July is usually a quiet month for The Butterfly Tree as people are focusing on travel and school holidays. However, I am pleased to say that this has been another successful month of fundraising and advancement of our water, health and education projects.
After the addition of a borehole for the new health post at Katanda a solar-powered water reticulation system has been added for the facility. 1,000 mosquito nets have also been distributed amongst pupils and teachers to provide protection from malaria. The construction of the new clinic is now underway thanks to a substantial grant from the Overseas Aid and Development Commission of Guernsey.
It is astonishing that there are still so many communities and schools that do not have access to clean drinking water in Zambia. We recently added a borehole for Njezi Primary school and funding is in place to drill three more in Kalomo District. Boreholes are crucial – they provide clean drinking water, help to reduce diarrhoeal diseases, lessen the distance people must walk to draw water, and provide irrigation for community and school vegetable gardens.
Several developments are taking place to improve the facilities for three secondary schools in Kazungula District. The Murphy Family Foundation are funding a boarding house and toilets at Musokotwane secondary and a third 1×3 classroom block for Riverview secondary. A second 1×3 classroom block and boarding house is also being constructed at Nguba secondary thanks to a private donation. These facilities will enable more pupils in rural areas to have access to secondary education.
After the completion of Namachele Community School the official opening took place yesterday. There are now 596 pupils, the number will increase when it is upgraded to a primary in September. Namachele along with Nguba and Simukumbwa schools each received an allocation of desks this month. Thanks to a further donation from Kampango, more schools will receive textbooks for next term.
University and college results are out – orphans and vulnerable students who were being sponsored by The Butterfly Tree have done exceedingly well. Graduations ceremonies will shortly take place.
- Kenneth – completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Banking and Finance.
- Henry – completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences (Microbiology).
- Charity – completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Civic Education.
- Christopher – completed a three year Chartered Account Programme.
- Esnart – completed a three year diploma course in Journalism.
- Mulanda – completed a three year course in nursing.
Much to my surprise The Butterfly Tree received another award. The Business Excellence Award came with the following message: This prestigious recognition highlights your dedication to quality, innovation, and outstanding service within the industry.’ This award will create more exposure for our grassroot projects in Zambia as it will be shared on the UKBEA platforms.
We are so grateful to everyone who has helped us to achieve these goals.
Jane Kaye-Bailey
Founder
