanda, through Gashora Farm, achieved a historic milestone by exporting dried chillies to Hunan. This landmark achievement made Rwanda the first African country to send dried chillies to China, highlighting the strategic significance of diversifying export markets. 

A customer selects chilli sauce made from Rwandan chilli peppers at a convenience store in Changsha, Hunan Province, on 6 June (XINHUA) 

Chinese buyers favour Rwandan chilli for its competitive prices, organic quality, and high standards. In 2024, this advantage prompted Gashora Farm to partner with Hunan Modern Agriculture International Development Co., a subsidiary of Hunan Cereals, Oils and Foodstuffs Import and Export Group Corp. Ltd., to launch the Rwanda-Hunan Chili Pepper Industry Demonstration Project.

The project’s success was supported by Rwanda’s favorable climate, low labor costs and efficient government services, which together facilitated its growth and strengthened bilateral agricultural cooperation. 

The transformation into agriculture, specifically through the chilli farming venture, is supported by Gashora Farm and the Rwanda-Hunan Chilli Pepper Industry Demonstration Project, an initiative that works closely with thousands of out-grower farmers, including upcoming agro-entrepreneurs like Albert Hagirimana, by utilising a comprehensive contract farming model over an area of 100 hectares. 

“The initiative has empowered me with easy access to inputs and a ready market, which helps to ensure the sustainability of my chilli production with greater ease,” Hagirimana explained.  

Exemplified by the first season, during which 200 tonnes of dried chilli were exported to China, this milestone has generated optimism among local farmers about Rwanda’s potential to expand and strengthen its agricultural industry. 

“I currently employ 10 full-time workers and over 50 part-time workers during the harvesting season, demonstrating the initiative’s positive impact on job creation both directly and indirectly,” said Hagirimana. 

For Gladys Habineza, working in the chilli farmlands has brought financial stability to her household, highlighting the socio-economic benefits of participating in the chilli out-grower value chain. Habineza, a mother of two who works as a pepper sifter at Hagirimana’s farm, affirmed, “My job has significantly improved my financial situation, enabling me to pay for groceries, clothing, and my children’s school fees.” 

China market demand  

Arguably, the sector’s growth is underpinned by strong market demand, particularly from China, as well as robust support from both the Rwandan government and private stakeholders. This vibrant and expanding industry showcases the potential of chilli farmers and serves as a model for rural empowerment, driven by strategic international cooperation and innovation. 

Trade experts contend that initiatives like this demonstrate how strengthening international ties can foster collaboration that benefits local farmers, enhances trade, and promotes cultural exchange across continents. 

According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, agriculture is Rwanda’s primary economic activity, engaging 70 percent of the population and employing around 72 percent of the workforce. The sector contributes approximately 33 percent of the national GDP. 

James Kimonyo, Rwanda’s ambassador to China, recently noted that Chinese investments in the country have been steadily increasing, alongside significant growth in exports to China. 

“We appreciate the continued support of the Chinese government, which has contributed to the rise in investments and the growth of our exports, particularly through initiatives such as the zero-tariff policy that opens the market to Rwandan and other African products,” Kimonyo said at the fourth China-Africa Economic Trade Expo held in June in Changsha, Hunan Province. 

In 2023, Rwanda exported over 3,400 tonnes of chilli - fresh, dried, and processed - generating $4.2 million in revenue, according to data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources of Rwanda. 

Agriculture and Animal Resources Minister Ildephonse Musafiri recently stated that, based on this performance, the country aims to increase its chilli exports to more than 38,700 tonnes annually within the next six years, representing a more than ten-fold increase by 2030. 

Trade analysts note that while China is a major producer of chilli peppers, it is also the world’s largest consumer, with a significant portion of the population enjoying spicy food - over 500 million people consume chilli-based dishes daily. 

“We have a Chinese market that we can’t even satisfy as of today. So there is potential here to ramp up production,” Musafiri told delegates at the 2024 Africa Food Systems Forum in Kigali.  

IFS project bolsters women in Zambia

Sr. Ruth Kuyumba, right, engages Memory Musonda and her son Joshua in a conversation during a home visit. Sr. Agnes Kateule, left, uses sign language to communicate with Joshua. Memory and Joshua were beneficiaries of the recently defunded Inclusive Family Strengthening project, formerly managed by the Sisters of Mercy with support from Catholic Relief Services. (Derrick Silimina)

By Derrick Silimina

In the town of Mansa, a cool breeze from Lake Bangweulu moves through picturesque landmarks like the Mumbuluma waterfalls. Despite the scenic beauty of the Luapula province, many women face significant challenges related to social exclusion.

