By Jane Kaye-Bailey | Founder
The Butterfly Tree’s aim is, and always has been, to improve the lives of orphans and vulnerable children in some the poorest communities on the planet.
This month sees the start of the new school year in Zambia. The date had been put back to the 24th January due to COVID-19, but unlike the previous two years the numbers of cases are not so high. Results have recently been announced for grades 7 and 9, while a few of the orphans on sponsorship have failed many have done well, most especially girls. The aim of our the new Girl’s Empowerment project, which was initiated last year, is to encourage teenage girls to avoid early pregnancies and to complete their education.
During the past twelve months The Butterfly Tree has donated hundreds of textbooks to rural schools. Teachers have reported an increase in the number of pupils passing exams as they no longer have to share one textbooks amongst sixty pupils. The additional textbooks are especially helpful for homework and exam revision.
More students are being enrolled at college and university this year. Courses include accountancy, journalism, nursing and catering. Other students that started their courses last year are studying pharmacy, nursing, engineering, accountancy, computing, forward and clearing, building, carpentry and welding. These youths are being given a wonderful opportunity to improve their lives and that of their families.
Recent developments in schools have included the completion of a science lab at Sichifulo and teacher’s houses at Muchambila and Muyunda. A classroom block is under construction at Chabalanda and a further one soon to be started in a new area. Once finished these facilities are handed over to the communities, and Ministry of Education who will provide qualified teachers.
Ten new houses were donated to orphans as many live in dilapidated mud and pole constructions, which let in water during the rainy season. Our sturdier houses are bigger with the roofing is done by a professional thatcher.
Our aim for the coming months is to support additional orphans and to seek funding for further development in education.
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