GRACE Cares partners YOCUPA in Zambia and GuateBuena in Guatemala will implement empowerment projects in their communities. YOCUPA will prevent and reduce the effects of sexual and gender-based violence through "theater for community action" performances. GuateBuena will tackle prevalent chronic diseases through Preventative Health workshops that promote holistic approaches to prevention by creating a balance in the physical, mental, emotional, and economic health of community members.
Cases of sexual and gender-based violence in Zambia are significantly on the rise and often result in unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, unsafe abortions, and forced early marriage. In Guatemala, more than 48% of the adult population suffers from some chronic disease, including diabetes, chronic gastritis, kidney failure, and hypertension. The lack of healthy habits, healthy eating, and a sedentary lifestyle are the causes of these diseases.
This project will offer technical assistance and material support to YOCUPA (Zambia) and GuateBuena (Guatemala) for their important community empowerment efforts. With GRACE Cares' support, GuateBuena will implement Preventative Health workshops to help more than 300 community members holistically manage their health and prevent chronic disease. YOCUPA will implement community action theatre performances and action groups in five wards in Lusaka, reaching over 5,000 people.
YOCUPA's theatre pedagogy has a history of creating impact, and with the focus on Ward Development Committees as entry points for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, will provide more sustained access to services and support. Among GuateBuena's communities, 300+ women and their families will benefit from raised awareness and capacities to form and maintain healthy habits, manage and prevent chronic diseases, and enjoy lives of balance, harmony, and abundance.