About us

Who we are

New Renato Community Society (NRCS) is a registered community-based non-profit organisation located in Kashitu, Zambia, dedicated to improving the quality of life of vulnerable and underserved communities through sustainable development initiatives. Established with the vision of creating self-reliant and empowered communities, NRCS works across several key sectors, including education, health, agriculture, water and sanitation, community development and livelihood enhancement.

Our history

New Renato Community Society was founded in 1987 and officially registered in 1996 at the request of local people through the Ministry of Home Affairs, under the Office of the Registrar (registration number ORS/102/78/16). NRCS was founded by a group of Kashitu village inhabitants led by Bornface Mamfunda.

Our main goal is to improve the quality of life in rural Zambia, with a particular focus on orphans and vulnerable children — the majority of children in the villages — who will one day shape the future of this area. Kashitu lies around 100 km from the city of Ndola and 42.5 km from Kapiri Mposhi. NRCS serves a community of around 20,000 people. Our activities and projects aim to solve the bigger problems of rural Zambia.

Milestones

• 1987 – Establishment of New Renato Community Society (NRCS)
• 1987 – Cooperation with our sister organisation Koinonia Community Zambia
• 1996 – Official registration of New Renato Community Society
• 2001–2010 – Cooperation with the Rainbow OVC Project (Association Pope John XXIII)
• 2005–2024 – Cooperation with Sambilila Trust (UK)
• Since 2010 – Partnership with Friends of New Renato (Přátelé New Renato), Czech Republic
• 2011–2015 – Cooperation with the STEPS OVC Project (USAID)
• Since 2012 – Partnership with Fountains of Life e.V., Germany
• 2016–2020 – Cooperation with the ZAMFAM Project (USAID)

Our core values

• Transparency
• Accountability
• Honesty
• Integrity
• Non-stigmatisation and non-discrimination
• Observance of human rights
• Confidentiality

Our objectives

Our main objective is to contribute to the holistic welfare of vulnerable children by promoting better education, health, agriculture, youth development and justice.

• Education: to contribute to the improvement of education standards amongst orphaned and vulnerable children.
• Agriculture: to contribute to food security in every household through a diversified farming approach.
• Youth development: to contribute to youth development through entrepreneurship and capacity building.
• Health: to contribute to the development of health services and infrastructure in rural areas.
• Justice: to contribute to equitable development for all through advocacy, bridging inequality and empowering the vulnerable.

About Zambia and Kashitu

Zambia – formerly Northern Rhodesia – is a landlocked country in southern Africa, known for its untouched nature, extensive highlands, wildlife, the Zambezi River and the Victoria Falls.

Kashitu lies in Central Province between Lusaka and Ndola, about 200 km north of the capital, in a rural area with a diameter of about 30 km. The central point of Kashitu/Renato is an old railway station, where trains can pass each other on the single-track north–south line. Electricity and access to clean water are only available to a very limited extent in individual places. The mobile network is weak. People mainly travel on foot, by bicycle or by ox cart.

Sharing stories across cultures

Night-time storytelling has been an important part of the cultural exchange between visitors and Zambian communities. Gathering around a fire or in a communal setting creates a relaxed environment where people exchange experiences, traditions, beliefs and values. For Zambian communities, storytelling preserves cultural heritage, teaches moral lessons and strengthens community bonds. For visitors, it offers a deeper understanding of local customs, history and ways of life beyond formal meetings.

These evening sessions promote mutual respect, friendship and trust by encouraging open dialogue and appreciation of cultural diversity. They help build lasting relationships and meaningful partnerships.

Small changes with a big difference

Like many community-based organisations, New Renato Community Society has faced challenges, including limited financial resources, increasing community needs, climate-related impacts on agriculture and the high cost of development projects. Despite these challenges, NRCS has remained committed to its mission by adapting to changing circumstances, strengthening partnerships and making efficient use of available resources.

Every challenge has provided valuable lessons that have improved planning, accountability and community engagement. Today, the organisation views challenges as opportunities for growth and remains dedicated to building resilient and sustainable communities.

Our team

Meet the real-world heroes behind our work.