After the recent outbreak of cholera in Zambia, that has been contained, schools, colleges and universities opened on the 8th February. Fortunately, cholera was not prevalent in areas of the Kazungula District where we work.
We are aiming to supply more schools and communities with boreholes to provide safe drinking water, to help prevent diseases such as cholera, and for the irrigation of community vegetable growing projects. After the poor rainy season in the Southern Province boreholes are vital for health and food production.
In addition to the agricultural project for disabled youths in Mukuni, Ngandu and Kamwi villages we are initiating more sustainable income-generating projects for women. The existing women’s Mangoes of Hope project, also funded by Give a Hope Canada, has been given a boost. After donating fencing, seeds and fertilizer, the women are growing broccoli, cauliflower and beans for the tourism industry.
A second group of women in Musokotwane will have a similar project. A borehole has already been installed and once the water system is in place and the area fenced, the women will get to work. Another project for women in Siambelele village, Mukuni Chiefdom is also underway after a borehole was installed at the end of 2023. These projects are invaluable for improving food security and for giving women a opportunity to earn money to support their families.
Thanks to continual support from Blooms The Chemist, Australia, three rural clinics in Simonga, Bunsanga and Mambova receive a continual donation of medical equipment and supplies. The Ministry of Health are providing additional structures at Simonga, which will become a ‘walk-in’ clinic for people travelling to and from the Botswana border. A new health post, that we are currently building, in the remote village of Mabwa, in Nyawa Chiefdom will shortly be completed. This is thanks to a grant received from the Guernsey Overseas Aid and Development Commission.
Since the government announced that Primary and Secondary schools are to be separated there is a need for more classrooms in most schools. In addition to a substantial donation from The Murphy Family Foundation, which has enabled us to construct two 1×3 classroom blocks at Musokotwane and River View Secondary schools we have funding in place from private donors to construct three more. Nguba Secondary and Bbombwe Lyangoma Primary schools are next on the list!
For those of you who kindly donated to our appeal to restore Musokotwane Primary school after a storm had caused extensive damage, the school now has new and reinforced roofs.
None of the above could have been achieved without the tremendous support from our existing and new donors, and to our incredible team of volunteers both in the UK and Zambia.
Jane Kaye-Bailey
Founder