Memory Musonda, 31, recalls the emotional impact of her son's health crisis when he suddenly experienced language regression, often associated with autism. 

Musonda shared with Global Sisters Report how cultural perceptions of certain illnesses and disabilities influenced her family's stability and social relationships.

"My husband believed that our child's condition was a result of witchcraft, which led to his departure from home," she said.

Musonda, 31, said her traumatic abandonment is an example of the gender inequality and discrimination faced by vulnerable women in the southern African country, compounded by high poverty, entrenched cultural norms, illiteracy, insufficient social support systems and limited access to health care.

She said that in Mansa town, about 760 km north of Lusaka, Zambia's capital, there is a prevalent cultural belief linking certain illnesses to witchcraft. These beliefs often result in stigma, social exclusion and family separation.

"I was heartbroken seeing my son's loss of speech at the age of 1 year and 3 months after suffering chronic malaria, particularly because it reversed a developmental milestone I had proudly celebrated," she said.

Despite efforts toward gender equality, women in Zambia continue to face significant challenges in accessing opportunities and achieving social inclusion, reflecting ongoing societal disparities across southern Africa.

Catherine Chama, a 54-year-old resident of Makasa village in Mansa District, is also experiencing significant hardships in supporting her extended family following her husband's abandonment.

"As a single mother, I often face difficulties, and my survival over the years has largely depended on the support of well-wishers, particularly from religious sisters of the Diocese of Mansa," Chama told GSR.

Chama's situation has worsened, as she is now also responsible for caring for her 15-year-old grandson, who has epilepsy. 

Despite challenges, Chama and Musonda found hope and support in the recently defunded Inclusive Family Strengthening (IFS) project, formerly managed by the Sisters of Mercy with support from the U.S. bishops' humanitarian agency, Catholic Relief Services (CRS).

"The IFS project helped me come to terms with my situation and overcome societal stigma related to my disabled child, who is now 7 years old," Musonda said. She added that the sisters' efforts played a crucial role in family reintegration, as evidenced by her husband's return home.

The project, which commenced in 2021 and concluded in 2024 due to donor limitations, served almost 1,000 women and 3,000 indirect beneficiaries, according to project records. This included families with children living in extreme poverty, child-headed households, grandparent-headed households, households with children in violent environments, and children living with disabilities. Indirect beneficiaries included caregivers, community leaders and other stakeholders, emphasizing a community-wide approach to family strengthening and social inclusion. 

The project encompassed a wide range of interventions aimed at supporting children and strengthening families, including taking children to rehabilitation, providing mental health support, conducting household visits, community sensitization, stakeholder engagement, social cohesion training, and radio programs focused on changing social behavior.

Chama echoed Musonda's praise, saying, "The IFS was a game changer as the project enabled my access to essential services with ease, and my family never lacked support."

 Mercy Sr. Ruth Kayumba shares a light moment with Catherine Chama, a beneficiary of the recently defunded Inclusive Family Strengthening project. (Derrick Silimina)

However, Chama voiced concern about the project ending, particularly regarding its ability to continue supporting her grandson, who was about to be enrolled in a special school by the sisters. Many vulnerable families are on waiting lists and without the necessary financial means to sustain their loved ones.

According to a 2025 CRS performance evaluation report, the Inclusive Family Strengthening project successfully enhanced caregiver resilience, social support and access to essential services. It highlighted an increase in positive parenting behaviors, including showing affection and rewarding good behavior, and noted better stress management among caregivers.

Chama said the project was known for creating a more supportive community environment, promoting the inclusion of children with disabilities in community activities, and emphasizing the importance of recognizing and advocating for disability rights. 

Sr. Ruth Kuyumba, the project's former coordinator, spoke to GSR about its many achievements.

"We recorded over 200 success stories, as the project covered a lot of people, especially in rural areas where the initiative also promoted fathers' participation in parenting and ensured every child has a home to grow up in," she said.

