Sustainabilty
The SAM Project's efforts in Zambia are governed by one over-riding principle, which was best stated by one of our partners: "when we pull the plug, we want the lights to stay on". We use local resources and skills rather than depending on imported inputs and 1st world methods. Our interventions are based on principles of Positive Deviancy, which involves identifying the individuals in a community who have succeeded in overcoming the local challenges, and then providing a structure so that they can share their knowledge and skills with their peers and neighbours. We see ourselves as facilitators, helping ask the questions and assisting with access to the resources and skills that will provide answers.
The SAM Project continues to train and support our Zambian staff and partners so that they may gain the skills and experience necessary to compete in a modern economy.
The SAM Project works with a Zambian-registered Co-operative, the Lubemba Multipurpose Cooperative Society, to distribute funds and resources to individual members. By setting up repayable loans instead of handing out cash and equipment, the projects are imbued with the discipline and focus that ownership brings. Participants are committed to the success of their enterprises and we leverage our funds in order to help more families raise themselves out of the rural poverty trap.