We are grateful to those of our donors who have increased their regular giving to help compensate for our rising running costs. The Zambian currency (Kwacha) remained consistently strong between June and December 2025, then it strengthened further in January. There has also been a steady rise in the cost of goods and services during this time, which is not what we would have expected considering the strength of the Kwacha.

We realise of course that such economic instability is not unique to Zambia, and that we have to adjust worldwide to the effects of current turmoil in the Middle East and elsewhere.

Limapela Cedric’s School

We are very pleased with the Examinations Council of Zambia results at in December. 94% of our Grade 7 pupils passed and 94% of our Grade 9 pupils. This is a credit to their diligent teachers.

This term 503 pupils are enrolled at Limapela Cedric’s — 242 girls and 261 boys. The primary department includes 343 pupils and, and there are 160 in secondary. A inaugural Grade 11 class has been introduced this year, and next year when this class become Grade 12, the secondary department will be complete.

Approximately 260 pupils are sponsored, and as our enrolment increases we are looking for more sponsors. Please contact us if you are willing to commit to this.

As the secondary department at Limapela Cedric’s expands, we are now enrolling more older teenagers, not all of whom are the models of good behaviour! Sadly, we had to expel four students last month for drug related offences. I was reluctant to report this, because bad news can reflect badly on the school and the families concerned. But I feel we must be transparent in reporting on the social problems we face.

Luyando Community School

The Ministry of Education plans a countrywide feeding programme for all Government, Grant-Aided and Community Schools. If this is implemented, and if it is run efficiently, it will be a very good thing for Luyando, as many of our pupils are not well fed at home. We are grateful to Paul and Welma Els for continuing with their feeding programme thus far.

—Matthew and Alison Raymond