The Butterfly Tree was founded by Jane Kaye-Bailey after a business incentive trip to Zambia with her husband, Lawrence, in February 2006. During a visit to the Mukuni Village they learned about the decimation caused by HIV/AIDS, virtually every family had been affected. Out of 1000 pupils in the school, 450 were orphans. This deeply distressed Jane who immediately decided to do something to help them.

Inspired by the three little girls pictured above the UK charity was founded. A month later The Butterfly Tree was registered as a Non-Government Organization in Zambia.

What happened next

Vigilant about where the money would go, Jane and her son, David, returned to the area to offer further assistance, taking with them medical supplies, clothing for the orphans, books and stationary for the school. During that time they met with the Chieftainess, the Prime Minister and the School’s Head Teacher gaining knowledge of what could be done to improve the lives of these ‘needy’ people. In less than two years The Butterfly Tree has made a significant difference to villages in the Mukuni Chiefdom. Medical supplies, sports equipment, books and clothing have been air freighted to the area and an orphan sponsorship program is supporting over 80 orphans. The Butterfly Tree believes that every child has a right to education. 

In helping to fund a three-bay classroom the school is now the first rural ‘high school’ in the area. The children can now complete grade 12 instead of having to leave after grade 10, as many could not afford to board in the town’s high school. The BFSS provided The Butterfly Tree with a grant to equip this project. The charity has also built 13 pit-latrine toilets for both the pupils and teachers.

Other projects included building a teacher’s house and renovating their Health Centre. Funds were also given to a ‘distraught’ family to build a new house after their home had burned down in an accidental fire and a villager has been given money to set up a welding business. In the past twelve months water, HIV/AIDS and housing projects have been introduced.

Way forward

Our vision is to improve the lives of people living in rural communities, decimated by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. By going into the heart of these villages The Butterfly Tree has uncovered the real needs of the people and believes that these people are ready to move forward.

Chief Mukuni says that education is the key. We aim to support more rural schools and to ensure that many orphans receive an education. The Butterfly Tree intends to provide bore holes for remote villages and continue the HIV/AIDS program.

Jane dedicates all her free time to helping these humble people. She has also become a speaker on Philanthropic Travel; in 2007 she was invited to speak at both the Global Luxury Forum and the World Travel Market besides talking to local schools and organisations spreading awareness of the plight of these vulnerable people. Jane regularly visit the projects, has a wonderful team of volunteers on the NGO committee in Zambia and ten female represetatives to oversee the welfare of the orphans.  

The Butterfly Tree Charity No 1118084

UK Trustees:

• Jane Kaye-Bailey  
• David Kaye  
• Jill Bateson

NGO in Zambia No ORS/102/53/241

Members:

• Jane Kaye-Bailey (Chairperson)
• David Kaye (Treasurer)
• Jill Bateson
• Mupotola Siloka (Secretary)
• Presley Mulenga
• Martin Mushabati
• Rosemary Siloka
• Josephine Muleka
• Stain Musengaila