Annual Report and Accounts 2016-17

Posted on July 19, 2017 by Jane Kaye-Bailey

I have pleasure in presenting our latest Annual Report and Accounts. For the full report please use this link: Annual Report and Accounts 2016 – 17

Please note that these will not be published on the Charity Commission website until after the 31st August due to the Commission developing a new on line portal.

Executive Summary

This has been a remarkable year for the charity, with new donors, fundraisers and volunteers enabling The Butterfly Tree to venture into new outreach communities in Zambia. Several thousand additional orphans and vulnerable children are gaining a basic education, receiving improved healthcare and drinking safe, clean water.

JANE – CHUUNGA VILLAGE

One of our most successful achievements is that of malaria prevention, with facts proving that our new interventions, are helping to save lives. Mukuni Chiefdom has recorded zero deaths from malaria for the past five years. The combination of insecticidal coating being painted on the inside of dwellings, the use of larvicide granules in ponds and streams to prevent larva developing into mosquitos, and the distribution of mosquito nets, has provdided maximum coverage in several villages. In Chuunga Village alone the number of cases in the past three years has been reduced by ninety percent.

JANE DISTRIBUTING MOSQUITO NETS – KAFEKWE VILLAGE

As always, the orphans are at the forefront of our work. More individual orphans are being sponsored, which include 40 by the Mukuni Village Fund, Australia. What gives me a great deal of pleasure is to see orphans that we started sponsoring in 2006 completing school and gaining a college certificate and employment. Besides helping with their education eight houses were built for widows and the elderly looking after orphans.

BRIDGET TRAINING TO BE A TEACHER

Certainly, the most remarkable story is that of Brain Mulwali who is currently training to become a pilot, while others are on agricultural and teacher training courses. It is wonderful to see some of them teaching pupils at their old schools. It is not easy to obtain a college sponsorship as the cost is much higher than school fees. Therefore, we encourage school leavers to volunteer for the community, to give somehting back and to help make a difference.. while they are waiting for a place.

BRIAN TRAINING TO BE A PILOT

At the forefront of these young volunteers are the Mukuni Youth Empowerment Group, who have received extensive training and coaching from two of our UK volunteers. I am so impressed with their dedication and determination into helping to make a change as peer educators. Working in schools, their HIV prevention workshops, which include the dangers of early pregnacies, alcohol and drug abuse and human rights, are truly making an impact.

MUKUNI YOUTH EMPOWERMENT GROUP

As always education projects continue to gain support. Six schools are being developed or expanded, vast amounts of desks, text books and unifroms have been donated. Four schools received bore holes, providing safe water to over 3,000 pupils and teachers, and 20 schools received seeds and fertilizers to grow food to for sustainable feeding programmes. I am delighted to say that after two years of drought, good rains this year yielded bumper crops!

FURTHER EXPANSION FOR N’GANDU SCHOOL

Zambia has many skilled and trained health workers, but sadly the rural facilities are inadequate. This year we improved the facilities at Mukuni Health Centre with a new drainage and sanitation system. Donations of equipment and medical supplies were given to Mambova, Muchambila, Mukuni, Singwamba and Livingstone General Hospital. As always I enjoyed distributing some of the 800 mosquito nets to remote villages in Mukuni Chiefdom, while others were sent to Singwamba in Nyawa Chiefdom, where there is a high prevalence of malaria.

CHILDREN IN KAMWI AREA HAVE PROTECTION AGAINST MALARIA

I have been overwhelmed by the support not just in the UK, but from all over the world, with volunteers working alongside us from Canada, USA, Australia, UAE and the UK. During my visit to Zambia in March it was wonderful to meet people who genuinely wanted to help both the charity and these needy communities. Not only were they generous in giving up their time, but also funded projects for schoolss and clinics.

CANADIAN & AUSTRALIAN GROUP RESTORING MUKUNI CLINIC

Besides the volunteers some of our donors come to meet the orphans they are sponsoring or to see the projects they have funded. Travel philanthropy is something that I have always promoted, as this is how I ended up founding The Butterfly Tree. Mukuni Village is just seven kilometres from the mighty Victoria Falls, a World Heritage Site visited by tousands of tourists each year. It need only take a couple of hours to visit a rural community and to see the life-changing work done by The Butterfly Tree. Many people report that a visit to Mukuni or a similar village was the highlight of their holiday.