Kuyumba, a member of the Sisters of Mercy under the Mansa Diocese, shared how the project's efforts stood out due to positive feedback, behavioral changes, disability inclusion, rehabilitation successes, nutritional support, and access to education and health facilities for children.

"As Sisters of Mercy, we are called to witness God's sympathy to his people, and we were privileged to deepen our charism of compassion through the IFS project. Our support, care and love made an impact on the lives of vulnerable families in Luapula Province, particularly Mansa, Lubwe and Kasaba," she said.

She emphasized that the smooth implementation of the project depended on the dedicated efforts of six sisters from her congregation, who actively collaborated with caregivers and with community, government and church leaders.

Kuyumba said that local, church and community leaders were enthusiastic about the project and fully involved in fighting stigma and reporting abuse, while stakeholders and caregivers were empowered with knowledge through capacity building.

"We are proud that the project made significant positive impacts. Previously, beneficiaries and their families faced societal discrimination, with women struggling to access education for their children and children with disabilities hidden at home due to fear of stigma. We hope to attract more funders to continue and scale the project, ensuring lasting positive change in the community."

Bridging the gap in Malagasy

A student operates equipment at the Luban Workshop in Antananarivo, capital of Madagascar, on 26 April 2024 (XINHUA)

By Derrick Silimina

In the heart of Antananarivo, Madagascar’s sundrenched capital, Joseph Andrinirina flashes a nervous smile as he inspects a faulty car engine at the start of another day of work at his garage.  

“Since I started this business six months ago, I enjoy being my own boss. I now earn a steady income, support my family, and provide jobs for others,” he told ChinAfrica. 

Andrinirina’s confidence and optimism come from a recent qualification in mechanical engineering he gained through the Luban Workshop, a Chinese-backed vocational initiative aimed at transferring technical know-how and fostering economic empowerment.  

Andrinirina, 30, completed a skills training programme at the Luban Workshop in Antananarivo and earned a diploma in automotive maintenance. After that he opened his own car repair workshop in Madagascar’s cultural and commercial hub of over 2 million people, specialising in engine repair.  

“The Luban Workshop training has been a game changer for youth in Madagascar, because it offers vocational programmes that are essential for driving local industrialisation.” 

  

Valuable training 

The Luban Workshop in Madagascar was jointly established by Chinese institutions including the Tianjin Vocational College of Mechanics and Electricity, Tianjin Technician Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Technology and the University of Antananarivo in February 2022.  

The first phase of cooperation established international majors in electrical and automotive engineering. It also developed a training centre for automotive repair and eight specialised laboratories equipped with cutting-edge systems, including hydraulic and pneumatic technology, modern electrical control, and automated production lines.  

Over 100 students have received training at the Luban Workshop in areas such as industrial electricity, mechanical engineering, information technology, and automotive maintenance. 

Supported by the broader China-Africa vocational education cooperation, the workshop has established a state-of-the-art automotive training centre and classrooms fitted with modern teaching tools. After three years of intensive study, most of the first cohort of 29 graduates have either secured jobs with major companies, started their own businesses or opted to continue their studies. 

Natalie Rameliniaina, one of the graduates of Madagascar’s Luban Workshop with a degree in Information Technology, is working as an intern to further hone her skills before formally joining the workforce. 

“After two months of hands-on experience, I feel confident and prepared to enter the workforce,” she shared, adding that her training at the Luban Workshop was practical and aligned with the needs of the industry.

 

Students attend a class at the Luban Workshop in Antananarivo, capital of Madagascar, on 10 February (XINHUA) 

Fruits of cooperation 

The Luban Workshops, part of eight major initiatives unveiled at the 2018 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, have filled the gap in vocational education cooperation between China and Africa. 

Since the launch of the first Luban Workshop in Djibouti in March 2019, a total of 14 such workshops have been established in African countries, including Kenya, South Africa, Mali, Nigeria, Egypt, Uganda, Côte d’Ivoire, Madagascar, and Ethiopia, according to the China International Cooperation Development Agency. 

Built upon Chinese experience and technologies, the initiative aims to provide African youth with modern professional knowledge and skills, thus facilitating Africa’s economic and social development and accelerating its industrialisation. The Luban Workshop at the University of Antananarivo plays a critical role in addressing skill gaps in various sectors that are crucial for Madagascar’s economic development, experts say.  

