Shirt 9

 

As we move into 2025 I recall some of the challenges of 2024. Personally I have tried to turn my cancer treatment into an excuse to publicise Transformation Through Education - the charity that I established during 2023.

This chitenge in this video is one of those that Ireen told me was suitable to turn into a shirt. However, to be honest I cannot remember her telling me of one that wasn't suitable – even if I presented her with two, three or possibly more. Hence I have a lot of shirts!! Chitenge material is used for a number of purposes. The ladies wrap it around them to protect their dresses. It is also used uncut to form a sling for a baby - this is beautiful. The baby is kept warm, close to the mother's body and it can easily be swung around to enable easy feeding. And of course they can be made into shirts.

Moving forward we have great ambitions for the charity. Our eventual aim is to support every child who enters PIZZ school until they have the education and training they need to put them in the best place to obtain employment. The challenges for many of these children are enormous, we want to give them hope that they can achieve a future where they and their families can escape the cycle of poverty. Some have achieved this over the past 20 years of PIZZ school's existence – we want all current and future students to be able to follow their footsteps.

We have a long way to go, but 2025 will be the year that we hope to make great stides towards this ambition.

If you want to join us you can find out more and donate on our website Transformation Through Education

Hoping that you had a Blessed Christmas and wishing you all the best for 2025.

Chris

PIZZ School A Wonderful Project

My main reason for visiting Zambia this year was to meet with Mrs Sianga who has become a great friend over the years.

As I have said in previous blogs, she is the inspiration who made me return to Monze year after year to learn a little about the people, the culture and theirchallenges and get to make some friends in the process.

As a nurse Mrs. Sianga was supporting people dying of AIDS when I met her in 2003. The women died leaving orphans. It was to support these children and keep them off the streets that she started PIZZ School for orphaned and vulnerable children. Over the years the school has developed and with the help of donors, who are also committed to the support of these children, many students have been given the opportunity to develop and reach some of the great potential they possess.

I spent quite a lot of time time with Mrs. and Mr. Sianga during this visit trying to provide support during what is very difficult time for them. Mrs. Sianga is not well – suffering from high blood pressure. The school has continued to provide remarkable support for the children through COVID, however it is possible that new donors will need to be sought to ensure that the prospects of the children are not compromised.

On Monday evening – my last full day in Monze – Mr. and Mrs. Sianga took me to a good restaurant for a farewell meal. We chatted about many things including the future of the children. My nshima and Talapia (also known as St. Peter's fish) was excellent! Mrs. Sianga told me that when she received a vaccine booster she recognised a young man. He was a former student – now a lab technician. I told her about meeting Samson who was rescued with his brother by Mrs. Sianga. I told her he is now working in a shop outside Monze Market and she told me that Alick, his brother, is now a bricklayer and a very good one.

I travelled to Lusaka on Tuesday. While waiting for the bus, a boy came over to me and said he knew me because he used to be a student at PIZZ School – he was working for one of the bus companies. Arriving in Lusaka I caught a taxi to Longacres Lodge. In Lusaka there has been a lot of work on the roads – generally for the better! Robots (traffic lights) are now common and many bridges, or overpasses, have been constructed at roundabouts to ease traffic flow. One such has been constructed since my last visit at Longacres and it seems to have changed the nature of the place, as well as confusing me no end!

On Wednesday I rose at about 6.30 and then wondered how to fill the next few hours until 22 hrs! I had breakfast and formally checked out at 10, leaving my cases at reception, by which time I had printed boarding cards for my flights and topped up my talktime. I then headed for the Catholic Cathedral which is just behind the hotel – though it is a good walk around the roads - there being no obvious short cut.

I have previously found the cathedral a pleasant place to spend some time on my final day in Zambia. At first it appeared closed, but I found a small door ajar around the side and spent some time in prayer.

I remembered a grotto, mirroring the one in Lourdes where St. Bernadette is said to have seen Our Lady, the mother of Jesus, and which meant so much to me when I used to visit for many years with very sick and severely disabled people. I have always felt blessed because I feel closest to God when I am with the most vulnerable in society and gain so much from developing friendships with them. In Lourdes there are always flowers and birds – mainly sand martins.

