Hey There

Hi, my name is Zhenya, and I’m the founder of The Verda Project. This is a student-led charity initiative in Zambia that originally grew out of my Personal Project at school. I’ve always enjoyed growing plants — it started as a small hobby when I was younger, and it stayed with me over the years. Now, in my 10th-grade year, I felt it was the right time to use my advantages and opportunities to support the communities around me. That’s what motivated me to create something of my own, something practical and meaningful that could make a real impact.

 

The Verda Project is dedicated to providing underprivileged communities, schools, and orphanages with fruit trees that can grow and produce for years to come. Beyond the trees themselves, we support recipients with the resources they need to care for them, including equipment, handbooks, and guidance on cultivation. Our goal is to create a sustainable source of nutrition and education, allowing communities to benefit both immediately and long-term.​

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I believe that by planting these fruit trees and providing the tools to care for them, the Verda Project can address food insecurity, promote a nutritious diet, and encourage sustainability. Moreover, it also fosters environmental awareness and teaches young people the value of nurturing something that grows over time. Ultimately, I hope this project can show how small, subtle yet thoughtful actions can create ever-growing and long-lasting meaningful impacts in our shared local communities. ​