Support Vulnerable Children in Monze, Zambia

Some of the challenges of Covid 19 have been the same the world over and yet in some areas, even where infection rates appear to have been relatively low, coping with restrictions and regulations has been especially difficult. One such place is Monze in the southern province of Zambia where our partner project, Pizz School, is situated. As in many places teachers, support staff and pupils have had to cope with both fear of the deadly virus and with the reluctance of some to adhere to guidelines for social distancing and the wearing of face coverings.

Throughout the progress of the pandemic the staff of Pizz School have been there to guide, encourage and support the vulnerable children who are part of their community, helping to keep them safe and cared for. Behind the staff are the supporters of Hands Around The World, who have maintained sponsorship of the project and donated money towards the additional expenses brought by Covid. It’s hard to observe hand hygiene without adequate washing facilities and so HATW has supplied bowls and soap to enable the school to meet government criteria. Orphaned children are often cared for by extended family members who have struggled to provide for these children because of rising food prices associated with poor rains followed by the pandemic. HATW has provided funds for basic supplies to be given to those most in need. Learning at home is a real challenge in an area where evenings are dark and most rural homes are without electricity and so, thanks to HATW supporters the school is able to supply solar lamps to pupils.

Despite every attempt being made to maintain contact with all pupils during school closure there are inevitably some sad stories. Meg (not her real name) temporarily dropped through the net and, being desperate to support herself and her ailing grandmother, took the sad decision to prostitute herself to get money for food. When Pizz staff were able to make contact they found her in advanced pregnancy. Contact is now maintained and Meg has been provided with emotional support, food and clothing for her baby. It is hoped that she will return to education one day. Everyone at Hands Around The World and at Pizz School would like to express their gratitude to all those who, during a period which has been difficult throughout the world, have kept a global outlook and reached out beyond their own community.