The grotto at the cathedral has been moved and enhanced. It is set in what I term a lovely garden with trees, grass and flowers attracting many birds. I was treated to seeing a bird with enormous tails – I believe it was a paradise flycatcher. Swifts flew above and a variety of small birds, that I couldn't identify, flitted about keeping me company. On my way out of the cathedral complex I was treated to a display by a violet breasted roller.

In previous years I have visited Kabwata village which provides craftsmen with an opportunity to sell their products. I hadn't a map with me this year, so I wasn't sure that I would find it. I set off from Longacres and almost immediately came across a man with a stall selling some reasonable quailty items. He told me he also sold at Kabwata. I had plenty of time still to kill, so I told him that I would return and buy something. I half-heartedly headed off, vaguely thinking I might find the village, but soon decided to enjoy a walk and return to buy from this craftsman instead.

My route from Longacres took me past the Holiday Inn, various Government offices and State House. A little further I found the Anglican Cathedral. I hadn't visited before, so I decided to check it out. I enjoyed looking around at the variety of altars and noticed that everywhere there were screens installed. This is an innovation I think Catholic Churches should adopt! I had a chance to pray again. The cleaner was obviously enjoying her work, listening to appropriate music as she worked.

I returned, but by this time could feel that I was becoming dehydrated. So I told my man to be patient while I got myself a cup of tea and a bit more cash.

As usual when I again came to the artist, I got a bit carried away and filled my backpack with various objects. I couldn't resist a large giraffe, then wondered whether it would fit in my case!

I returned to the cathedral grotto with my goods and spent more time with Mary, her son and the birds!

When Mawini heard that I was back in Zambia she said that she would like to see me. I failed to see her in Monze so she agreed to come to the hotel to meet me.

Mawini told me that she never thought that she would go to school because her mother couldn't afford to buy her the uniform etc. She was surprised and delighted when she was offered a place at PIZZ School. She initially wore her own clothes, but was proud when she was given a new uniform. She thinks that she first came to know me when she was 8 or 9. Mawini was a keen and bright student and gradually came towards the top in class – eventually becoming number one. She passed her exams at grade 7 and grade 9 and was sponsored to complete her education at a secondary boarding school. I met her before she took her grade 12 exams and she told me that she wanted to be a doctor. It was clear that she was extremely bright and had that potential.

A few weeks later I was at a church service with David Steiner and we had been invited to say a few words. When I stood up I had no idea what I would say, but I remembered Mawini and I told some of her story. After the service a doctor in the congregation said that he would like to sponsor Mawini and so she was given the opportunity to study at the University of Zambia in Lusaka. God works in mysterious ways!

Some confusion with some exams meant she had to change to a veterinary course midway through her studies.

Mawini showed me her card authorising her as a veterinary surgeon. She is working currently at the University and seems extremely busy. She told me that she is very happy as a vet. She will be flying to Kenya in a couple of weeks to take part in a conference and hopes to go to Japan later in the year to study for a doctorate.

Like many of the students from PIZZ, Mawini would never have had a chance to pursue her dreams without the care provided at the school. There are currently about 650 students at the school – all with their dreams - and in years to come many more orphaned and vulnerable children, with their own dreams will hope to receive the care and support needed to bring them to fulfilment. I really hope that the school will be able to continue to provide this.

With love and prayers,

Chris.

Back at my second home

It is time that I posted my first blog from Monze in 2022.

I arrived after an uneventful flight. All my concerns were alleviated as I moved from Cheltenham to London, on to Amsterdam, Nairobi, Lusaka and 30 hours later reaching Monze. Covid regulations varied throughout the trip and the vast majority only wore face masks when obliged to do so.

Having taken all sensible precautions before reaching Monze, it would no longer be appropriate or necessary to wear masks etc. I have already shaken more hands since I arrived than in the previous 3 years!!

I am fortunate to have good accommodation in Monze. After a few challenges
I have a self contained small cottage with all I need including a large quiet garden and a pool table!! I now have a local SIM and access to the Internet.

It didn't take long for friends to call out or run over to greet me. The welcome I receive is so heart warming. Brian was one of the first to say hallo – a Rasta fist instead of a handshake, but accompanied by a big hug. I intended to keep in touch with Brian while in the UK but couldn't get through on the number I had. I have been chatting to Brian at his small stall over many years. At one time he would bring out his boxing gloves for a little gentle sparring. Brian is one of many intelligent guys who never had a chance to complete their education and thus their prospects are limited.