Through national initiatives such as “One District, One Factory,” Madagascar is pursuing widespread industrial growth. The Luban Workshop complements this goal by equipping local talent with the practical skills and technical exposure required to meet industry demands. 

The workshop boasts advanced equipment and resources tailored for technical education. Specialised classrooms have been set up, ensuring that students gain hands-on experience with the tools and systems they will encounter in the workplace.  

Faniry Rakotondrainibe, head of the Mechanical Engineering Programme at Luban Workshop, highlighted the capabilities of the workshop’s Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines.  

“Our students can now manufacture precision components efficiently. This type of teaching equipment is unique in Madagascar,” Rakotondrainibe said, adding that by leveraging Chinese expertise and resources, Madagascar is enhancing its educational infrastructure and capacity to produce skilled technicians and engineers.  

CNC machines offer superior precision and speed, but most manufacturing companies in the country still rely on manual machine tools. 

“In the realm of precision manufacturing, CNC machine tools have revolutionised industries with their ability to create intricate and accurate components. Mastering this technology is essential for the country’s industrialisation.” 

According to Edmond Randriamora, head of the Electrical Engineering Department of Madagascar’s Luban Workshop, graduates are highly sought after due to the programme’s emphasis on real-world skills that have made its students valuable assets in the job market. 

“Even students in their second and third years are receiving job offers from top companies,” he stated. 

The Luban Workshop initiative is part of a broader China-Africa cooperation framework aimed at improving vocational education across the African continent. 

The establishment of the Luban Workshop is aligned with Madagascar’s national development strategy, which emphasises industrialisation and the enhancement of human capital. Equipping young professionals with the skills needed for industrial and technological advancement is crucial to achieve development. 

Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Loulla Chaminah said that Madagascar’s close collaboration with China in vocational education is a game changer as it aligns with the nation’s broader development strategy. 

In the meantime, Chinese Ambassador to Madagascar Ji Ping noted that China-Madagascar relations have moved forward steadily. Political mutual trust has deepened and pragmatic cooperation has brought substantial benefits to both peoples. 

China hopes to broaden the path of win-win cooperation and common development, and jointly write a new and better chapter in bilateral relations, he said. 

“Meeting people’s aspirations for a better life is our common goal. For over 50 years, our two countries have applied the spirit of cooperation marked by sincere friendship and equality, mutual benefit and common development,” Ji said.

A fragile start

Sr. Christabel Kazembe and SCORE-ECD beneficiaries walk in the remotest parts of Chipata during a baseline assessment. (Derrick Silimina)

By Derrick Silimina 

As the morning sun glows over the lush rolling hills of the Chipata district, Sara Mbewe gently sways her baby boy, Raphael Zimbili, on her back after feeding him at her home in Kapata township — 575 km (about 357 miles) east of Zambia's capital, Lusaka.

"My son had a fragile start, [born] prematurely at just seven months, with a low birth weight in April 2022 and had to be placed in an incubator," Mbewe told Global Sisters Report. 

Mbewe was unable to produce breast milk during this critical time, leaving Raphael at risk of severe malnutrition. It was at this moment that the Strengthening the Capacity of Religious Women in Early Childhood Development (SCORE-ECD) project became a turning point for her son. 

Mbewe received vital training on early childhood nutrition, including the importance of locally sourced foods and complementary feeding practices, which significantly improved Raphael's health. She was guided on introducing complementary feeding at six months, including porridge enriched with groundnuts, soy, eggs, beans, pumpkin, and even traditional protein sources like caterpillars.

"By October 2022, my child's weight steadily increased thanks to the ECD's lessons and [their] community health volunteers," she said.

Mbewe learned techniques for breastfeeding low-birthweight babies and supplementing with goat milk as her breastfeeding capacity increased. As a result, Raphael's weight increased by the age of 3, from 1.4 kg to 8.2 kg (about 3 pounds to 18 pounds), and he is now healthy, can walk and interact confidently.

Despite the financial hardships and emotional toll, Raphael's father, David Zimbli, expressed deep gratitude, noting that he had lost hope due to his son's poor health and feeding struggles, but now sees light at the end of the tunnel.

"It was not easy, but the SCORE-ECD project helped us in ways we didn't expect. The community health volunteers gave us strength, knowledge and encouragement. Looking at how far Raphael has come, my boy is able to walk on his own and live a healthy life," Zimbili told GSR. 

