In Zambia a high percentage of children are orphans as a result of the HIV and AIDS pandemic. Since 2006 The Butterfly Tree has offered support to orphans and vulnerable children in twenty five schools in the Southern Province. Five of these schools were built from scratch, thanks to generous funding from the Jersey Overseas Aid Commission, others have been expanded, some now have pre-schools and four schools have new special education units.
NEW SCHOOL AT MATENGU
The hardships these rural children have to endure on a daily basis are numerous – lack of safe drinking water and shortage of food, hours of walking to school in the baking sun, the risk of contracting malaria and HIV, and no clinic within a thirty mile radius. How do they cope? They live for each day and hope for a better future. Education is the key to overcoming poverty and its related issues. By advancing these rural schools The Butterfly Tree has given hope to thousands of orphaned and vulnerable children.
OLD SCHOOL AT MATENGU
In the past twelve months we have completed education projects in Mukuni, Musokotwane and Nyawe Chiefdoms. Simango, River View and Katapazi schools have each gained a special education unit. Muchimbale, Chuunga and soon to be completed Nampuyani, have all had extra classrooms, teacher’s house and latrines, and three more schools have boreholes.
SAFE DRINKING WATER FOR OVER 700 PUPILS AT KAUWE BASIC SCHOOL
Many parents of these rural children are illiterate. Education not only provides an opportunity to seek employment, it teaches children about the dangers of HIV and malaria prevention. A substantial number of orphans, who we started sponsoring back in 2006, are currently receiving further education or engaged in work. They now have a purpose in life and a chance to help their families and communities. The Butterfly Tree is committed to continuing this vital support, most especially for orphans. If you would like to offer support for any of our education projects please contact us.
Join us on Facebook and Twitter to get regular updates
