Our Mission
Through heart-centered, female-and-youth-led solutions we holistically uplift our community with education, health, livelihood, and social services- promoting hope and agency to amplify the voices which will lead us into a more just and equitable future.
Our Vision
Youth living as progressive, self-confident and socially involved leaders of a changing and more equitable world.
Our History
Bakashana began as a collaboration between Zambian Head Teacher Christopher Chileshe, and United States Peace Corps Volunteer Claire Albrecht and her father, William.
The organization was founded to assist young women in rural Zambia (specifically, Kasama) by providing scholarships for those young women who showed academic promise to continue into secondary school, but lacked the financial resources.
Since then, the program has evolved significantly under the guidance of Cecilia Lesho and increased in breadth, depth, and scale. As we grow and develop together, the family at Bakashana keeps in mind and heart the original objective from which it was formed: to empower women within our Kasama community.
Our History
Christine, one of Bakashana’s first Graduates
Bakashana began as a collaboration between Zambian youth Ceciliah Lesho, and United States Peace Corps Volunteer Claire Albrecht and her father, William.
The organization was founded to assist young women in rural Zambia (specifically, Kasama) by providing scholarships for those young women who showed academic promise to continue into secondary school, but lacked the financial resources.
Since then, the program has evolved significantly and increased in breadth, depth, and scale. As we grow and develop together, the family at Bakashana keeps in mind and heart the original objective from which it was formed: to empower women within our Kasama community.
Our Core Values
Compassion, Integrity, Commitment, Consistency, Inclusivity, Innovation, Humility, Accountability