Some months ago, I found an envelope in my post box with five crisp £20 notes inside.
On reading the envelope, I saw that the money was not for me of course but was ‘to do something good in Africa’ and was from a member of our Club.
This is the second time that I have found such a gift in my post box and the generosity of our fellow member is most remarkable.
We support in the main, three projects in Africa- two in Zambia and one in
the Democratic Republic of Congo.It was decided on this occasion that the funds donated would be sent to the Kanyama Free Baptist School in Kanyama, Zambia and would provide enough for an end of term School Fun Day.
The intention was that this would give approximately 270 youngsters the chance to have a fun packed day with games, music and simple party food, the likes of which they would not ordinarily receive.
What we here think of as normal, and in most cases take for granted, that is the ability of children to just be children for a day as a relief from the poverty and deprivation that simply put, is daily life in this part of Zambia is something that they would appreciate and remember fondly.
The very fact that someone, and someone that they don’t know, is thinking of them means so much to them and also, to their families.With Covid-19 school restrictions the July end of term ‘do’ became a September start of term ‘do’ and I received the following thanks just recently from the school principle- Beston Chilimalema.
My message of thanks to the person who sent the money for our children;
We have been working with you and the Rotary Club of Wolverhampton for a long time and what I have come to know and understand about you is that, for you to help these children or support the school at large is because:
– You know the importance of education.
– You know that education is basic human rights for all children.
– You know that children who have access to quality primary schooling have a better chance in life.
– You know that a child who knows how to read, write and do basic arithmetic has a solid foundation for continued learning throughout life.
– You also know that education is critically important to children’s social integration and psychosocial well – being.
– you believe that school attendance and having some fun or celebrations at school from time to time, helps children affected by trauma to regain a sense of normalcy and recover from psychosocial impacts of their experiences and disrupted lives.
– You know that health children learn better because good nutrition is linked to better behaviour and academic performance.
Having said that, I want to tell you that, you are game changers.
You are saints everyday and what you do is not in vain.
You stand up and help others and live for others and do things for others just to make them better. You believe that, there is nothing more beautiful than someone who goes out of their way to make life beautiful for others. May God bless you for being available for others. This kind of support only comes from people who have large hearts and kind intentions to make donations such as yours. Thank you for your most generous, continued and vital support. We can’t do it without you and we greatly appreciate your willingness to be a helping hand.
You will see from the photographs what a special day the youngsters had- and all because of the anonymous generosity of a member of our club, alongside the support that the club gives the school throughout the year
I have visited the Kanyama Township several times. It really is difficult to describe. That this member gave all those youngsters such joy, though only on one day, their memory will last for quite some time.
On behalf of everyone- thank you.
Mike Boyce
We missed having the Mayor and the children from Merridale Primary School along to help, shown here in last year’s photo. That takes us to 55,000 crocus planted over the years. Let’s hope it’s back to normal service soon!!
ars is on course to open in January 2021 when 185 boys and girls will begin to receive a much better standard of education, and employment will be provided for 6 teachers.
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