JULIA VISITING THE ORPHAN SHE SPONSORS – KAMWI VILLAGE

As always none of the achievements could have been possible without the committed and hardworking team of volunteers in both the UK and Zambia, who to contribute their time by raising funds and adminstering the entire operation. The UK team, which grows each year, are totally committed to the cause, and I would especially like to thank my fellow Trustees Miranda, Ann and Wendy for taking on this repsonsible role. David has now stepped down due to his career, but stays on as a volunteer. A special thanks to our volunteers David, Carolyn, Oscar, and Valerie, who joined us after raising funds through her District’s Inner Wheel Clubs. We are looking forward to welcoming on board Leah, who recently volunteered with the charity in Zambia. Working with the young peer educators, Leah is a qualified Youth Worker. As always it’s great to have overseas volunteers and I would like to thank Marilee and Grant Gibson in Canada and Frank Maiola, our US representative.

The team in Zambia are not just a team, but amazing people who have managed and administered all our projects since 2006. Their tireless commitment has taken us into some of the remotest areas of the Southern Province to build schools and clinics, in areas where no other charity has ventured. Some of my happiest times are spent driving the team to new villages, meeting the local people and learning about their needs.

THE ZAMBIAN TEAM – MARTIN, MUPOTOLA, PRESLEY & JACOB

As always, I would like to sincerely thank the Zambian team for all they have done for the charity and communities: Mupotola Siloka (Secretary & Project Manager), Presley Mulenga (Head of Education), Martin Mushabati (Ground Operations Manager), Stain Musungaila (Malaria Prevention) and Sibeso Maseke (Environmetal Officer), who oversees our malaria, HIV/AIDS and water projects. I applaud the work and commitment of the young volunteers, who are the future of The Butterfly Tree. A special thanks to Chief Mukuni for his counsel, and the local tour operators and hoteliers who support our work.

SIBESO MASEKA HOLDS MALARIA PREVENTION WORKSHOP – CHUUNGA

Last, but by no means least, a tremendous thank you to every single individual, each company, club, church and organisation who has believed in us and continue to support our vital work in Zambia. Every donation, however small, helps us to make a difference. I was deeply touched to learn of Anna, a young school girl, who did a 42 mile walk with her father to raise funds for mosquito nets. Our major donors Jersey Oversees Aid, British and Foreign School Society, Attraction Tickets Direct, Mukuni Village Fund (Australia), Motive Real Estate (Texas), School in a Bag, The Besom, and Nationwide Rotary and Inner Wheel Clubs, especially Solihull for their donation in memory a fellow member, have considerably boosted funds this year – I can only say a huge thank you to them and everyone else around the globe, including Larry and Gaylen Robbins, for your generous support. This coming year is looking very promising. We are looking forward to working with the the Guernsey Overseas Aid Commission and other new and existing donors in the next few months.

Jane Kaye-Bailey

Founder

Mukuni Orphans Give Back

Posted on May 24, 2017 by Jane Kaye-Bailey

Orphans give back to their community after completing school.

One of the most difficult challenges when running a charity in a developing county is to create sustainability. Zambia is no exception. Many of orphans we sponsored from 2006 completed high school, some have sought employment, while others advanced to further education.

Over fifty orphans, who achieved their goals, are now working in schools, hotels and other establishments. Currently, six students are attending teaching and agricultural colleges, all sponsored by The Butterfly Tree, thanks to the generous support from our donors.

BRIDGET, TRAINING TO BE A TEACHER

Those who have not yet had chance to go college are encouraged to volunteer for both the charity and the community. They have helped us to build community houses, distribute vital malaria prevention products, volunteer at the clinic, and teach in some of the local schools we support.

FORMER SPONSORED ORPHANS BUILDING COMMUNITY HOUSES

Despite suffering the loss of one or both parents at early age, these vulnerable young people have embraced the opportunities offered to them. Most especially, a remarkable group from Mukuni Village, who have taken on a huge challenge to help reduce the number of new cases of HIV, early teenage pregnancies, alcohol and drug abusers.

DONALD, NATAHSA, JAFTA, NGAMBA, EDWIN, PETER & DENNIS

Originally trained by Mutsa Marau, and most recently by Leah Black, two experienced UK volunteers, the group are making a significant impact amongst the youths of Mukuni and other rural areas in the Kazungula District. The group, known as Mukuni Youth Empowerment, goes into schools educating the pupils about the dangers and issues they are faced with. Included in the workshops are drama and dance performances to illustrate the effect that HIV, alcohol and early teenage pregnancies can have can have on an individual and their extended family.

MUKUNI YOUTH EMPOWERMENT DRAMA PERFORMANCE – NATIONAL YOUTH DAY

Earlier this year, Edwin, Natasha, Dennis, Jafta, Ngamba and Donald, were given two months intensive training on coaching and mentoring from Leah, which will create further sustainability for the project. In addition to the workshops the group are giving both one-to-one mentoring and group coaching sessions.