Being in the centre of town I venture out regularly and invariably meet old friends. On one occasion I didn't make 50 metres before being stopped by three people.

Ian stopped in his car – he was working at Monze Mission Hospital. I started some work on databases for the hospital in 2004. Working side by side over a number of years we got to know each other well – he told me he had a little shop just up the road.

Once again I failed to recognise Mrs. Chaambwa – something I have done consistently o
ver many years, it's amazing she still talks to me! I have always had difficulty recognising faces – my wife Dilys can confirm this as I didn't recognise her the day after I met her! Mr Chaambwa was the headmaster at Monze Basic School and I became involved in a small project at the school. Not that I was needed – Mr. Chaambwa was more than capable of managing the project. We continued the friendship long after the project finished and we used to go out for an occasional drink. Mr. Chaambwa died in 2018.

The third person was Elizabeth who I knew from PIZZ School. She told me that she passed her grade 12 exams but hadn't a job at this time. However she looked well, confident and happy. Children like Elizabeth would never have had a chance of education to grade 12. without PIZZ School. Government education does not cater for orphaned and vulnerable children. Although in theory education is free and has been, for the first years of education, for many years, the need for uniforms, shoes – even notebooks means the resources are not there and these children need extra support because of the daily difficulties their families face. I have known many of these children from PIZZ School since they were very young. The changes are dramatic – particularly in their liveliness and confidence – something you can't measure. Hundreds have been given a chance to realise at least some of their dreams.

I have met many more friends over the past few days and the smiles say it all. More of that next time!

I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to return to my second home.

With my love and prayers,

Chris

An Imminent Return

Preparing to Return

I am busy sorting myself out for the next trip to Monze. I managed to get COVID and Flu boosters today, I have had a Typhoid booster which brings all my jabs up to date – though I wasn't pleased that I was told by my surgery that I had to go private for this jab, despite being within the prescribed time frame. I managed to squeeze in another blood donation – I might still get to 100!!

I keep remembering bits and pieces I need to find or buy. I have a “new” laptop which I need to set up for my use in Zambia. There is no chance however that it will make the return journey. I am receiving lists from my friends – many requests will not be met!! My mosquito net received a wash today – it should be retreated tomorrow.

I have some solar lights to take out – though somehow I have mislaid a couple! Some years back I visited a rural health centre. I remember seeing a patient leaving in an ox-cart – ambulances are still very much a luxury in Zambia. The midwives were complaining that women would come to the clinic during the night, about to give birth, and they would forget to bring with them a candle! The thought of delivering by the light of a candle is not something to contemplate – let alone delivering without one!! I decided that there must be a way of improving the situation. So next year I brought a solar security light with me which could be switched to stay on constantly. I wasn't sure how effective it would be, but I thought it was worth a go! After some months, I asked my friend Jennipher whether it was OK and how long it would stay lit. She told me it lit the room all night. Apparently a women was so pleased she decided to name a child after me. So some poor Zambian child now bears the name Barrell!!

I have been glancing at the weather in Zambia and for some weeks - it appears to be sunny and upper 20s or low 30s. I can remember not seeing any cloud for 4 weeks or so on past visits! After such a period, even a small cloud is a delight!

As usual I approach the trip with joy, but also some trepidation. I know that I will find that some friends are no longer around and that I will experience some harrowing scenes. Many of my friends face great challenges – some health related, but most have economic problems. Many find it increasingly difficult to support their families. Providing education is a huge challenge and, although in theory a lot is free, I know from my friends that without external support the children would not be educated.

Many of my friends have tried to develop businesses, but for various reasons these often struggle and some fail. I will be faced with many challenges – particularly on this visit. There is a lot to catch up on since my last visit in 2019.

I will keep you up to date with my adventures.

Take care,

Chris

 

A family Death

 

Selina Shakele 2001 - 2020

In 2004 I met Jennipher. She came to the hospital guest house where I was staying and was looking for some support. At this time Jennipher had just started taking ARVs (antiretrovirol drugs) to control AIDs. Jennipher had two children of her own, one was stillborn and the other died very young.

The rate of HIV infection was, and still is, very high in Zambia. Many young people die from the

disease. Jennipher lost a number of siblings in the 90s and early 2000s and took in their children as her own. Selina became part of Jennipher's family when she was a baby.

