I cannot thank enough, all the individual people, schools and businesses, most recently Dawson Group, who have sent in donations and messages in support of our food crisis appeal in Zambia. Your help has enabled us to reach out to orphans and vulnerable children, most epsecially those with HIV, who need food to take their medication, and also elderly people who have no one to provide for them.
DISTRIBUTION OF MAIZE TO ORPHANS – KAMWI VILLAGE
To assist the Zambian government and rural communities we are currently distibuting maize in Nyawa, Sekute and Mukuni Chiefdoms, after conducting surveys in several areas. One result, from a remote area in Nyawa where the people are dependent on growing maize for their own consumption as well as selling it to earn an income, showed that 62% of households headed by women and the elderly looking after grandchildren, did not have food. This is the case in most rural areas thoughout the Southern Province.
COMMUNITIES FAILED TO GROW MAIZE DUE TO LACK OF RAIN
In addition we will support community schools, such as Bunsanga, that do not come under the World Food Programme. For those that do, schools reopen today, after a month’s break, and if a feeding programme is available it will help to reduce the burden and at least give growing children one meal per day. We are to provide on going food for boarders at both Mukuni and River View Schools. These pupils, from remote villages, must take food supplies with them, but sadly due to the drought parents simply don’t have sufficient food.
BUNSANGA COMMUNITY SCHOOL TO BE PROVIDED WITH MAIZE
On a happier note our other projects are doing really well. New classrooms will shortly be completed for River View, Kawewa and Muyunda Schools and latrines are being added to Bunsanga School. Bunsanga is also to gain a health post, the closest one is 16km from the village. This will enable to Ministry of Health to have a safe facility to provide maternity care, vaccinations, and malaria and HIV prevention.
NEW SCHOOL FOR MUYUNDA COMMUNITY – NYAWA CHIEFDOM
Our malaria prevention programme has received a substantial boost thanks to a grant from the Hilary and Neil Murphy Foundation. Mosquito nets will be puchased for at least three schools and more villages will have protection when their houses have been painted with safe insecticidal coating. Our most recent project in villages in Nyawa, where there was a high prevalence of malaria, reports no new cases on malaria since the application took place in April 2018.
DISTIBUTION OF MOSQUITO NETS – KAWEWA JUNIOR SCHOOL
All of our projects are vitally important. However, for now we urgently need funds to help with this dreadful food crisis. The drought is so widespread that we need more donations. It costs just £7 for a bag of maize, which will feed a family of 4, for 3 weeks. As always no adminstration fees will be deducted from your donations.
If you wish to donate please use either our secure online facility, Mydonate or send an email to request our bank details to jane@thebutterflytree.org.uk
Jane Kaye-Bailey