MUKAMAMU, SPONSORED THE CHARITY, CURRENTLY BEING MENTORED

It is an absolute pleasure to see these remarkable young people appreciating the opportunity they have and giving something back to their community.

More Schools for Rural Children

Posted on May 16, 2017 by Jane Kaye-Bailey

When I first offered to raise funds to build a high school in Mukuni Village back in 2006, never did I imagine in a millions years that The Butterfly Tree would be building entire new schools, classrooms, teachers’ houses, boarding facilities as well as special education units for children with mental and physical disabilities.

MUKUNI HIGH SCHOOL OPENED IN 2007

We have since supported and developed 32 schools in the Kazungula and Livingstone Districts. Most recently we completed a two-phase development at N’gandu School in Mukuni Chiefdom, thanks to a substantial grant from JOA Community Works Project. This included 9 classrooms, two teacher’s houses, 3 double latrines, a kitchen shelter and a water reticulation system. The 560 pupils now have adequate space to learn up to grade 9.

NGANDU SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT 2015-16

Bunsanga School, in Musokotwane Chiefdom, was built by the community and run by an unskilled teacher. Unfortunately, in January the school was hit by a severe storm and the roof collapsed. Construction is now underway to build a permanent two-bay classroom block, donated by Attraction Tickets Direct, who have previously funded the development of Kauwe, Nampuyani, Singwamba and Sinsimuku Schools.

BUNSANGA COMMUNITY SCHOOL – NEW SCHOOL IS CURRENTLY BEING BUILT

Last week we received a grant for GOAC, which will enable us to expand River View School in Sekute Chiefdom. The school has 1,150 pupils, currently there are not enough classrooms to enrol grade 10 pupils. The funding includes classrooms, latrines, desks and 1,200 mosquito nets for all the pupils and teachers, to aid our malaria prevention programme.

RIVER VIEW SCHOOL EXPANSION STARTING IN MAY 2017

In addition to these school developments, we have recently donated a substantial amount of text books and desks to Mukuni, Kamwi, River View and Bunsanga Schools, thanks to donations from donors and volunteers from the UK, USA, Canada and Dubai. We will also started sponsoring an additional 25 orphans and vulnerable children at the start of the new term on the 15th May, while 6 students are being sponsored for further college courses.

Education is the key to overcoming poverty and its related issues. with your help over 12,000 children have access to an improved educational environment.

Travel Philanthropy

Posted on April 6, 2017 by Jane Kaye-Bailey

From its concept in 2006 one of my aims was that The Butterfly Tree would to attract Travel Philanthropists from all over the world. The area where we are based in Zambia is close to one of the most magnificent sites, not just in Africa, but on the planet. Discovered by David Livingstone in 1855, the Victoria Falls, know locally as the Mosi-oa-Tunya (‘the smoke that thunders’) is the world’s largest sheet of falling water.

The Mighty Victoria Falls in March

The Victoria Falls is 1708 metres wide with a maximum drop of 108 metres. 50 million litres of water per minute drops from the Zambezi River, the fourth longest river in Africa, crossing through Zambia, Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique before reaching the Indian Ocean. This spectacular site attracts tourists from around the globe and it is largely due to this phenomenon that we have enticed a number of travel philanthropists and volunteers to work with us on our projects.

The Zambezi River at the edge of the Victoria Falls

Last month I was in Zambia to host a group from Canada and Australia, led by Marilee and Grant Gibson, who I met when they were visiting the area in 2012. Ever since the couple have been regular fundraisers for our cause. In March this year they brought with them a team of retired doctors, nurses and teachers to volunteer at Mukuni School and Health Centre, as well as donating funds for mosquito nets, school desks and text books. After this experience they pledged further support.

Canadian and Australian volunteers watch the National Youth Day performances

John Staab, from Motive Real Estate, Texas also arrived to see the construction of the community houses, which his company is funding. For every house that is sold John donates a community house for the elderly or widows, looking after orphans. In the past nine months John has donated funds for seven houses with two more on the way.

John Staab lending a hand to the thatchers – Mukuni Village

For young people in Mukuni and other rural villages the challenges are abundant. Lack of education, disease, unemployment and poverty are some of the main issues. We have sponsored hundreds or orphans in education, a number of them are now in college or employment. For those who have left school and aim to seek further education volunteering is vital in helping them to gain confidence and experience. We now have a very powerful group, formerly trained under Meet Mutsa’s ‘Catch me I’m a Butterfly’ project, actively involved in helping to make a difference.

