Where We Work

The Butterfly Tree works only in Zambia, one of the poorest countries in the world. Decimated by the HIV/AIDS pandemic and the constant fight against malignant malaria, Zambia relies heavily on international aid. There are a number of the big NGO’s providing immunisation, research, medical supplies and mosquito nets, but sadly there is never enough to go round. The areas that seem to miss out are the remote villages so this is where The Butterfly Tree has concentrated most of our work.

The route to Katapazi – Mukuni Chiefdom

Two thirds of Zambia’s population live on less than fifty pence (one dollar) a day and yet it is one of the most expensive countries in Southern Africa, with inflation rates soaring every year. From the onset we decided that the only way to make a real difference was to concentrate in one area at a time, tackling poverty from all angles. Many of the smaller NGO’s in Zambia, tend to do one community project and then move  to another area. We have continually worked within the same Chiefdom for the past five years developing the health and education facilities and a great deal of improvements can be seen. Once a community has the essentials in place it is vital to introduce income-generating activities before leaving them to fend for themselves.

Traditional rural dwelling in the Mukuni Chiefdom

Mukuni is in the Kazungula District of the Southern Province of Zambia close to the Victoria Falls. There are over one hundred villages, twelve schools and three clinics and this is where most of our projects have been initiated. The charity has an excellent relationship with Chief Mukuni and works closely with the local Ministry of Education and District Health authorities. Eash school has been given substantial funding to improve their facilities and education. All three clinics rely on our aid; due to the lack of government funding these clinics would be closed down if it were not for the support of The Butterfly Tree. All of the funds raised go directly inot our grass root projects.

Children from the Leya Tribe – Mukuni Chiefdom

In addition to helping these rural villages we have distributed educational DVDS, produced by TME, to a number of schools, medical centres, government offices and businesses throughout the nation. 2011 will see our work expand to the Musokotwane Chiefdom with the building of two new schools in addition to a further school in the the Mukuni Chiefdom.