When I returned to Zambia in 2005 Jennipher introduced me to her family. At this time Selina was a small toddler. There are two reactions to me from very young children in Zambia. They are either frightened and scream every time they see me or they smile and we make friends. Selina was of the latter temperament. I have always enjoying playing with my children and grandchildren and Selina would easily burst into laughter as she bounced on my knee and we played some games.

It wasn't very long before Jennipher's family became an extended part of my family. Each year I make several visits to Jennipher's home and she regularly comes around to wherever I am staying in Monze, Zambia. Sometimes she visits with some of her family. In 2014 she came to the UK and stayed at our home.

Over the years I would be greeted by smiles as Selina ran into my arms. Jennipher always has plenty of children around - some of whom she unofficially adopted. Selina had plenty of playmates and as she got older she would help look after some of the younger children.

As with all children life has it's events and challenges. Life in Pemba means being close to the land and animals. Vegetables are grown in the garden, chickens provide eggs and meat, goats give milk and are killed on special occasions.

In 2008 Selina broke an arm and spent several weeks in Monze Mission Hospital under traction - a great burden for an active child. I happened to be in Monze at the time and made several visits to see her in the hospital.

She went to the local school and in time passed her grade 9 exams and progressed to secondary school. She was a boarder at Pemba Secondary School. Boarding in Zambia is very different to what we are familiar with in the UK - for instance you need to bring your own mattress, soap etc! It meant that in recent years she was not aways able to egt to meet me.

A couple of years back Selina became pregnant and gave birth to a baby girl - who was named Maria after a friend of mine who Jennipher came to know when she visited the UK and who died last year from cancer. Maria has been brought up by Jennipher while Selina continued her studies.

Last year Selina improved her grade 12 results and started an agricultural course at an institute near the capital Lusaka.

In June I was told that Selina tested positive for COVID 19. Apparently she had to go into quarantine, but didn't require any treatment. During this month (August) she became ill and was taken to hospital where I understand the doctors recommended treatment with insulin. I discussed the issue with Jennipher. It is always very difficult to try to assess medical issues and relevant treatment in Zambia. My medical knowledge is extremely limited, medical facilities in Zambia are very poor and obtaining good advice is not easy. Jennipher suggested that Selina returned with her to Pemba where she thought she could get the relevant treatment and I agreed that would seem to be a sensible approach.

Selina spent a couple of days in the clinic, where I understand she was given a course of insulin treatment.

She returned home with Jennipher but awoke early the next morning, was sick and soon passed away.

Selina was a very part of my Zambian family and I will miss her a lot. Like so many she was taken too soon and never reached her potential.

May she rest in peace.

Chris

A Birthday to Remember

Saturday 30^th November

I don't tend to make a big thing of my birthday, but this year seems a bit different – more of that later!!

Yesterday I knew that a couple of people were due to call around.

I had arranged to see Hennah and her mother Euphrasia. I have kept in touch with them for a number of years and wanted to know how they were getting on. Water is a big problem this year – this morning I saw three women carrying 20 litre buckets of water along the road and in the other direction and at the same time, a guy was rolling a drum of water – perhaps 200 litres along the road.

In Euphrasia's area they had no water taps, so some of the people came together to pay for a line to be brought from the water main. People are now able to obtain taps at their houses for a more reasonable cost. Hennah has passed some nursing assistant qualifications, but has yet to receive her papers. In both instances they are things we take for granted. Not only a tap in our yard, but throughout the house! The idea that somehow after passing your exams – you still have no official confirmation six months later is outside our experience.

Luke and Diven arrived together! Luke was on time and had travelled from Chikuni to see me, so we chatted under the veranda and in the garden, while Diven waited inside. Chikuni is a small town in a rural area. The town is built around some Jesuit communities. There is a Jesuit School and hospital. If life is difficult in town, in the rural areas, where people are reliant on growing their own food to survive, it is much worse. Luke told me that some people have nothing and have to live on wild fruits, leaves and roots in order to survive. We had some discussion about churches building huge expensive structures and buying expensive vehicles, while people have nothing to eat. It seems to me that there are some who have lost their way – others of course are totally committed to relieving the plight of the poorest people and the churches are also in the forefront of providing support.

