Orphan Education Support - Zambian Villages

MORE CLASSROOMS FOR RURAL SCHOOLS

First of all I would like to say how honoured I was to have recently been a finalist for a Global Humanitarian Award. Though I did not win, I made the final four, which gave a wonderful boost for The Butterfly Tree as we have received a great deal of publicity. The worthy winner was an Austrian volunteer doctor, who had worked with Ebola and refugees.

Before the event I had just returned from Zambia and as always there are high and lows, but mostly the progress we have made in rural schools this year is quite remarkable. Most especially with the completion of River View School development thanks to grant aid. In addition to the 1x4 classroom block, 3 double latrines and 85 desks have been donated, and I personally distributed 1,250 mosquito nets to every child and teacher to help eliminate malaria in the area.

Another substantial grant has enabled us to expand Chaba Primary School. A 1x2 classroom block and double VIP latrines are currently being constructed. A 1x2 classroom block has been added to Bunsanga community school, with a teacher's house to follow early in the New Year. 20 desks were purchased for Bunsanga's classrooms and 138 school bags were donated to all the pupils.

I had pelasure in spending time with the orphans we sponsored who have now completed school or gone on to further education. Jacob, the first beneficiary to go to high school proudly showed me his Diploma in Agriculture, he has sought employment and vows to help his community and the charity. Our group of peer educators were kept busy after we offered them the chance to build our community houses while they are waiting to go to college.11 houses are currently being built for widows and the elderly looking after orphans.

On a sad note Hildah, one of the community health workers and her family, lost their home after a fire destroyed it. We rallied round to help her, donating blankets and jerseys as well as offering to build her a new house. Hildah volunteers with orphans in rural villages.

As always, all our work revolves around the orphans, and I am delighted to report that these latest developments  are helping thousands more vulnerable children. To complete the above projects we are appealing for funding to buy desks and text books. Your support will be greatly appreciated.

Links:

• The Butterfly Tree Education Projects