Mukuni Youth Empowerment Group

Now known as the Mukuni Youth Empowerment Group the members recently received tremendous support from donor/volunteer Leah Black. An experienced youth worker, Leah, spent two months further training this dedicated group of young people, to become mentors and coaches in matters concerning HIV prevention, risk taking, menstrual hygiene and alcohol abuse. Now the group can confidently mentor the orphans and advance the workshops they perform in schools.

Leah Black directed an event for National Youth Day

From Dubai we welcomed Katie Bezou and Katerina Player, who raised a considerable amount of funds to purchase school supplies and equipment for Mukuni Primary Section. Katie is currently teaching in the pre-school, while Katerina is helping out in the special education class, which we built in 2011.

Mukuni Special Education Unit constructed in 2011

This week Tracy and Charlie Flavell arrived in Mukuni. Charlie’s wish, for his 18th birthday, was to paint a classroom for orphans. His mother Tracey offered Charlie the chance to travel to Zambia to fulfil his wish – instead of receiving presents his family and friends donated funds to paint the classroom and to purchase school text books. Tracey will be working with bereaved children and Charlie will be teaching and painting!

Young Orphans Sponsored by The Butterfly Tree

These travellers have donated not only their time, but a considerable amount of money. This has given a huge boost to the local schools and clinics at Mukuni, Kamwi, River View and Singwamba. Travel philanthropy is a two-way objective, it not only gives you an opportunity to visit a developing country, but it can offer an incite into the lives of indigenous people, which can be a rewarding and often a life-changing experience. In 2006 I was a traveller to the Victoria Falls and became a philanthropist. I would like to thank all those who have followed in my footsteps!

Jane Kaye-Bailey

Food, Homes and Sponsorship for Orphans

Posted on January 27, 2017 by Jane Kaye-Bailey

It never rains but it pours – as the proverb goes! After two years of drought the rains in Zambia have come in abundance, though this is great news for the farmers and school feeding programmes it comes with a price. Several schools and many mud huts have been damaged because of high winds and heavy rains.

Mubiana Community School – Mukuni Chiefdom

As always working in Africa is challenging. Extreme poverty, malaria, HIV and AIDS, and climate change are just some of the serious issues people living in countries like Zambia face daily. The work of The Butterfly Tree has helped to transform the lives of thousands of orphans and vulnerable children by providing improved education and health facilities, safe drinking water, feeding programmes and better housing.

New Bore Hole and Indian Hand Pump for Nguba Pupils in the Nyawa Chiefdom

Motive Real Estate has donated two further houses and will raise their number of donations throughout the year. For the elderly living in villages life is tough. Many have lost their children as a result of the HIV and AIDS pandemic, left with orphaned grandchildren and no income. Our community house project has provided homes for over seventy families.

Houses – Provided for the Elderly and Windows with Orphans

For the start of the new school year eighteen schools have been given seeds and fertiliser to grow food for their feeding programmes. A considerable number of new orphans are being sponsored mainly at Mukuni, N’gandu, Kamwi, Ndele and River View Schools, and seven students are attending college.

This Year Jacob Will Complete His Final Year at Agricultural College

Regrettably, we have had a problem with several teenage girls at in Mukuni and neighbouring villages falling pregnant. Not only have they lost the chance to complete their education, but there will be no support provided by social services. We are doing everything we can to prevent this from happening, we have trained peer educators who hold regular workshops on HIV prevention, teenage pregnancies and alcohol abuse, but sadly some still fall by the wayside.

Former Sponsored Orphans Trained as Peer Educators – Mukuni School

On a positive side the orphan sponsorship programme has enabled hundreds of orphans to receive a sound basic education. Some of the ones we started sponsoring back in 2006 have not only completed school, but have gained a college certificate and many others have sought employment. For just £10 per month an orphan is given hope and a chance for a better future. Thank to everyone of our sponsors for your invaluable support.

Happy New Year 2017

Posted on December 31, 2016 by Jane Kaye-Bailey

2016 has been a very successful year for The Butterfly Tree Charity. So much has been achieved that it is impossible to write about everything, so for today I would like to share with you an amazing success story about Brian Mulwani, one of the beneficiaries of our orphan sponsorship programme, who is now training to be a pilot in South Africa.

Brian training to be a pilot in South Africa

We started sponsoring Brian in grade 8 at Mukuni Basic School, after he had achieved good results in grade 7. When he later took his exams at the end of grade 9 he did so well that the government offered Brian a place at a High School, where he would have to board, and I was asked to sponsor him. However, in 2007 we had built and opened the High School at Mukuni Village, so that orphaned and rural pupils could afford to complete their education. Consequently I was reluctant to approve this, especially as boarding school fees are obviously much higher.

