By Jane Kaye-Bailey | Founder
In 2015 Zambia was ranked as the third Hungriest country in the world.
The staple diet for most Zambians in maize, which is rain dependent. Due to the unpredicatable global weather patterns in recent years, most countries in Eastern and Southern Africa have been suffering from drought. Zambia is no exception. Last year poor rains caused the crops to perish in rural communities in the Southern Province, resulting in much hunger, especially amonst school children. Unfortunately this year the same pattern appears to be happening, unseasonably high temperatures and low rainfall are being reported.
To help alleviate this problem The Butterfly Tree donates wells to school so that they can grow crops such as sorghum, which are less rain dependent. In addition we provide seeds for beans and vegetables, as well as fertilizer. Sixteen schools have received donations in November 2015. One school, Muchambile, has also been given sunflower seeds to create a sustainable income-generating activity for the school. Sunflower oil will be produced and sold to members of the community and local shops. All profits will be used to buy much needed stationery and books for the pupils.
As part of the Seeds for Life project we raise funds for bore holes (wells). We are delighted to tell you that the charity has raised enough money to install three bore holes and hand pumps for Siachubuki, Bunsanga and Simsimuku rural schools in 2015, making a total of 17 in recent years. This will not only porovide safe drinking water, but also enough water to irrigate crops and vegetables for the school feeding programs.
Because of the recent drought towards the end of last year the streams and rivers were completely dry. Prior to the installation of a bore hole the pupils at Simsimuku School were digging holes in the mud to try and sourse drinking water. Now they have an abundance of water and will shortly be able to provide a daily nutritious meal for the growing children.
This project is vital for rual schools in a country that sufers high levels of poverty, malnutrition, HIV and AIDS and malaria. A small donation can feed an entire school.
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