Support Vulnerable Children in Monze, Zambia

It is heartening to hear how well the students are doing despite all the difficulties they face.

The school playing field is in very regular use for football games – formal and informal, with some of the local youth enjoying the facilities with the students. The girls join in the football as well as playing netball. The field has also been recently used for a school sports day.

Deana, one of the Hands Around the World volunteers, is in Monze at the moment and has been assisting with some of the English classes. A retired Health Visitor from the UK Deana is working with health workers in the community around Monze, but has also found time to run some after-school activities at PIZZ. She has helped some of the children to develop their skills in sewing and has engaged them in various craft activities. She says that the children usually have little time to become involved in less academic activities at the school. So she has been able to provide a bit of extra stimulus. She also organised a visit from the hospital Peer Educators who teach the children about AIDS prevention, using sketches and involving them in plenty of dancing and drumming.

Last year a fence was put around the school plot to deter the animals. Recently about 100 trees have been planted in the grounds to improve the environment.

There are now five students sponsored through the Hands Around the World Child sponsorship scheme (£10 per month) who are now attending local secondary schools. More would attend if Mrs. Sianga had the funds. Could you or a friend maybe sponsor a child please?

The school still faces major challenges daily, but knowing that they have supporters throughout the world gives them real hope, and the incentive to continue to work hard for their future.