Brian attending Mukuni Basic School – 2009

Unfortunately I had to explain to Brian that we could sponsor two more orphans for the extra money needed to send him to boarding school, and that I could not grant him this opportunity. It was a difficult decision knowing that he would excel at a more advanced school than Mukuni. However, though at first disappointed, he accepted it and completed high school in 2015.

Brian at Mukuni High School – 2013

Attending High School at Mukuni Village was challenging for Brian, but proved to be hugely beneficial. During this time some American tourists visited the school and met Brian. After they learnt that he wanted to be a pilot they offered to sponsor him. Coming from a humble background this was an incredible opportunity for Brian, he has embraced it and I am sure he will do exceeding well.

Brian training to be a pilot 2016

In his words:
‘Thank you so much Jane, I am and will always be grateful for your help. I remember when I wrote my grade nine exams and qualified to go to a boarding school but things never worked that way, I got mentally disturbed such that it affected my performance during my high school and my final results from secondary. I am humbled that even when I had to repeat to grade 11 you still continued to help me, and today by the grace of God I am pursuing my career to become an airline pilot. I am very sure my Teachers are proud and very soon will be very proud to say ”one of our own is now pilot” and that is my desire to inspire my brothers and sisters that it is not about the environment but the mindset of an individual. Always grateful and humbled’. Brian

I would like to say an enormous ‘thank you’ to everyone of our orphan sponsors, and all our donors, fundraisers and volunteers from around the world and to wish you all a very Happy, Healthy and Peaceful New Year.

Jane Kaye-Bailey

Fundraising at Christmas

Posted on December 14, 2016 by Jane Kaye-Bailey

Christmas is a time for giving – many of your have been so generous in supporting our cause. We are extremely grateful for all the wonderful donations coming in, from both existing and new donors, during this festive season. We were especially touched to receive a donation from a ten year old girl who held a fundraiser, selling her and her brother’s toys along with their Mum’s flapjacks!

Widow looking after orphans in Kamwi Village

Your donations really do make a difference and this year in particular we have been able to expand our work in areas of great need. Our new malaria prevention initiative is working effectively, but much more needs to be done. We are currently targeting the Kazungula District, which recorded the nation’s second highest cases of malaria between January and June. However, Ndola District, in the Copperbelt was the worst hit areas. For the same period, a staggering 65,503 cases were recorded.

Safe insecticide coating is applied inside mud hut dwellings

Besides funding malaria prevention we have recently advanced a number of schools, adding classrooms, teacher’s houses and latrines. In addition to six new classrooms, N’gandu School has a new water reticulation system thanks to grant aid from Jersey Overseas Aid. Four more schools have bore holes, numerous text books have been donated, and ten more orphans are to be sponsored.

Further development for the 560 pupils at N’gandu School

After six months of drought the rainy season in Zambia has started, and sadly the period when malaria is most prevalent. This is the time for distributing mosquito nets and planting maize and other crops. We need to provide schools with seeds and fertiliser so that they can support a sustainable feeding programme. When you have to walk several miles to school, on an empty stomach, a school meal provides vital nutrition for growing children.

Young children need protection from malaria

If you are struggling to find an unusual gift then perhaps you could consider donating one of the following:

£4 will buy a charity calendar
£5 will buy a mosquito net for malaria prevention
£5 will buy a text books for schools
£10 will buy a bag of ground maize for a family
£100 will sponsor an orphan for one year
£400 will build a community house for a widow looking after orphans

There are many ways you can help. For as little at £5 or $7 a mosquito net could help save a child’s life. If you would like to donate using our secure on line facility please click on the link: DONATE

Project Updates from Zambia

Posted on October 29, 2016 by Jane Kaye-Bailey

Three weeks is just not enough time to visit the many projects we have in the four Chiefdom of the Kazungula District! However, I did manage to see a considerable number of them. What impressed me more than ever is the commitment of our team of volunteers on the ground, besides the original members we have recruited some of the orphans who received orphan sponsorship and have now completed school.

MARTIN, MUPOTOLA AND PRESELEY JOINED THE TEAM IN 2006. JACOB IS BEING SPONSORED IN AGRICULTURE

On the education front we have almost completed a development, which included the expansion of two classroom blocks, a teacher’s house and latrines at Sinsimuku School, thanks to a donation from Attraction Tickets Direct.

SIMSIMUKU SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT, NYAWA CHIEFDOM

Further improvements are being made at N’gandu School through JOA Community Works Project. Nine volunteers from Jersey helped local builders to construct two 1×3 classroom blocks and latrines. A kitchen for the school feeding programme, plus a water system for both the school and village, are now being added.

