Friday, May 25, 2018

Catching up

25th May 2018

Since I left Monze last July there have been two notable new lives that have come into the world. Delia gave birth to a girl – and I must confess both her Zambian and English names elude me at the moment. The other is birth is a girl to Selina – Jennipher's daughter - named Maria. Selina tried to keep the pregnancy secret and was very concerned about letting me know. Anyway I spoke to her and assured her that she continued to have my love and full support. Jennipher is looking after Maria while Selina continues her education. Both children are doing well.

Teddy suffered a break-in at his home, where it seems he was drugged while they stole his possessions – he is gradually putting things back in place. Best passed his bar exams, but his certificate is being withheld until he finds money claimed to be outstanding! Raymond is still trying to support some elderly and disabled people without any funds! They struggle to find enough food just to survive.

The rains this year started well, but for a month or so, when the rain should have been the heaviest the rain ceased. It then rained heavier than normal. The result is generally a poor harvest. I remember some years back doing work with the Diocesan Projects Office. They wanted to record the assets of poorer households in the diocese. I was surprised to come up with what I thought was an average income of about £100 per month – this was higher than I expected. I then looked more closely - it was £100 per year! Some families received less than £20 per year! However, most people had a spade or a hoe. Some had a few chickens or even a goat or two. It was then that I realised how essential it was to have decent rain and the opportunity to grow enough food for the family. You cannot buy enough food to live on with £20 a year!

Fr Clement finds himself alone in his new parish – Fr Raphael having been moved. Our church in Cheltenham provided funds for some pigs to start the piggery – these are now developing and soon the project will be in full flow. We were also able to help with funds for a toilet block at the church. Fr. Clement has been practising pool in readiness for my visit – I too have had a few games here with Roger, my brother-in-law. Whether it will make any difference I doubt – but I sure that the competition will be intense!!

Luke is trying to start a small poultry business to supplement his income. He still struggles to support his nieces and nephews through school and college and is trying to get additional qualifications himself.

Most people in Zambia live on the edge. For those who have enough food the next aim is to try to send their children to school and perhaps end the cycle of poverty. PIZZ School takes children whose parents/guardians have difficulty in feeding their children and would never be able to fund their education themselves. PIZZ School gives the children the possibility of a different future and while at the school the children have a stable environment and they know that they are really valued.

Ketty is a girl who has developed with the care of PIZZ School. In December she passed her grade 9 exams and this year started at Kaumba Secondary School in Monze. Thanks to Helen's efforts last Saturday £700 has been raised towards Ketty's education. Another £200 will cover her costs until she completes her secondary education. If you would like to help us pay for Ketty's education you can donate at Helen's 50 Miler

In August a number of HATW volunteers will visit PIZZ School to help run a Holiday Club. At the moment there is some doubt as to whether I will be there at that time. I am looking forward to returning to my second home before long. There is a lot to catch up with and I can't wait to enjoy some of the local produce with my friends.

Chris

Monday, May 21, 2018

Visiting Friends

Monday 21st May

Over the past couple of years I have been in Zambia at this time. It is now winter in Monze - temperatures can drop below 10°C at night which is cold if you have no mattress or blanket! In the UK, I have a friend who is terminally ill, so I will stay for now to provide a little support. My most important duty – as everywhere – is to be available for a cup of tea or coffee and a chat. Even better if we can find a pub with a garden when the sun is out!

My role with respect of Hands Around the World has changed in recent months. I decided to give up my formal duties as Trustee and Project Co-ordinator and to concentrate on being a friend to the people of Zambia. When I first went to Zambia I was told that it would cause problems if I said I was working – even doing voluntary work – I was told that I was going to meet friends. I felt a little uncomfortable and decided that I should therefore make a point of making friends in Zambia. Since that time I have made lots of friends. I then obtained a work permit (though now my main purpose was to meet friends!). Immigration officials queried why I had a work permit if I was retired! So now I will continue to go to Monze, but without an official role. My purpose will be to drink tea and coffee with friends – a very much underrated ministry!

Sometimes as I enter Zambia I hope they will challenge me to reveal the friends I claim to be visiting. I will then tell them about Captain who was in charge of making the blocks for building the ICU at Monze Mission Hospital in 2003; Lashford who was the builder in charge of the project; Obie one of my workmates; Suki and Michael who worked at Nampeyo Guest House or I could tell of my friendship with Mrs Sianga who has become an inspiration to me over the years. Most of these people I still meet when I visit Monze – and these are just some of those I met on my first visit in 2003. 15 years later, having spent well over 3 years in Monze I have met a large number of people who I now consider to be friends. I therefore have no problem in spending all my time visiting friends in Zambia.

Those who have followed some of my blogs will be aware that I am involved in a wide range of small projects beside those where I had an official Hands Around the World role. I have no intention of abandoning the HATW projects, but hope that with less pressure I will feel free to spend more time with other projects – and perhaps be able to relax a little more.

The children from PIZZ School will always be very important to me. Many I have known since they first came to the school as young traumatised children. I have seen them grow in confidence. At the school Mrs. Sianga and her staff have provided a very special caring and loving environment geared to each child as an individual precious life. To see how this nourishment has lit that beautiful spark, which is in all of us, bringing out the talents, joy, mischief and fun from within, is such a privilege and a truly life-giving experience.

The school is moving into a new phase. The earliest students have now left school. Some are making their way in the world – Boniface is earning his living as a singer and musician, others have jobs in shops and on building sites, one is a pastor. Mawini and Maxwell are at university. Some no doubt are struggling – unemployment in Monze is very high. About 80 children now attend local secondary schools and we hope to have a couple of students going into nursing this year.

It is my dream to enable all children from PIZZ School to fulfil their potential. My focus now is to raise funds to help ensure that all PIZZ Students who pass their grade 9 exams can continue their education in local secondary schools. School fees for each child are about £900 for the three years. I would also lhope that funds are found for further study or training for all who gain their Grade 10 Certificate. Then there are all those who are not academically gifted but still have a lot to give. We should be providing help for all. This is a challenge – but the difference we can make to the life of any child makes it so much worthwhile. I am so fortunate to be able to see the impact our support has had.

On Saturday here in the UK the sun shone non-stop. Most people were busy following the Royal Wedding, but my daughter was running 51.3 miles from Taunton to Minehead. My regular followers will remember that Helen attempted her first Ultra-marathon last year. She was ill for most of it and after 46 miles collapsed and was taken to hospital where she spent two nights. It was therefore very brave to attempt another 50 Miler! This time she kept going and finished the course. I am encouraging people to celebrate her courage by helping to fund at least one student to complete their secondary education. If you would like to contribute you can donate using this link: Helen's 50 Miler .

In April - on a day which was very hot – with temperatures up to 27°C – a bit like those regularly experienced to the children in Monze when walking to school - the children in Class 3 (yrs 3 & 4) at Temple Guiting School in Gloucestershire walked more than 10 Km – yes all of them!! They then had a meal of rice and peas instead of their usual dinner. They had been learning about life in Africa and wanted to do something meaningful and raise money to send a child from PIZZ School to secondary school. Their target was £800. In fact they raised £1,827.18 (with Gift Aid the total will be £2,169.48) - a really wonderful effort. As a result of this walk Rosario and Kyfod (former PIZZ School students) will be able to complete their education at a local Monze secondary school.

There is a lot of news about my friends in Monze which I will bring over the next week or so, but for now it's cheerio. With love and prayers,


Chris