The Butterfly Tree charity believes that every child has a right to education and by introducing an orphan sponsorship program we have given 120 children a chance to be educated through our charity. There are over 710,000 children orphaned in Zambia, primarily as a result of Aids and in the area where I am working the statistics are particularly high; with one in six adults being HIV positive. Every visit I make to Mukuni I hear of more children loosing their parents and having to drop out of school due to lack of funds. There are over 450 orphans in Mukuni Village living with grandparents, guardians and teachers. This puts a huge burden on the extended family; when you sponsor a child this can ease the situation and give a child hope. Education is the most important thing in their life as Annastasia Matengu Mutongo writes:
“Informing you that I am a girl, aged 15 years and was born on the 18th April 1993. My father died when I was one year and six months old and my mother died when I was three years old. Am a person who likes going to school and I like playing netball, singing and dancing. I live in Zambia’s Southern Province in Mukuni Village. At Mukuni I live with my grandmother. At school I am doing grade nine and my hobby is singing gospel music.
When I was in grade six life was very miserable but since I came under The Butterfly Tree sponsorship life is now better. I wish to complete my education and be a better person in future. I like joking with people who encourage me about life and education. In November I will have my final examination. My hope is just based on education and I hope I will be fine at the end of the day.”
Sponsored orphan: Annastasia with Victor Simango
These children at Mukuni and other rural villages need an education to overcome the hardships they have to endure. We desperately need your help to give these children a chance. To sponsor a child it costs only £85 (US$170) a year or £7.50 (US$15) per month. If you would care to sponsor a child like Annastasia please email The Butterfly Tree now: jane@thebutterflytree.org.uk