JOA VOLUNTEERS SPENT THREE WEEKS VOLUNTEERING AT N’GANDU SCHOOL

A new boarding shelter at Mukuni has been completed. A group of pupils from Arnewood School raised funds for this project, and volunteered in August to help with the construction. This is our third Mukuni boarding facility, enabling rural pupils to attend high school.

28 GIRLS FROM REMOTE VILLAGES ARE ABLE TO ATTEND MUKUNI HIGH SCHOOL

Once again we distributed educational materials at River View School on behalf of our partner, School in a Bag. In addition text books were given to this school, and also to N’dele, Chuunga and Napapandi.

RIVER VIEW PUPILS WITH THE LATEST ‘SCHOOL IN A BAG’ DONATION

Four bore holes have been installed at River View and Kazungula Boarding Schools – Sekute Chiefdom, and Nguba and Mayala Schools – Nyawa Chiefdom. Previously pupils from Mayala had to draw water from a river several kilometres from their school. River View and Mayala were generously funded by a US donor – a donation from Cayman Islands Rotary Club helped towards the bore hole for River View. Solihull Inner Wheel Club funded ones at Kazungula and Nguba as well the installation of electricity form Mambova Clinic.

1,150 PUPILS AND TEACHERS AT RIVER VIEW SCHOOL NOW HAVE ACCESS TO SAFE CLEAN WATER

After six months without rain I came across a great deal of hunger. It saddens me to see children who are receiving only one meal a day, and often that consists of only vegetables. Bags of maize were donated to needy families. We provide schools with seeds and fertiliser to create sustainable feeding programmes, encouraging the use of millet, which is not as rain dependent as maize.

GARDENS TO GENERATE SUSTAINABLE FEEDING PROGRAMMES ARE ESSENTIAL IN RURAL SCHOOLS

The communities are desperate for rain and have started preparing the land for planting. This season is also the time to get malaria prevention methods in place. After last year’s success with our new malaria prevention initiative we provided further protection in the Mukuni Chiefdom by distributing 330 mosquito nets in areas of high malaria prevalence.

MOSQUITO NETS DISTRIBUTED IN THE REMOTE VILLAGE OF CHUUNGA

We will again be applying the new products in other areas where high numbers of malaria were recorded this year.

Many widows and the elderly are living in appalling conditions, struggling to feed and educate orphans. Their houses are old and dilapidated – once the rains start water will seep into their homes. Six houses are currently under construction thanks to donations from Motive Real Estate, Texas and private donors.

HOUSE IN KAMWI VILLAGE FOR ELDERLY GRANDPARENTS LOOKING AFTER ORPHANS

While in Zambia I spent a great deal of time with our young volunteers. Besides working on the HIV education through peer education programme some of them have been trained in the building of community houses so that they can earn an income.

ONE OF SIX NEW HOMES SHORTLY TO BE COMPLETED FOR WIDOWS AND THE ELDERLY SUPPORTING ORPHANS

The three weeks flew by – there is always so much to be done! My niece, Katie, came along to volunteer – having an extra pair of hands was very useful! I cannot thank enough all the volunteers, both locally and internationally, who give up their free time to help our cause. A special thanks to our global donors who continue to support our grass root projects in Zambia.

Jane Kaye-Bailey

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Development in Rural Schools

Posted on September 6, 2016 by Jane Kaye-Bailey

How your donations have helped to impact the lives of thousands of children in Zambia, most especially by aiding them to have a sound basic education, which has given them hope for a better future:

Since our first development took place at Mukuni in 2006, to present day where improvements are currently being make in many more rural schools, The Butterfly Tree has worked in over thirty schools in four Chiefdoms in the Southern Province of Zambia. Some of the schools have less than 100 pupils, whereas as others such as Mukuni and River View have in excess of 1,000 pupils. One thing that is common ground, Zambian children love to learn and value their education.

MUKUNI CLASSROOM BLOCK CONSTRUCTED IN 2010

In the past ten years we have built entire new schools, which include classrooms, teacher’s houses and latrines. In other cases we have made improvements by adding extra facilities most importantly bore holes to provide a safe source of water, we have boarding shelters and feeding programmes, donating seeds and fertiliser for school gardens.

ONE OF THE 15 BORE HOLES DONATED TO SCHOOL – SIACHIKUBI 2015

Below is a report from a teacher in the Nyawa Chiefdom, Lloyd used to be Head Teacher at Nampuyani School and is now working at Singwamba. Both schools have undergone extensive development thanks to generous funding from Attraction Tickets Direct who are also funding Sinsimuku School, which is currently being advanced.