Power came on so I got busy cooking while chatting to Diven. We still haven't an answer to his business challenges!

Jennipher was delayed and missed supper!! We decided to postpone our joint birthday party as there were other events taking place.

Dilys had been in touch during the day to discuss planting trees on my birthday. For those not aware it appears that there is an attempt to get 1 million of my UK friends to plant trees to celebrate my 70^th Birthday. At least I think that is what I read!!

My granddaughter Amy had obtained permission to plant an oak tree in Cheltenham – I believe they even identified a good central position for the planting. The only problem was she hadn't obtained an oak tree! Dilys rang around to try to locate one, but at such short notice she had no luck. I put a brief message on Facebook in a final attempt to locate a tree just before midnight (Zambian Time – GMT+2)

This morning, despite a late night, I arose at about 6.15 and headed for 7 am mass at the cathedral. Unfortunately they seem to have changed mass on Saturday to start at 6.30 to match the weekday mass time. I would have been early for the 7 am mass, so at least I was present for the main sections and didn't miss mass completely.

Yesterday the ATM was not dispensing cash and I had little faith that it had been filled. However, to my relief the money was flowing once again.

I was going to relax and do a little bird watching, but Raymond was determined to come and visit! He brought me a birthday card and a big bag of mangoes picked fresh from the tree. He stayed an hour or so and we spotted a few birds between us. In fact, like most people Raymond is much better at bird spotting than me! We saw a blue waxwing – small birds that make me think of cartoon creatures. They look as if they have sat in a pot of blue paint! We also saw a pigeon – possibly a laughing dove.

Ireen promised to have a shirt ready for my birthday and I was to collect it at 10 hrs. I called around at her shop around 12.30 to see her busy with a number of sections of my shirt!! It was a long way off being ready to wear!! She said she would ring me Monday or Tuesday when all three will be complete!! We shall see !!!

I had built in a little slack, but now I was ahead of schedule. I decided to check out the Southern Comfort Motel. Originally I was going to celebrate Jennipher's birthday of 24^th November with mine today. When I was told the children were gathering at Our Lady's church at 14hrs. I wondered whether we could meet at Comfort Lodge as it is known. In the end it was decided to rearrange for another day. Anyway I had an excuse to call in and see whether it would be a possibility for next week. Then I thought of a cup of tea and my mind was made up.

I needed to see Diven briefly, so I arranged for him to meet me at “Comfort Lodge”.

When I arrived I asked whether there was any chance of a cup of tea. The manager (and it seemed, the cook and waiter as well!) Seemed very doubtful that tea could be provided – power was off! After a few moments hesitation he told me to make myself comfortable and he would try to conjure up some tea!

It took twenty minutes or so, but a pot of tea arrived, together with an egg sandwich, some coleslaw and tomato – not that I remember ordering the extras!! I was very grateful and decided that I should enjoy my birthday treat – even if I was now running late for my meeting with the children – due at 14 hrs.

Diven didn't appear and I was reminded of my last day in Monze in May.

Ireen promised to finish my shirts a few days before I left. Eventually, on the morning that I was leaving, after my bus had passed us heading for the stop, where the passengers would have a break of about fifteen minutes, I collected the shirts she had been working on for the previous half hour, with only the buttons left to be sewed on – oh and the button holes still had to be made!!

Diven wanted to say goodbye and would meet me at Roadhouse – the bus stop. I rang him and yes he was there! I arrived complete with shirts, quickly bought tickets, but couldn't see Diven! I rang again and he admitted he was in a taxi very close – a couple of minutes passed and the bus was about to leave! I left with Diven chasing behind!!!

On this occasion Diven caught up with me at Our Lady of the Wayside church.

The children were gathering – more than a hundred in total. At about 15 hrs they were ready. They started with a prayer and then launched into “Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday Chris, How old are you?”.

The children present are from families suffering the most from food shortages. Their families will have received some extra food from the funds sent by my church in Cheltenham. A small amount was also raised by the children back in the UK and it was thought appropriate to do something for the children here with that money. When I was told the day chosen, I admitted that it was my birthday and hence Fr. Wilson hatched this plan. Fortunately I have never experience real hunger, but I imagine that it saps your strength and can lead to a sense of helplessness. I am sure that it is easy to lose any hope.

