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To donate to this Family Care Foundation Project, please note Project NAME and then click here. Orphans in Zambia Zambia, in the heart of sub-Saharan Africa, has a population of 10 million. Official statistics putting the HIV/AIDS infection rate at 25%, though it is more unofficially estimated at 45%. The number of orphans in the country is somewhere between 800,000 and 1,000,000. It is difficult to get accurate numbers in a country that has a large rural population.
Orphans are typically cared for by relatives who absorb nieces, nephews, cousins and grandchildren into their already large households. Many of the surviving relatives are elderly grandparents or aunts and uncles. In just a few years as these guardians pass on even greater numbers of children will be left without support.
The scenario puts a huge strain on families in a country with only 4% of its citizens in gainful employment. Because of the strain felt by these extended families, many orphaned children do not have the opportunity to go to school, much less receive the type of education that would allow them to become productive members of society.
Rural Orphanage
We undertook the renovation of a 30-room hotel, “way out in the boonies”, with the vision to convert this rural property into an orphanage, plus staff quarters.
Our aim is to give our children the best care possible, and so we have one nanny each shift to handle three toddlers.
Misconceptions, and existing Health Conditions The average life expectancy for a Zambian is 31 years, the lowest in the world. Why is this? While we can put much of the blame on HIV/AIDS, the infection rate of many other diseases must also be factored in, for example:
Many of these diseases can be prevented through awareness programs. Unfortunately, since Zambia has many indigenous beliefs and traditions, educating or changing the mentality of how things are done is no small task.
Amy holds health seminars with women from the community. Topics include:
Because of traditions and culture, we have to address what are common misconceptions. For instance, one of the teachings that are introduced here is that vegetables give you worms so you shouldn't eat them much. Our maid was even given this message at the local hospital! So we have to explain over and over how different diseases are introduced and how to prevent them.
We explain that health is determined by proper diet. We teach the different food groups and how you need vegetables, fruit, protein and starch each day. This is a bit difficult in a poor country as there is not money to spare for eating right. So we encourage them to grow a small vegetable garden near the house to help in this. Also teaching them how to use the money they do have in the smartest way in order to get the right types of food. For example, for the money that you spend on a soda you can buy two or three eggs.
Many people have the idea that it is too expensive to live a healthy life. They don't want to take vitamins because their appetite may increase. They think that in order to be healthy requires a lot of money. We teach them to use inexpensive items like salt, soap and water to prevent or treat most common illness.
Education, and a School in the Slums Education is obviously a big factor in child development. Since Zambia is a developing country, these three educational essentials--schools, teachers and good educational material--are difficult to come by. While schools are available, only 67% of school age children attend school. Children from kindergarten to 7th grade pay an admission fee of $20-40 per school year. From 8th to 12th they pay around $50 per year. This is expensive for the average parent, who might only make $375 for the whole year. The average teacher is making about $50 per month and is supposed to get an additional housing allowance. Salaries and other benefits are commonly late and strikes are frequent. To top this off, sicknesses such as HIV/AIDS, Malaria, TB and a mountain of other things add to the declining school standard. It was reported that in one district, only 30% of the education was taught in the school year!
We supplement a school in the slums of Lusaka. Pastor Sakala administrated the school by faith until he met us. With a combined effort, "The Flying Angels School" continues to prosper and grow. Several new buildings have been added with the help of the local community.
To complete the school vision, three more buildings need to be constructed. One will be a library where the students and teachers can access reading and reference material. We have outfitted the school with close to 1000 books from the States. This has been a tremendous blessing as readers in general are very expensive in Zambia.
Currently there are over 500 children attending the school. Half are attending free of charge, while the rest are paying a minimal amount according to the financial situation of the parents. Over 150 children are orphans that are cared for by a relative. The school employs sixteen teachers and staff members. They have two shifts: one from 7a.m.-12 p.m. and the other from 1-4 p.m.
This school, including salaries, schoolbooks, security, etc. can be run on a budget of $500 a month. A small tuck shop (general store) was built that contains items that are cheap enough for the locals to buy. Also, the teachers can run a tab that is paid at the end of the month. Our “Chief Ministry”
Since our arrival in the country in 2002, we have been able to meet several chiefs from around Zambia. Now, not every foreign visitor to Zambia is able to make personal contact with these traditional rulers, let alone become well acquainted with them.
In meeting with these chiefs we found that many chiefs become leaders over thousands of people without having any training for this enormous task. They may have gone through life as a bank accountant or shop manager before being called upon to take on the responsibilities of the chief. So we saw a need to offer leadership classes specifically designed for traditional rulers and their unique needs.
In 2005 we began work on a leadership course, which we eventually named “The Chief’s Leadership Handbook”. Chiefs have come to our facility and proceed through the material that they say is a real help to them. Of course, we are careful to respect their culture and traditions while still staying true to our convictions and beliefs.
When meeting with these traditional rulers, we also find out what some of their other needs may be and try to assist them by making practical suggestions or pointing them in the right direction so they can find the help they need. For example, one chief was having difficulty with another chief moving in on his land. Tom was able to find satellite photos and print them out so the chief could use them with his report to assist the investigation. Tom has also put together idea sheets for improving on tourist attractions and ways to bring development into their areas.
To donate to this Family Care Foundation Project, please note Project NAME and then click here. |
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