‘Nampuyani. After so many years of kids learning in derelict buildings… from early 90’s up to 2014 Nampuyani Community School is now a school where teachers and pupils can teach and learn in a conducive environment. I remember the first day I set foot at this school as teacher in charge, the classrooms were dusty, windowless, no doors and there was no teacher’s house. This was beyond my expectation, I was so shocked. The school was utter ruins but the kids I found were very eager to learn. After settling down, though grudgingly, I began mobilising the community to make bricks and collect raw materials for a classroom block and a staff house. After we had collected enough materials I went in search for assistance. But unfortunately no one was able to help and the best they could do was to promise. Two years later I approached The Butterfly Tree charity and told them the situation. Promptly they came on board and sunk a borehole, completed the classes and built a staff house. The school is at the moment one of the best in the district and hence zonal meetings for both Kauwe and Nguba zones are held there. I am no longer at that school but due to its better condition the district education office has sent three trained teachers. In the past the school was run by grade nine drop outs which undermined pupils performance’. Lloyd Lukama Kasala

NAMPUYANI SCHOOL EXPANSION – 2014

The Jersey Overseas Aid Commission has providing our main source of funding for school development. Their grants have enabled us to develop eleven schools. As one of their Community Works Project we will shortly host ten volunteers from Jersey, for a second year,who will help construct two 1 x 3 classroom blocks at N’gandu School. The British and Foreign School Society has also given us tremendous support for our education programmes.

N’GANDU ORPHANS BENEFIT FROM EXTENSIVE EXPANSION AT THEIR SCHOOL 2015-16

Without education the future of these rural children will not be so bright. The Zambian economy is suffering and funding for education is limited. If we can improve the infrastructure in rural schools the Ministry of Education will provide trained teachers. It is our aim to source and reach out to more remote areas where children are unable to go to school or attend schools that need further development.

Annual Report and Accounts 2015 – 16

Posted on August 16, 2016 by Jane Kaye-Bailey

I have pleasure in presenting The Butterfly Tree’s Annual Report and Accounts. My Chairman’s Report is below, please follow this link to view the full report, accounts and more pictures: Annual Report 15-16

It’s hard to believe, that in January this year, it was ten years since I first stepped onto Zambian soil. Little did I know that during the next decade I would return to this beautiful, but very poor, country and be running a charity both in the UK and Zambia, besides having a following of supporters from around the globe.

JANE WITH KAMWI TWINS – ELVIS AND VINCENT

What is even more amazing is that most of the volunteers who joined me in 2006 are still helping me, and that to this day we have not changed our original concept. The charity’s philosophy is to ensure that all donor funds go directly into grass roots projects, and that no personal fees or administration costs are deducted. I am delighted to say that we have been able to sustain this belief over the years.

NEW CLASSROOM S FOR N’DELE PRIMARY SCHOOL

TWO CLASSROOM BLOCKS FOR N’DELE PRIMARY SCHOOL – MUKUNI CHIEFDOM

The 2015-16 financial year has been another great period for the charity and its beneficiaries. Despite raising less funds than the previous year, we completed more projects and gained a number of new donors, as well as new partnerships.

PARTNERS ‘SCHOOL IN A BAG’ PROJECT – RIVER VIEW SCHOOL, SEKEUTE CHIEFDOM

On the education front, we completed a huge development at N’gandu School, using grant aid with the help of volunteers from Jersey. Kamwi, Muchambile, Singwamba, Kauwe and River View Schools also underwent considerable expansion. The additional facilities included new classroom blocks, latrines, a school shop and a mobile science laboratory.

NEW CLASSROOMS AND LATRINES FOR SINGWAMBA JUNIOR SCHOOL – NYAWA CHIEFDOM

The core of all our work revolves around the welfare of orphans. With 1.2 million orphans in a country with a population of just over 15 million, a great deal of support is needed. We continue to attract new sponsors, but the more orphans we support, the more time is needed for administering the programme. To maximise the use of the sponsorship funds we are unable to provide regular feedback on each individual orphan. Therefore I would like to thank everyone for their understanding of the need to avoid any charges so that the funds can be used to educate and provide food for the orphans.

SPONSORED ORPHANS WEARING FOOTBALL SHIRTS DONATED BY MANCHESTER UNITED – N’GANDU SCHOOL

Every year the number of orphans completing a full basic education increases, and it is extremely rewarding to know that so many have gone on to seek further education or employment. Currently there are ten students being assisted to boarding establishments or colleges. For the ones that are awaiting opportunities we have enrolled them in volunteer programmes, most especially with the peer education for HIV prevention and malaria prevention programmes.

