Help train Zambian children and young people

The hammer mill is now installed and will make a big difference by creating additional income and enabling feed for the livestock to be produced from the by-products.

Honey is being produced for sale locally and the students are gaining a useful skill. Some have been provided with hives to enable them to start production at home.

There is a great demand for computer training from the young people in and around Chisamba. Though the centre would like to try to meet this need, they don;t currently possess enough equipment to establish courses. They are hopeful that they will acquire some computers before long.

We are approaching the rainy season in Zambia. This is the time when preparations are being made for planting crops, until then there is little for the cattle to graze and additional feed needs to be provided.

During the year the centre has concentrated on developing income streams, such as the hammer mill and piggery, to enable it to attain self-sustainability. We look forward to more students gaining skills in the coming months and years.

Thanks for your support.

Chris Barrell

As I am currently in Zambia, I was able to visit the project this week. The Centre is looking smart with some extra flowers planted in front of the buildings. This gives a cheerful welcome to the students and guests, and will provide some extra food for our bees.

Good progress is being made towards full self-sustainability of the project. There are now 20 pigs. Some will be sold and others exchanged to improve the stock. A hammer mill has been purchased with the support of Hands Around the World – this should be fully installed and operational within the next week or two. The hammer mill will produce maize meal (flour) from the corn cobs. As a by product it will provide food for the pigs and cattle, reducing the need to buy feed.

Training in tailoring and knitting is continuing - as are the literacy classes and bee-keeping. Some of the past students are becoming involved in providing training for new students. Uniforms, jumpers and scarves are being made for local schools - this will provide a small income, both for the project and those involved in the production.

Co-operation with local forestry department continues to work well and new links are being made with the local church, where some youth people are being encouraged to join courses at the centre.

Your continued support is greatly appreciated and is helping to sustain the project.

Thanks

Chris Barrell