On September 19 - October 2, 2005 Campbell County YMCA Executive Director, Brad Kinkema traveled to Zambia, Africa to observe how the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati's partners were doing. The YMCA of Greater Cincinnati has formed a partnership with several of the local Zambian YMCA's. While there he was able to visit the youth clubs, tailoring classes, Preschool Education classes and other YMCA offered programs. The YMCA's in Zambia also do outreach and education to the youth in regards to HIV/AIDS. Over 16% of Zambians have HIV. He also had the opportunity to meet with local YMCA staff and volunteers to access what resources are needed for the YMCA to continue to reach the people of Zambia.

The YMCA is a strong movement in Zambia but is operated with few resources and a handful of committed staff and volunteers. Programs operate with few supplies; for example a basketball program without a hoop. The YMCA of Greater Cincinnati's aim is to assist in building capacity and sustainability for the YMCA's in Zambia. This will allow the YMCA's to continue to offer programs and services without relying on foreign partners.

Click here for Project Zambia.