15 November 2013

When children know they are being photographed, they usually respond in some way, or they pose nicely. But not this boy from Luyando Community School. He just stared at the camera, his lack of expression seeming to reflect a certain hopelessness about life. Of course, he may not feel hopeless about his life at all, but the effects of extreme poverty in the community in which he lives are stark — hunger, theft, suspicion, drunkenness, violence and a host of other social problems. Profound Kingdom of Heaven changes would be wonderful, and providing education for the children is one way we can be agents to this end. Thanks to their teachers and to all who support us in this.

Exams

As I write, our two Grade 9 classes at Limapela Cedric’s are sitting their national Grade 9 exams. Those who pass will gain places in Grade 10 at local secondary schools. We are hopeful for a much higher pass rate than last year. Our Grade 7 pupils at both schools have finished their national Grade 7 exams and will not return to school until January.

Primary Building Refurbishment

This has been a work in progress throughout the year at Limapela Cedric’s — water reticulation, electrification, painting, new ceilings and new furniture. We are grateful to two private donors in New Zealand who have covered the cost of these pleasing improvements.

Self-Sufficiency

We are learning a lot about marketing and sales this year, especially the importance of establishing relationships with our customers. We produce over 7,000 eggs per week, and the chickens do not stop laying when sales drop! I am happy to say we are turning a modest profit, and this contributes to school running costs at Limapela Cedric’s. Our first banana harvest is expected early in the new year. I am hopeful that we can establish similar projects at Luyando Community School next year.

Building Projects

The Office and Guest Room Building at Baluba is nearly finished and we hope to start using it before Christmas. We are awaiting a commitment from the contractor for the Toilet-Ablution Block at Limapela Cedric’s. The delays have been frustrating, especially as the funds released by Rotary International and are now in the Rotary Club of Kitwe account. The Library-Information Technology Building remains on hold until the fundraising target is reached. NZ$12,000 (US$10,000) is still needed for this building. Please contact us if you would like to contribute.

Volunteers and Visitors

Teacher Gemma Stewart has been with us for 18 months now and her contribution has been very much appreciated. She has gone to New Zealand for three-months and hopes to return next year. Her brother Frazer joined us in June for three months and helped with building, maintenance and with sports at school. Others have come for shorter periods — among them Limapela Chairman Geoff Wiklund with Aron Singh from Auckland, Barbara Campbell and Christine Norek from Canberra, Richard and Grace Print from Palmerston North and Hannah Stewart from the UK. All have played a part in making Limapela a success.

— Matthew F. Raymond, Trustee