Seeds for Life in Zambia

The Butterfly Tree continues to distribute 25 kg bags of ground maize throughout the Kazungula District to help people who are suffering from the severe drought. Thanks to substantial donations from many individuals, we have provided food for thousands of people suffering from hunger in remote areas of Nyawa, Mukuni, Musokotwane, Sekute and Moomba Chiefdom.

In addition, we donated bags of seeds and fertilizer to dozens of families and women’s groups who have no funds to grow vegetables and crops, another challenge caused by the drought. This will provide food security for thousands of people.

Water shortages have reached an all-time low with rivers, streams and even boreholes becoming dry. This year we installed a record number of boreholes in schools and communities, 30 in total. After visiting a site in October where young people were climbing down into a well to draw water, we drilled a borehole last month. The people of Mukumba and neighbouring villages now have access to free clean water and will no longer need to drink polluted water.

We have funded food security and safe water projects for women in Zalu, Sekute Central, Zwanga and Kanchele are progressing well. Other food security projects in Siambelele, Senkobo, Musokotwane and Mukuni are successfully producing vegetables. Women have readily available food for their families and profit from the sale of vegetables to educate their children.

The Youth Empowerment project for young people with physical and mental health challenges is finally making strides after delays caused by the drought. Three groups of young people with varying forms of disabilities are running a chicken rearing project at Mukuni, and goat rearing projects at Kamwi and Ngandu. Some of the participants are receiving professional training in business management with the aim of making this a sustainable income-generating enterprise.

As always, we have launched a Christmas appeal asking people if they would donate a 25kg bag of ground maize, which will feed a family of four for one month. The cost is just £10 ($13).

We are forever grateful for the overwhelming support we receive from long-term donors and all the new ones who have made contributions to our cause. We sincerely thank you and all our volunteers both in the UK and Zambia who are committed to helping improve the lives of orphans and vulnerable communities, most especially through the period of drought. The good news is the rains are coming....

Wishing you all a very Happy and Peaceful Christmas and good health in the New Year.

Links:

• The Butterfly Tree Christmas Newsletter