Seeds for Life in Zambia

More than 25 percent of basic schools in Zambia do not have access to safe water supply and sanitation. 

The Butterfly Tree's main aim is to provide schools and rural communities with safe drinking water, most especially to prevent diarrheal diseases in young children, one of the leading causes of death. To date we have installed 20 bore holes (wells), mostly to schools, but also to villages and for clinics in Mukuni, Sekute, Musokotwane and Nyawa Chiefdoms.

Preserving the quality of fresh water is important for the drinking-water supply and food production. Children are taught how to protect the wells, keep buckets clean for carrying water and to wash hands after going to the toilet. Poor sanitation is also a major cause of diarrheal disease. Over 6 million people in Zambia do not have adequate sanitation facilities. The chariy has donated over 100 latrines to schools in these Chiefdoms.

Zambia is currently in the 'dry' season and approaching summer. The last rains fell in April, and as the temperatures rise, the land becomes parched. Rains usually start in late November or December, therefore now is the time to prepare the land for the growing of maize and other crops. This 'Seeds for Life' project provides schools with seeds and fertilizers to grow vegetables for feeding programs. To date we have supported 16 schools. 

We are also encouraging school leaves to get involved with agriculture. Mostly they want to become teachers, which is a good career, but as there are so many not all of them are able to get employment. Next month Jacob, one of the students we have sponsored since high school, will graduate after spending four years at agricultural college. He has vowed to 'give back' by doing some volunteer work for the charity as well as teaching the farming methods, learnt at college, to his community. It is very rewarding to know that our support can create sustainability such as this.

Our aim is to provide additional wells, latrines and seeds, and to sponsor more students in agriculture

Links:

• The Butterfly Tree Water Projects

After two consecutive years of drought, this year saw an unprecedented amount of rain falling throughout Zambia. This created problems for some communities as they became inaccessible due to high river levels. However, the great news it that it has helped to alleviate the hunger of the past two years.

If you must walk several miles to school on an empty school, being able to receive food from a school feeding program is a huge benefit. Not only does it increase your stamina, but will improve your concentration levels. 

During to recent visit to Zambia it was a sheer joy to see maize, sorghum and millet growing within the communities. Every available space is utilized and most especially in the schools, where your donations help to provide seeds and fertilizer for crops. Children were eating fresh corn on the cob straight from the field!

Now Zambia is in the dry cool season, when no rain will fall until December. All surplus produce has been dried and stored for the next few months, and this year it is hoped that food supplements will not be as necessary as in recent years. Sadly some of the poorest families have not been able to grow their own food, relying on handouts from neighbours.

Besides the provision of seeds, having access to safe water is vital. As we branch out into new areas more wells are needed. In March I visited Luzila Village, a community in Sekute Chiefdom, The people have to draw water from a swamp during the wet season. Muselekwa, the Headman, told me that once the swamp is dry, people have to walk nearly two miles to Lupani School to fetch water. 

Four other villages rely on this swamp for drinking water, washing clothes and bathing. Muselekwa informed me that 600 people are in much need of a fresh local water source. Although they have access to the school well, the extra demand can at times deplete the supply. Muselekwa assured me that water can be sourced where there is a Muhonono Tree! 

These  communities receive no support from any other charity. Providing safe water and seeds for school gardens are two of The Butterfly Tree's most successful programs, together we can reach out to villages like Luzila.

Links:

• The Butterfly Tree Water Projects