This week we heard on the news that over half of England is officially in drought according to the Environmental Agency. Despite having one of the wettest winters on record the lack of spring and summer rain has resulted in drought conditions.
Sadly, the majority of people in developed countries do not preserve water. We leave taps running when brushing our teeth, we take long showers, we pump gallons of water on to our lawns, and use a hose to wash our cars. If you live in a country like Zambia, when the dry season lasts from April to November, access to a water supply is not taken for granted.
DRINKING WATER DURING THE DRY SEASON – KASHU SCHOOL
Last week The Butterfly Tree successfully drilled a borehole for a new health facility we are about to construct. Thanks to a further generous grant from the Guernsey Overseas Aid and Development Commission the people of Maile Male and neighbouring communities will have a health post by the end of 2026. The development includes a main clinic, two staff houses, toilets, and a bio-digester for waste. Once completed the facility will be fully equipped before handing it over to the Ministry of Health who will provide trained medical staff and ongoing costs.
DRILLING FOR WATER – MAILE MALE
This area of Kalomo District has a high malaria prevalence. The health post grant includes a donation of 1,200 mosquito nets to distribute to schools in this remote area. The Butterfly Tree will provide a further 1,000 nets so that more children can be protected.
MOSQUITO NETS PROVIDE VITAL PROTECTION FROM MALARIA
On other health matters our trained peer educators are busy conducting workshops in schools to educate pupils on HIV, teenage pregnancies, early marriages, and drug and alcohol abuse. This past week two of the biggest secondary schools Riverview and Mukuni were engaged in this programme. These workshops are invaluable. The trained peer educators are former sponsored orphans who received extensive training from UK volunteers.
RIVERVIEW SECONDARY SCHOOL – PEER EDUCATION WORKSHOP
A family from Texas is in Mukuni this week volunteering at the school and within the community. John Staab owner of Motive Real Estate has been donating to The Butterfly Tree for many years. He donates a community house for every house he sells. He and his son are building houses for orphans in Mukuni while his wife and daughter are helping at Mukuni secondary. The entire family helped to plant seeds for the school garden and donated items to the health centre.
VOLUNTEERING – BUILDING A COMMUNITY HOUSE
The second 1×2 classroom block has been completed at Mukwela primary school to reduce the numbers of pupils per class. The one for special education pupils is already in use. With an enrolment of 1,267 pupils the new classrooms will provide extra learning space and help to alleviate reduced teaching sessions. The primary school caters for children from early learning to grade 7. We have also donated 60 double desks and special education materials.
MUKWELA PRIMARY SCHOOL – 1X2 CLASSROOM BLOCK
We are so grateful for the tremendous support we continue to receive with more projects on the horizon for health and education. Thank you to everyone for your generosity and kindness.
Jane Kaye-Bailey
Founder
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