Providing seeds, fresh water and solar-powered water reticulation systems for schools and communities in Zambia. Thousands of rural children must walk several miles each way to get to school, women draw water from rivers and streams. In October temperatures soar to over 40 degrees C (100 degrees F), and no rain has fallen since April, resulting in food supplies being depleted. Children walk to school without breakfast, relying on school feeding program, which could be their only meal of the day.
Rural communities in Zambia have been decimated by the HIV/AIDS pandemic, leaving 1.2 million orphaned children. Poverty is extreme, with two thirds of the population living on less than $2 a day.
The Butterfly Tree supports rural schools in Zambia. Due to extreme poverty many children only receive one meal per day, therefore it is essential to initiate feeding programs in schools. Some walk up to ten miles each way to seek an education and cannot afford to bring a packed lunch. If seeds are provided teachers and pupils can grow maize, beans and vegetables in their school gardens. This can create sustainability for the school and any surplus produce can be sold to the local community.
The long-term effect will be very beneficial. Schools producing their own food will alleviate hunger, which can lead to malnutrition and poor health, this and the provision of safe water will provide sustainability. Boreholes and solar-powered water systems will supply everyone with water during the dry season when water is in short supply, especially in times of drought. The long-term impact is for the benefit of children, schools and the community at large.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
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