Supported by Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, coordinated by Catholic Relief Services, and implemented by the Association of Consecrated Women in Eastern and Central Africa, the initiative leverages the trust and influence of religious sisters in rural communities. (The Hilton Foundation is a substantial funder of Global Sisters Report.)

Good Shepherd Sr. Sarah Phiri, the SCORE-ECD project trainer for the Eastern province, is motivated by witnessing how mothers gain confidence and develop parenting skills, and how their children thrive in their physical, emotional and intellectual development. (Derrick Silimina)

Good Shepherd Sr. Sarah Phiri, the project's trainer for the Eastern province, is upbeat that the program has reached some of the most vulnerable people in remote communities. She is motivated by witnessing how mothers gain confidence and develop parenting skills, and how their children thrive in their physical, emotional and intellectual development.

"This project is a powerful avenue to transform [the lives of] parents who lacked basic knowledge on child development but are now champions in their communities. Children once malnourished are now thriving thanks to improved feeding practices and caregiver education," Phiri told GSR.

Phiri said the program is holistic, inclusive and community-centered as it integrates health, nutrition, positive parenting and spiritual support to ensure children under 3 develop to their full potential.

"The project uplifts women and builds stronger families. We have also seen increased male involvement, which is a positive shift in our cultural norms," she said.

Sr. Christabel Kazembe and SCORE-ECD beneficiaries Zione Lungu and Tamara Njovu (Derrick Silimina)

The initiative not only improves early childhood development but also contributes to women's empowerment and strengthens families across four provinces, including Copperbelt (Ndola), Luapula (Samfya), Central province (Kaparu), and Eastern province (Chipata and Kalichero).

Elias Tembo of New Jim, a slum area west of Chipata District, is among 600 children (out of over 3,000 children served) who are direct beneficiaries of the initiative.

The program enabled Tembo's mother, Catherine Mwale, to recognize that he had hypotonic cerebral palsy, impacting his ability to sit and stand properly. "It was a challenging and emotional time for us, as we were worried about our child's future and well-being," Mwale told GSR.

Sr. Christabel Kazembe joins SCORE-ECD beneficiary Alice Soko in the vegetable garden, a source of healthy food for mothers and their children. (Derrick Silimina)

The sisters brought Tembo, 2, to the Cheshire Homes Society of Zambia, operated by the Sisters of St. John the Baptist, who later brought him to Lusaka for a vital medical operation. The successful surgery marked a significant turning point in his development, as he can now sit and stand unaided — milestones that were previously unattainable and highlight the positive impact of early detection, intervention and access to specialized health care provided through the initiative.

"We are deeply grateful to the SCORE-ECD project for linking us to the Cheshire Homes, where Elias got the life-changing help he so desperately needed, a testament to the power of the sisters' humanitarian work amid challenges posed by our child's disability," Mwale said.

Nearly 2,500 non-beneficiaries have benefited indirectly from the project, demonstrating its broader community influence across the four provinces where it is currently being implemented.

Project manager Christabel Kazembe of the Sisters of Mercy in the Mansa Diocese works with the Zambia Association of Sisterhoods, and said the project has improved the capacity of African sisters to provide inclusive, high-quality and nurturing care to children up to age 5, with a particular focus on children in vulnerable situations.

"I've been able to reach some of the most vulnerable people in remote communities," Kazembe said, adding that she finds joy in being part of a project that empowers mothers, adolescent girls, and caregivers with the knowledge and skills needed to care for their children.

Kazembe said her congregation's charism of compassion is the foundation of the project's work, which motivates them to respond to the needs of vulnerable children and mothers with love, dignity and empathy.

"We accompany families, especially in rural and underserved areas, offering not only services but also presence, listening and hope. This has been a powerful avenue through which this charism reflects in practical and impactful ways," she said.

Upholding dignity of Zambia's sick and dying

By Derrick Silimina

Monica Chibuye is in her final moments as she confronts the harsh realities of Alzheimer's, which has stripped her of her memories and connections to loved ones.

Chibuye, 72, has been battling the disease for over two years, and it's taken an emotional and psychological toll on both her family members and caregivers. 

"I struggled financially and couldn't afford home-based care due to high medical bills. I had no option but to seek holistic medical therapy for mum here at Mother of Mercy Hospice due to the facility's quality palliative health care," Chibuye's daughter Lillian told Global Sisters Report.