Meeting with others can help – an excuse for a bit of singing and dancing in itself can raise the spirits. The children are of primary school age. Though there are no school fees for primary schools the children are expected to meet certain standards. They need to obtain their own notebooks and pencils. They are not expected to go to school dirty or with unwashed uniforms. At the moment the families cannot manage to feed the children properly - there is no spare money for books or even soap!

Each of these children received a notebook, pencil, bar of soap and/or some washing paste.

Its hard to understand that these small gifts could mean the difference between continuing in school or being sent home facing more stigma and humiliation.

After watching the distribution of goods, the huge birthday cake, with which I was presented was cut and distributed.

Fr. Wilson took me then to see a building which will be let to students at a nearby college. The idea is to buy this property for the parish and generate some income. Income from some of the rooms will be earmarked to support elderly and vulnerable parishioners.

Fr Wilson dropped me back home where I made a quick cup of tea to make use of some electricity. I rang Raymond and Diven. Raymond had informed me that “Debonnaires PIZZA” had opened on my birthday and he liked PIZZA!! Diven and Raymond both being friends I met on my first visit in 2003, I thought it appropriate for the three of us to celebrate my birthday with a PIZZA!

In the event – as this was the first PIZZA restaurant in Monze and its opening day – the place was packed, with a queue coming out of the door! and there was nowhere to sit. I suggested that we retreat to Food Royal close by and perhaps have a PIZZA another day! So that's what we did – eating more traditional fare!

My birthday concluded with a walk down a semi-dark road to my house. I enjoyed reflecting on the day and looking at an upturned moon which, like the Cheshire Cat, was just left with a smile!!

I did pop over to the staff room when the power returned just after 10 pm. Dilys had already rung to confirm that an oak was planted in my honour, together with other trees.

For a long time I have wanted to grow an oak. The oak is a very special English tree. It is big and strong, full of character with branches that go in all directions and show all the cracks and creases that come with age. It is loved by a huge variety of insects and birds - it grows large and can live to a great age. I have had a couple of issues when trying to grow an oak – one was that even when I found some acorns, I could never get them to germinate. The second was, if I had succeeded, where would I plant it? Oaks are not really suitable garden trees unless you have a huge plot!

My appeal on Facebook for a tree was successful. My friend Brenda had a self sown sapling in her garden - probably from a tree she grew from an acorn, found I believe at Prinknash. Dilys planted it along with my daughters and grandchildren.

I am very pleased that I now have a very special oak tree – made even more special because of the links with friends, family and Prinknash - somewhere which has had a special place in my life. I hope it thrives and outlives me by at least a couple of hundred years!!

I couldn't think of a better birthday present.

Best Wishes,

Chris

Too many coffins

21st March 2015

Maambo was buried today.

Maambo had too short a life. She died after fighting illness for the past few years. I met her sometime ago when she was in need of some support. Jennipher did her best to help her through difficult times and Maambo responded by supporting Jennipher. She enabled Jennipher to visit the UK last year by being the main carer for Jennipher's children. May she rest in peace.

A lot has happened since my last blog. I will summarise the key events here and fill in the details in subsequent posts. Best has returned to Monze from Livingstone, he has rented an office and is offering legal services. Diven is beginning to sell from his new shop along St. Mary's Road in Monze. Solomon has been very unwell and was not expected to live a few weeks back. Luke's younger brother has started teacher training. Obert is getting a little work as a taxi driver using a friend's car.

The PEASSA project effectively stopped operating some months back. The manager of the major site left without notice. Foot and mouth disease prevented the pigs being sold from the other site. Charles (the PEASSA Director) has been away from Monze on various courses for the past year or more and hasn't been able to deal with the issues. Raymond keeps in touch with me and I try to ensure that his clients - which surprisingly seem to be increasing in number - have some food every so often. Charles has been ill and needed an operation in Lusaka a few weeks back - he is currently recovering.

I had an hour long Skype session with Mrs. Sianga on Thursday. The number of children at the school has increased from 215 last year to 380 currently.

