It takes a village: These friends believe in it (and do something about it).

*Margaret Nsombo, left, and some of the neighbors she and her friends help

OUR GRASSROOTS EFFORT, THE FRIENDS PROJECT, IS PROUD TO PROVIDE $500 IN SCHOLARSHIPS.

On the outskirts of Ndola, Zambia, schoolteacher Lillian Hetman, Margaret Nsombo and a group of their friends have started their own outreach, based on faith and faith in their ability to help their neighbors.

One day, they hope to have a building to gather in; right now, they envision what they can do between shoulder-height walls of logs and a small foundation. It will be a meeting place that symbolizes what they have been doing for several years — providing school fees and supplies for young children whose families can't afford it, food for the most needy, and friendship.

They are living the concept that it "takes a village to raise a child." The Friends Project is honored to join their effort.

On New Year's Day, people come to Margaret's house for soda and well wishes, a new beginning.

*Margaret Nsombo, middle, Lillian Hetman, second from right, and other women from the outreach at their future gathering place.

One day, Margaret and Lillian and the ladies walked with me to their future gathering place. I met a family who knows their work first-hand, and some of the kids who rely on their community approach to opportunities to have one at school.

They do it with no outside funding, and no deep pockets to reach into. Still, they get it done.

This week, The Friends Project provided a $500 gift to the women's outreach; it will be split between students for their fees, as much as it can go around.

Some of the recipients are pictured here. We look forward to updates and seeing how the students are faring.

One gift, many possibilities. Young minds that we can only imagine now where they will go.

*Me with new friends at the New Year's gathering

SOME OF THE STUDENTS THE $500 SCHOLARSHIP MONEY IS ASSITING IN SCHOOL FEES: