Help train Zambian children and young people

The past few months at Kaliyangile have been challenging, but everyone is working hard to move forward, supporting the vulnerable teenagers in Chisamba.

The project has always looked into ways of maximising the effectiveness of its activities. In its early days, a substantial water system was introduced with a wind pump and a series of tanks and reservoirs. Repair of the wind pump is being carried out to prevent reliance on the erratic electricity supply. But unfortunately the incubator does rely on electricity and because of power rationing (known as 'load-shedding' - which means planned lengthy daily power cuts) it cannot currently be used.

The sow will be sold on so that the piggery project can be put back on track.

The bee keeping course and the computing training are well under way, also giving the students opportunities to acquire some extra income.

Matilda – a former Kaliyangile student – is now working from home, having bought her own sewing machine. She told me that she had plenty of customers for her products and she was also able to provide clothes for her children so that they were no longer “running around in rags”. It is good to see former students able to look after themselves and their families. Matilda would like to get a treadle machine that will enable her to work faster.

Life in Zambia is always hard for most people, and particularly in the long dry season. Often there is no rain at all from Easter right through until November!  Poor harvests in recent years have made life even more difficult – and with the drop in world copper prices, the value of the currency, the Zambian Kwacha, has dropped dramatically leading to a greatly increased cost of living. Providing help to give teenagers extra skills is even more important to help them through the difficult times.

Thank you very much for your much-valued ongoing support.

I write this update from Zambia having just visited the project at Chisamba.

In addition to their tailoring classes the students are busy with other activities.

They are all involved in the agricultural side of the project gaining useful life skills. At this time the maize is being harvested – as predicted the centre has beaten the poor rains and gathered more produce than last year. Arrangements are being made to collect the piles of maize from the fields and bring them to the centre, where the seeds will be removed from the cobs. It is hoped that, if funding can be found, a grinding machine can be bought to continue the process of producing the flour. Such a machine will also provide a further source of income for the project.

The first honey is now due for harvesting and the students are keen to be involved in the practical work of turning the honeycomb into jars of honey and beeswax candles. The forestry commission is keen to join forces with Kaliyangile to provide comprehensive training.

Two or three of the cows are 'in calf' and it is expected that milking will recommence in October or November.

An additional area has been set aside to grow vegetables and a heavy crop of tomatoes will be ripe very shortly.

Together with the pigs, fish and poultry there is a wide range of agricultural experiences for the students to encounter.

The computer classes are very popular. The main challenge at the moment is acquiring some more equipment.

We are very grateful for your ongoing support and encouragement!