PETER LIYUNGU, FIRST ORPHAN TO BE SPONSORED IN 2006, DOING WORK EXPERIENCE AT MUKUNI

As always HIV is a major issue, especially in Mukuni Village and areas surrounding Kazungula. Both are border towns to Zimbabwe and Botswana respectively, as well as being close to major tourist destinations. Educating the young people about the dangers of HIV and prevention of the virus is crucial. Alcohol and drug abuse lessons, as well as early pregnancy prevention, are included in our workshops, which are proving to be highly invaluable.

PEER EDUCATORS IN HIV PREVENTION HOLDING A WORKSHOP AT MUKUNI HIGH SCHOOL

The lack of safe drinking water in rural communities and schools is also a great concern. Three more bore holes were donated to Bunsanga, Siachikubi and Sinsimuku Schools. This helps to reduce diarroheal diseases in children, saves time on collecting water, and during the dry season it provides irrigation for school gardens. The charity has funded a feeding programme at Mukuni School for almost ten years. A further sixteen schools are given seeds and fertilizer to provide sustainable feeding programmes. Sanitation is another huge issue, especially in remote schools. Nine double latrines were constructed at N’gandu, Kasiya, Kauwe and Singwamba Schools.

ONE OF THREE BORE HOLES INSTALLED IN SCHOOLS – SIACHIKUBI, MUSOKOTWANE CHEIFDOM

Several health initiatives were funded during the past twelve months, these included a clinic at Mambova, two women’s shelters and the new malaria prevention project, which is proving to be highly successful. Over 1,000 houses were painted with the new insecticidal coating, and unlike the rest of the district these areas reported zero or very few cases of malaria. In addition, safe granules were placed in ponds and streams to prevent larva developing into mosquitoes. The Zambian Ministry of Health states that the products are highly effective in fighting the malaria vector.

NEW CLINIC FOR MAMBOVA COMMUNITY, SEKUTE CHIEFDOM

Six community houses were constructed for widows looking after orphans, four of them with the help of school groups from Wales, while teams from World Challenge constructed a sustainable school shop at Kamwi Junior School. A group of eleven adults came from Jersey, through JOAC’s Community Works project, and once again Mukuni Health Centre had help from Sydney University students. A team from Attraction Tickets Direct travelled to Nyawa Chiefdom where the company funded a number of school projects, as well as bore holes facilitated through our partner Just a Drop.

VOLUNTEERS FROM JOAC COMMUNITY WORKS PROJECTS – N’GANDU VILLAGE, MUKUNI CHIEFDOM

All of this has been achieved due to the hard work and dedication of our teams of volunteers both in the UK and Zambia. As always I am extremely grateful to my fellow trustees David, Miranda and Wendy who offer so much support and advice, and to Ann Sutton for the tireless task of administering the charity accounts, to Carolyn Howe for managing the volunteer programme and for Oscar Miyanda, who assists with the malaria prevention programme. A special thanks to Frank Maiola, our US representative and to Marilee and Grant Gibson in Canada.

Most importantly I cannot thank enough our amazing team of volunteers for The Butterfly Tree, Zambia. Having the charity registered both in the UK and Zambia has helped us to achieve so much more than having to rely on third party organisations or agencies. Their devotion and commitment is quite extroadinary, especially now that we have expanded to areas away from their roots. Mupotola Siloka (Secretary & Project Manager), Presley Mulenga (Head of Education), Martin Mushabati (Ground Operations Manager), Stain Musungaila (Malaria Prevention) and Sibeso Maseke (Environmetal Officer). Finally, the help from the young volunteers is so rewarding – they are the ones that will make the changes! A special thanks to Chief Mukuni for his counsel, and the local tour operators and hoteliers who support our work.

My heartfelt thanks to every single individual, each company and organisation who has supported us over the past decade. There are far too many to name individually, though I must make an exception and thank our major donors – the Jersey Oversees Aid Commision, the British and Foreign School Society, Saga Charitable Trust, Just a Drop, ENRC Marketing AG, The Besom, Attraction Tickets Direct, Black and White Accounting, the Mukuni Village Fund (Australia), and Valerie Redfern with the Inner Wheel Clubs. I would also like to thank the new organisations and companies, School in a Bag, Give a Hand (Canada) and Motive Real Estate (USA) for inviting us to partner with them. I am grateful and overwhelmed by the trust that everyone of you has put in myself and The Butterfly Tree.

Jane Kaye-Bailey

Founder