What we do
E3’s vision is to bring transformation to communities affected by poverty, HIV and AIDS and gender-based violence in five countries in southern Africa.
In many of the communities where E3 partners serve in southern Africa, people face a daily struggle to provide for their families and even survive.
HIV and other health issues are rife. Employment opportunities are scarce. For many families, it is a challenge even to put one meal on the table each day, let alone send their children to school. But, there is hope. E3 Initiative empowers local Christian partners to find the best local and sustainable solutions to these challenges. They are changing people’s lives for the better and helping them step into a brighter future. In 2024, E3 partners directly supported over 46,913 people and impacted the lives of over 198,675 others.
The activities we support are broad because we empower our partners to meet the specific needs of their communities rather than bringing our own development agenda. Each community has its own priorities and responses, incorporating some or all of the programmes below.
Emerging leaders
Many grassroots church and community leaders lack access to the training and support they need to effectively serve their communities. That’s why E3’s Emerging Leaders (EL) programme plays a vital role – equipping leaders to understand local challenges and respond with sustainable, impactful solutions. The programme focuses on HIV and AIDS, livelihood development, gender-based violence, and substance abuse.
Trained 1,578 church and community leaders in 2024.
HIV and AIDS support
Our local partners run HIV and AIDS support initiatives including: HIV counselling and testing, medication and adherence to treatment, support groups for people living with HIV and health clinics. With proper care, medication and nutritious food, those living with HIV can lead healthy, productive lives well into old age. Amidst the pain and suffering caused by HIV, our partners bring hope for the present and the future as they reach out in word and action.
Supported 7,160 people living with or affected by HIV in 2024.
Back to School programme
The Back to School programme provides new uniform and shoes for orphaned and vulnerable children who otherwise be unable to attend school. The children benefit from Life Skills classes to help them process past trauma, build confidence and look to the future with hope. Teenage girls also receive sanitary pads, ensuring they don’t have to miss school each month. E3 also runs school workshops to raise awareness of substance abuse and addiction.
Reached 9,830 orphaned and vulnerable children in 2024.
Improving livelihoods
Our partners seek sustainable ways to help people living in extreme poverty, including refugees and people living with HIV. Microfinance and Self-Help Groups give people a hand up out of poverty. Income from a small business empowers them to meet their families’ basic needs and, as the group grows, to uplift others in their community. Self-Help Groups also work together on projects to benefit the whole community.
Empowered 6,870 people in need in 2024.
Sexual and gender-based violence
Sexual and gender-based violence is a widespread challenge faced by E3 partner communities, deeply impacting families and harming both children and adults. In response, E3 supports partners working to protect the vulnerable and bring lasting change. Activities include awareness workshops for children, teenagers, and adults, alongside counselling and healing initiatives.
Reached 6,480 adults and children in 2024.
Substance abuse and addiction
We run workshops to raise awareness of substance abuse and addiction in schools, as well as providing meals and counselling to people living on the streets, many of whom are HIV positive and struggling with drug addiction.
Engaged with 7,695 adults and children in 2024.
Prison ministry in Zambia and Lesotho
Two E3 partners lead prison outreach, sharing God’s love through preaching, prayer, and the provision of practical essentials – such as toiletries, food, shoes, and Christian literature – to inmates living in severely overcrowded conditions.
Supported 5,456 prison inmates in 2024.
Refugee support services
This work is increasingly vital in supporting refugees who face trauma, xenophobia, and poverty. Through counselling, advocacy, and workshops on asylum procedures, community integration, and reconciliation between refugees from different regions, we help foster healing and empowerment.