CHRISTMAS GREETINGS FROM THE BUTTERFLY TREE

With Christmas just around the corner and the end of 2021 fast approaching many of you will be reflecting on the challenges of the past year and feeling anxious about what the New Year will bring. COVID-19 and climate change dominate the news and effects everyone of us, most especially people living in poor countries such as Zambia.

Despite all the uncertainties I am delighted to inform you that this has been one of the best years in the history of The Butterly Tree. Thanks to the overwhelming support from our donors we have expanded our reach to more schools and communities in the Kazungula District, and many more orphans are being educated at school, university and college.

One young lady who has just completed a three year course in bio medicine sent us this message: ‘I am writing this message as I am thankful for the support that you have provided by sponsoring my education in 2019-2021 academic years at Kafue Institute where I was studying for a diploma in clinical medicine. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you, you have shown your sincere kindness by lending a hand in my education. Your sponsorship has helped me to realize that dreams do come true and that I can be what I want to be. My family is secure knowing that my education is steady and now, on behalf of my family and myself, I pour out my humble thanks.’

MWANDU FROM MUKUNI VILLAGE COMPLETES BIO MEDICINE COURSE

There is great excitement in Nyawa after two boreholes were installed At Nsizo school and for the Kampaka community. A further two are being installed this week with three more to follow in Musokotwane Cheifdom, thanks to a grant award from Fedex. Seeds for schools have been donated to twenty school to grow vegetables for their sustainable feeding programmes.

SUCCESSFUL DRILL AT KATONDO

The rural health post at Kantondo is making great progress with the clinic, two staff houses, toilets and biodigester soon to be completed. This was generously funded by Guernsey Overseas Aid and Development Commission. The second of two mother’s shelter, funded by the Society of the Sacred Heart, has been completed by Siakacapa health post, which will provide women with safe accommodation prior to the onset of labour.

NEW MOTHER’S SHELTER – SIKACAPA

OLD MOTHER’S SHELTER – SIKACAPA

Eight more orphans are to receive houses after receiving a donation from Motive Real Estate, Texas. The company donates a house for every one they sell. Many orphans live in dilapidated dwellings which leak during the rainy season. 300 bags of maize are beimng given at Christmas to every orphan and vulnerable child on our orphan sponsorship programme.

The Butterfly Tree Girls’ Empowerment programme has recently been launched. One of our UK volunteers has written a booklet to educate girls about the dangers of early pregnancies, HIV and alcohol and drug abuse. Natasha and Malala completed a six week workshop in Mukuni witt the aim of expanding this to all schools throughout the District.

SPONSORED GIRLS AT MUKUNI PARTICIPATE IN WORKSHOPS

A new classroom block at Chablanda in Musokotwane is now under construction with another one scheduled for Nyawa in January. These will help more children to have access to higher grades. As we have heard from Mwandu education is vital to overcoming poverty.

The successful malaria prevention campaign has helped to protect many more children. We aim to support schools around the Ngwezi River where there is a high prevalence of malaria. If you would like to make a donation a mosquito net costs just £5 or $7. Or if you would prefer your donation to be used to purchase a bag of maize for £5 or $7, please add a comment when making a donation.

On behalf of the entire team I send our grateful thanks to all our donors, volunteers, fundraisers and supporters and wish you a very happy Christmas and good health in the New Year.

Jane Kaye-Bailey

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