What a month this has been! So many good things have happened whereas this time last year I was reporting on water shortages, emergency food relief and the detrimental impact caused the worst drought in Zambia’s history.
You may have read in the previous newsletter that former England rugby player, Victor Ubogu, wanted to raise money to build a school in Zambia. We subsequently completed a 1×2 classroom block in April. Since the opening of the school pupil numbers have already increased from 198 to 320 and will continue to grow.
Simukumbwa Community School – Kalomo District
Victor visited Zambia in May to see the development. On his return to the UK he continued to raise further funds to provide teachers’ accommodation, toilets, and desks for Simukumbwa school. It was a privilege to have been invited to speak at the pre-Lions Tour lunch, which was held in London on the 11th June, in aid of The Butterfly Tree.
Jane with rugby legends at the pre-Lions Tour Lunch in aid of The Butterfly Tree
I was totally overwhelmed by the support offered on the day and throughout this month. The target to complete the school was surpassed, with further donations still coming in. I cannot thank Victor, his wife Anj, and his wonderful employees at Vu Ltd enough for all their hard work and commitment towards making this entire experience such a memorable and resounding success. A special thanks to everyone who have generously supported this fundraiser.
One of the Live Auction lots painted by a local Livingstone artist
Other great news this month is for our health projects in Zambia. Firstly, we are delighted to have been awarded another grant from the Overseas Aid and Development Commission of Guernsey. Previously the Commission has funded the development of rural health posts at Sikaunzwe, Bunsanga, Katondo, Boombwe and Mabwa in the Kazungula District. This new single year grant will be used to construct a much needed health post for Katanda in Kalomo District.
Current health post – Katanda
The project includes a clinic, two staff houses, mother’s shelter, a borehole and solar-powered water reticulation system, toilets, and a biodigester for waste, as well as equipment and 1,000 mosquito nets. The borehole was successfully drilled today, and the mosquito nets have been ordered. After learning that four children from Katanda recently died after contracting malaria, we will distribute the nets as soon as they are available to help prevent further loss of a life.
Secondly, thanks to a generous grant from the Angus Lawson Memorial Trust, we have expanded our malaria prevention reach. With the assistance of the Ministry of Health we have distributed 3,600 mosquito nets in Mulobezi District in Western Province. Last year there were 820 malaria cases per 1,000 population recorded in Mulobezi. The Butterfly Tree’s ‘Mosquito Nets for Schools’ programme is helping to reduce malaria cases in Zambia. This significant donation will provide protection for 3,600 pupils and teachers and is the first phase of a three-year grant.
Thank you to everyone who has given so generously and helped to make this such an incredible month.
Jane Kaye-Bailey
Founder