Located in the lush suburb of the Chilanga District, approximately 20 km (12 miles) south of Zambia's capital Lusaka, the Mother of Mercy Hospice and Health Centre offers solace, comfort and dignity to patients and their families.

Lillian said that before her mother's admission to the facility in early 2024, she felt hopeless after witnessing her deteriorating health condition.

"My mother's condition was characterized by frustration, sadness and fear," she said. "I thank the religious sisters for their timely medical support."

A sign directs patients and visitors to Mother of Mercy Hospice in the lush suburb of the Chilanga District, approximately 20 km (12 miles) south of Zambia’s capital, Lusaka. (Derrick Silimina)

Established in 1997 by the Sisters of Mercy of St. Charles Borromeo Zambia, the Mother of Mercy Hospice became one of Zambia's first hospices for terminally ill patients to improve palliative care for the dying. The southern African country experiences a high rate of HIV infections and lacks quality medical care for the most vulnerable.

Like Chibuye, Rabecca Mpande's experience with pneumonia highlights not only the medical and financial stress associated with living with a chronic health condition but also the profound mental health impact of being diagnosed with HIV/AIDS.

"After I suffered from severe pneumonia, I was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS during my admission at the Mother of Mercy Hospice. I was immediately put on antiretroviral drugs, and I have been on treatment for 20 years," Mpande said.  

Mpande, 52, is now upbeat that her stress-free access to antiretroviral drugs and food supplements at the hospice has enabled her and her husband (also living with HIV/AIDS) to enjoy a positive, healthy lifestyle. 

After regaining her strength, she said, the sisters helped her financially by hiring her as a community volunteer to motivate others living with the virus to adhere to antiretroviral drug treatment and embrace a positive outlook.   

"Our charism is to serve the poor and neglected, but first of all, the sick. For those in our care that pass on, we ensure they’re cared for even in their last moments," Sr. Jeremia Mrowiec said.

Sr. Jeremia Mrowiec, manager at Mother of Mercy Hospice, chats with the administrator Esther Lungu. Lungu hopes to help expand the hospice's capacity to accommodate more patients. 

"When I first came here from Poland in 2009, I [witnessed] how terminally ill people were admitted here, and through our services, they returned to their normal lives, and that gives me immense joy," Mrowiec said.

That same year, Mrowiec took over as manager of the Mother of Mercy Hospice. Although the facility started in 1997 and focused on HIV/AIDS patients, the sisters now serve a diverse range of people, including cancer and stroke patients and those with other life-limiting illnesses.

"Following the high demand of patients on antiretroviral drugs, we opened a clinic in 2006 and have served over 2,000 poor, outcast and terminally ill patients battling various ailments, especially those who are near the end of their lives," she said.

Mrowiec, 67, said that despite financial challenges that led to the clinic's temporary closure, support from VisionZambia, Churches Health Association of Zambia, the government and others over the years has helped sustain their operations. She added that in 2020, management decided to open an outpatient clinic to extend health services to clients under the National Health Insurance Management Authority, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Mrowiec, a teacher by profession, said the 20-bed hospice serves 600-700 patients monthly at its inpatient and outpatient departments, but struggles due to limited resources despite, "Our mission is to console and bring hope to the hopeless and helpless in society by reflecting the merciful nature of Jesus Christ," she said.

Hospice administrator Esther Lungu said hospice care is vital in supporting individuals nearing the end of life by prioritizing their dignity and comfort.

Lungu echoed Mrowiec’s emphasis on improving the quality of life of patients and their families facing problems associated with life-threatening illnesses through prevention and relief of suffering.

"I have witnessed significant medical success stories since I started working here. Most patients often live in better physical and mental conditions than they came, and those that have passed on die with dignity," Lungu said. She joined the Mother of Mercy Hospice in 2021 as an administrative assistant, working closely with Mrowiec.

Lungu pledged to help expand the hospice's capacity to accommodate more patients in the future as she enjoys working in humanitarian settings and finds fulfillment in transforming lives.

Prudence Moyo, 35, praised the hospice for their help as she recovered from a stroke. The hospice provided free essential care, including food, medications and physical therapy.

The sisters provided Moyo hope when her medical and financial burdens were too heavy to bear alone. She credits rigorous physical therapy at the hospice with enabling her to stand and, eventually, to walk again.