Everyday orphaned children come to her office begging to be granted a place at the school. Some no doubt are tempted by the offer of food and a nice uniform, but that doesn't make them less in need of the chance to escape from a life of poverty. Mrs Sianga faces tremendous challenges - new courses have to be taught including computing - with only 3 laptops and no electricity at the senior school this isn't easy, not to mention the need for new sets of textbooks. Registration Fees have increased from 500 kwacha to 8,000! (about £800). I recognise that for us fundraising can be difficult, but if we find it hard, how can we possibly expect the poor people of Monze to raise the money. I am determined not to let Mrs. Sianga down - more importantly I don't want to take away the hope of the 380 children currently at the school and those now in secondary or higher education. I have a lot of work to do and will need lots of help.

Take care,

Chris

The real work begins

Wednesday 10th November

I wasn't wrong about a bit of work coming my way!!

I met with Mrs. Sianga at PIZZ school at 9hrs – after another very late night, I slept in until after 7 hrs this morning! The grade 9 students are sitting their examinations next week. I was invited to meet them and say a few words. I greeted them, talked about the English weather and wished them good luck with their exams. Afterwards 6 students were chosen to talk to me a little about how being at the school had helped them. I also asked them what they would like to do given the opportunity. It was difficult for them being put on the spot, but I tried to put them at their ease and listened to what they had to say – Cleemore, a boy of 15, told me that without the school some of them would be out on the streets. He was pleased that they had uniforms and even got breakfast. It is very humbling to be thanked for such simple things. I hope that we are able to help more children like Cleemore and somehow ensure that he and his friends never have to go back to the streets. One of the teachers told me that the growing number of street children in Monze is becoming a major problem.

After having an enjoyable chat with the students, I next had a meeting with four of the teachers – the Headteacher and School Director (Mrs. Sianga) were also present. It proved a very useful discussion that enabled us to get to know each other better. As I repeat endlessly, building relationships is everything. The teachers here have a difficult time. Many have been waiting for a government job for years, after completing their training. PIZZ school takes the most disadvantaged children – so they cannot afford fees. The teachers inevitably are paid a lot less than they would get from the government, so they at least need to know that they are valued and that they are making a positive contribution to the lives of the students and their families. Hands Around the World, who I represent here, have recently introduced a sponsorship scheme that helps with some of that funding and allows the sponsor from the UK to receive feedback on one of the students. (You can find more on the website www.hatw.org.uk )

Jennipher was in town again today. She had received a message that one of her children – Mike – had collapsed at school. She was on her way to Namala, where he boards, to collect him and take him back to Pemba – a round trip of a hundred miles or so. She was meant to meet me tomorrow for another small project, but we will need to see how Mike is.

After lunch I met with Vincent to talk about the Diocesan projects. He has done a lot of work analysing details of a questionnaire using spreadsheets. It is clear he has a very good understanding of the capabilities of Excel and has done a good job. I think that the most useful thing for me to do is to give him some training on designing ACCESS databases. I think he will pick it up quickly and all being well he won't need me after I leave! It is always much better if you can pass on skills rather than provide services. When problems arise it is very difficult to sort them from the UK, if local people have the skills they can resolve problems and develop solutions themselves. I will import all the base data from the spreadsheets which is only 20 – 30 hours work!! (Let's hope I can reduce that!), do a few days training, work with Vincent to develop a few reports and put my feet up on Friday afternoon!!

Next stop Dr. Mvula! Fortunately he was still in his meeting and not likely to emerge any time soon, so those bits of shopping I hadn't got around to – including the umbrella – were fitted in. Of course I greeted a great number of friends around town, including, Patrick, Mr. Chiiya, Bimbi, Fr. Kenan and Marvel. Marvel was one of the many I didn't recognise. He reminded me that we moulded bricks together in 2003 on my first visit to Monze. He was driving past and had a young lad in the front seat with him. He told me it wasn't his son but he now had a daughter the same age. In Zambia, having a driving licence means you are doing better than most – if you can afford fuel for the car you really are doing well! (By the way, a litre of petrol is just under £1 at the moment and the most Zambians earn less than £1 in a day.)

I am easing myself back into cooking – Dilys has been looking after me recently at home. Supper this evening was a sausage stir-fry with onions, spring onions, carrot, sweet pepper, green beans and aubergine, together with a helping of rice. (I have no problem with my five a day – in fact I am probably overdosing on fruit and vegetables – just wait till the mangoes on the tree outside become ripe!!)

Tonight I need an early night and I have said more than enough for today!!

Bye

Chris