Even the trees seem to be distressed

 

Zambia is very dependent on farming and in particular it's maize crop.

For Zambians food is nshima which is maize flour boiled in water – though to be honest the process is a lot more complex and requires constant attention to provide the correct result.

When the maize crop fails everyone is impacted. This year the crop has failed in the southern part of Zambia spectacularly.

Water is of course vital to life, but in Zambia it is also by far the main source of electricity. Hydro-electric power is generated from the dams and in particular the huge Kariba Dam. Sometimes after the dry season – in October or November – the water levels are low and electricity needs to be rationed. This year rationing was introduced in March! There are suggestions that before the end of the year there will be no mains electricity for Zambia.

These issues have a knock-on effect . The crop failure means that farmers have no money to spend in the shops, so the small local traders have no business and they too have no money to spend with the marketeers – and most of the people in Monze seem to be marketeers.

The lack of power makes it difficult for all sorts of businesses to operate. Grinding mills which should be operating 24 hours a day cannot grind enough maize, adding to the shortages. The prices of maize meal has soared, resulting in a lot of hunger. The water supply also relies on electricity. In some areas of Monze the mains water supply is very little if at all and often people have to get up in the middle of the night when the pressure might be enough to collect a small supply.

Even the trees in the garden here look to me to be distressed.

The situation can only get worse until decent rains return to Southern Zambia.

The weather here has been relatively cold, with maximum temperatures generally around 20ºC. We have had a couple of cloudy days, but generally the sun has made up for the air temperature.

I am trying to see how we can address some of the challenges at PIZZ School. I met a couple of students last week who had passed their grade 12 exams and have been offered places for further training – one as a nurse and the other in agriculture. The computer science teacher is frustrated that the lack of power means that most of his practical work cannot be done. He would like a solar system installed to allow the students to learn. Soon they will be preparing for exams.

Transformation Through Education is a new charity which is funding the school, but it will take time to ramp up the fundraising to meet all these needs. It is very disappointing that money already raised for the school is not being passed on. You can find out more about the charity at www.transformationthrougheducation.org.uk

I attended mass on Sunday which was back inside the church now sparkling with it's false roof and a fresh coat of paint. it was good hear the singing reverberating throughout the building and there was a celebration to welcome the improvements.

Chris Barrell

Reflections as we approach Easter

 

Reflections

I made my return journey to the UK three weeks ago.

It is time to reflect on my recent visit. In two respects this was different to my previous trips. Firstly my great friend Jennipher was no longer around to greet me and guide me. Secondly the relationship between Hands Around the World has broken down and PIZZ school is having to plot a new path for it's future.

I find Easter a wonderful and inspiring time. I have had the joy of spending a couple of Easters in Zambia. The rainy season has just ended and everything is green and vibrant. The Easter week celebrations start with processions through the towns involving Christians from all churches. Good Friday also sees more public displays of Christian devotion with further processions around the streets. Everything culminates in a joyous celebration of new life as we recognise the risen Christ at the Easter Vigil. In Zambia this is a service full of smiles and laughter, as well as singing and lots of dancing, held under the stars - with the addition of candlelight.

Although it is always challenging for me in Zambia, I usually have plenty of time to relax and enjoy the people and the environment. Since last June it has been very difficult to stop thinking about the challenges presented to Mrs. Sianga and PIZZ School. In Monze this was heightened.

It has become clear that there has been a communications breakdown. I have realised over the past 20 years that the gap between Zambia and the UK is not just 5,000 miles! You cannot expect to understand Zambia and Zambians after a few weeks in the country. Unfortunately it probably takes much longer than that just to recognise that there is an immense gap.

When talking to people in the UK and Zambia I have always stressed the need to try to get a better understanding of each other's culture and way of life.

As I have mentioned often, I am comfortable in Monze and don't notice many of the differences between Zambia and the UK. The fact that I rarely see a white face, most of the local deliveries are made using wheelbarrows rather than vans, ox carts are often seen on the local roads, ladies often carry goods balanced on their heads, chickens are sold in the markets live, bikes often have a passenger on the carrier, trucks often carry passengers in the back etc.

This year I had the joy of meeting the students at PIZZ school. When I told them that we didn't eat nshima in the UK they found it hard to believe! Nshima – maize meal – is the staple diet in Zambia. The children look forward to their daily meal of nshima and groundnuts (peanuts) at PIZZ School. It costs approximately £1 to provide a student at PIZZ School with a daily meal for one month! I am hoping that this Easter people will consider donating the price of an Easter Egg to the school – this could provide several students with a meal for a month. Saving PIZZ School

Here in the UK the spring flowers are coming out, the blossom is abundant and signs of new life are abundant. I will spend Holy Week at my daughter's house in Naunton in the Cotswolds looking after her dogs and chickens. I will have time to reflect as I sit in her field enjoying the natural environment – weather permitting.

With love and prayers during this holy time,

 

Chris