Despite the continued economic crisis I am pleased to say The Butterfly Tree is doing extremely well. Through sheer determination and hard work we have managed to secure a number of grants which will enable us to take on new villages and six more schools. We shall continue to operate in Mukuni but if this success continues The Butterly Tree will be able to spread its wings in 2011 offering support to other chiefdoms.
I shall shortly be leaving for Zambia and one of the projects I am hoping to set up is a small initiative for the pupils on our orphan sponsorship program. In December 2009 a number of them completed grade twelve and have now left the high school we built. Sadly there is little employment and our aim is to support a sustainable income-generating activity for these vulnerable orphans. One project is for them to have a small business making school uniforms and selling school supplies.
Charity funding for Mukuni: Jacob Siatubitu completes the orphan sponsorship program
Once the high school Science lab is finished it will enable the pupils to take all the related subjects and sit internal examinations. They can also be taught about how to protect their enviroment and eco-tourism. My son, Mike and a friend will be cycling from London to Nottingham to raise funds for this much needed project.
The Mukuni Chiefdom is developing in tourism and last month saw the launch of the Mukuni Big 5 Safaris. Currently tourists can walk with the lions, go elephant back riding with many more plans on the horizon. This will also create much needed work for the people.
