Zambia Trip Update, By Scott Barbeau - April 2008

This March I spent a week with our partner organization, Hope Ministries in Ndola, Zambia, and I continue to be very encouraged and excited about the ongoing changes with the children, school, orphanage, and overall organization.  I had the opportunity to spend time at the school, orphanage, and office. The children at both the school and orphanage appear to be healthier and more vibrant.  The overall attitude of the staff is very positive.  People understand their roles more clearly and the new personnel that have been hired seem to be committed and qualified.  The new orphanage building is expected to be finished in June of this year, providing they receive the expected funding.   If you’re interested, here’s some more detailed information about our Partners in Ndola.

School

As crowded and busy as the school is, things appear to be running quite smoothly.   I had the opportunity to help with the lunch program which provides the children with a nutritious meal four times a week.   For many of the children this may be their only meal of the day.  The program appears to be well organized and efficient.  We fed over 200 children each day, each one receiving nshima, chicken and gravy, and a small vegetable portion.  Given the number of students who attend school for the day, the children may receive less food, which is difficult to watch. 

Although conditions continue to improve, the school is still lacking in resources, with a limited number of teaching aids, few books for the teachers or children, and only basic supplies.  The classes are overcrowded.  In fact, they have built a small, temporary shelter adjacent to the school building which gives the teachers another room to have class.   There are currently 6 teachers at the school, and Hope has applied to the government for an additional 1-2 teachers. 

Sponsorship Program

Currently, there are 94 children who are sponsored through Spark Ventures, and 146 children waiting to be sponsored.  I am encouraged by significant improvements in the quality and frequency of the correspondence with the sponsors.  Once a month a group of the children receive sponsorship letters from us and spend time with the teachers after school to write a return letter.  The practice of writing letters, in and of itself is a good educational activity for the children.  Additionally, the children, as well as the sponsors, seem to get a lot out of writing and receiving letters, notes, and pictures. 

During my visit, I had the opportunity to join the teachers and students to write some return letters.  This helped me understand how difficult and time consuming it is, as few of these children understand English.  Also, English is a second language for the teachers, which provides more challenges.

Building Project

Hope has made great progress on the orphanage building over the last year.  The outer wall is near completion and the new orphanage is expected to be finished in June of this year, providing Hope gets the expected funding.  Hope has been able to employ men from the local village to help with the construction project. 

Financial Audit

I spent a half-day with the office staff doing a financial audit.  Hope was also in the midst of completing a full audit, performed by a recognized public accounting firm from Ndola.  Both audits were satisfactory.  The organization appears very organized and complete regarding their financial statements and books.  We have full confidence that the financial resources we send go directly to the care, health and education of these vulnerable children and to those who have committed their lives to them.

Needs

Currently, we provide Hope with an operating budget that helps them meet their basic monthly needs.  It is also our objective to help Hope reach new goals by providing them support for additional necessities.  The projects range from $500 to $50,000 and we would welcome contributions specifically allocated to any of them.  Hope’s greatest unmet needs are:

· Meal program expansion
· School curriculum resources
· Staff insurance
· Incremental salary increases
· Van  
· Funds for construction of the school  
· Purchase of additional land  
· Initial investments for local income generators, such as a chicken run and vegetable garden

We are excited about the many changes and improvements to the lives and community of our partners in Ndola, Zambia. It is only possible with your support.