5 August 2009

Cedric’s School Project to Start

We are delighted to report that the Cedric’s School Project will officially commence next month. We are all grateful to all our supporters for helping us to reach the target of NZ$440,000 for the first year. The Websters expect to arrive in Zambia on 24 August, and the Raymonds on 15 September. The purchase legalities will need to be completed, and although we already have many plans for the school, we expect to meet with the staff and the PTA to get their thoughts. A water system and toilet blocks will be high on the agenda, with assistance from the Kitwe Rotary Club. We value your prayers as we face a heavy workload during what will be the hottest time of year in Central Africa.

Accommodation Needs

Upon arrival in Zambia we expect to stay temporarily in guest houses provided by John and Kendra Enright at Kafakumba. Construction of the one-bedroom guest houses that we have planned for the Limapela Farm is due to begin later this month, so should be under way by the time we arrive in Zambia. Power and water will need to be connected. This is not as straightforward in rural Zambia as it might be in New Zealand, but when all is finished we expect to live in these guest houses until funding allows us to build larger homes.

Orphans at Cedric’s School

You might remember reading in June that most of the orphans enrolled in January were withdrawn because their care-givers could not afford the fees that were introduced that term. We are pleased to say that every attempt is now being made to get these children back into school. We are grateful to those of you who are now committed to fee sponsorship. This scheme will be implemented as soon as Limapela takes charge of the school.

A Tribute to Cedric Whittemore

British settler farmer Cedric Whittemore started the school in 1979 when a teacher came to him looking for work. It had not been Cedric’s plan to start a school, but he realised that the children of his employees needed an education, and so did the many children of other employees in the farming block. Once things began, Cedric’s enthusiasm grew, and he used to come and sit at the back of a classroom from time to time to watch the children learn. Until this year, he did not charge fees, so all running expenses were funded from his own pocket. Today 260 children are enrolled in grades 1–7 and the school enjoys a very good reputation for its standards of teaching and achievement. Where would these children be today without Cedric Whittemore’s generous heart and vision for his community?

— Matthew Raymond and Terry Webster