Six weary but joyful travellers from Inverness County Cares (ICC) have returned home after a transformative journey to Zambia. Traveling as ambassadors for our local members, the people of Inverness County, and Canada, the team was welcomed with open arms and sincere gratitude for the gifts and support sent from home.
The team included John Gillies, John MacInnis, Winnie Rankin, Charlotte Rankin, Colleen MacLeod, and the legendary Betty Jane Cameron. At 87, Betty Jane remains a pillar of ICC. Her unique talents in music, nursing, and midwifery added a deeply personal touch to the time spent with students, staff, and villagers. Having visited three times over the last six years, she has been a firsthand witness to the incredible progress made at St. Mary’s and St. Odilia schools thanks to Canadian generosity.
Music is the heartbeat of these schools. The students have a deep hunger to create, and this year, the ICC team was greeted by a full brass band, a thrilling sign of how much the program has flourished. Beyond the brass, the schools now boast electric guitars, amps, and microphones, giving the students a modern “rock” sound.
Betty Jane’s small music room was a constant hub of activity. She mentored local teachers and coached students on the guitar, flute, and violin. The progress in just two years was remarkable.
Students with visual impairments often showed a unique gift for the flute and violin. Without the need for visual markers, they relied on sound and vibration to find their placement. Betty Jane noted that one of her biggest thrills was watching the “surprise and delight” on a student’s face when they found that perfect, correct note.
Students like Blessing, who is totally blind, sing with professional-level skill. For her and many others at the margins of society, including those with albinism or physical disabilities—music provides a vital sense of purpose and confidence.
Betty Jane noted that the music often happened naturally. “I was never able to count the students,” she said, “as everyone came when they could.” By the time she left, many had mastered local songs and universal favorites like “Hot Cross Buns”—a song that became a favorite after Winnie Rankin baked real ones for the children to taste!
The team also focused on practical wellness. Betty Jane led First Aid courses at each school using training manikins and reference books donated by the Red Cross, Hesperian Health Guides, and local Inverness County Fire Departments.
The sessions were full of engagement and laughter, especially the surprised looks when the manikin’s chest rose during practice! Students and staff were fascinated to learn that even a school tie could be used as a sturdy sling in an emergency.
A local nurse named Maureen helped conduct the training in the native Bemba language for over 20 participants, including teachers, groundskeepers, and house-parents. Together, they established fully stocked first-aid kits that are now safely stored and accessible to the whole school community.
The team also delivered a large supply of bandages, medications, and blood pressure machines. These were shared between the school convents and Sister Margaret Mary at the newly opened Little Flower Clinic , a facility dedicated to caring for vulnerable mothers and children.
The standard of living at these schools is visibly improving, a testament to the power of partnership. Our partner, Chalice, provides the essential foundation by sponsoring most of the children and covering their basic needs. Inverness County Cares then “puts the icing on the cake,” providing the specialized instruments, medical equipment, and training that help these students truly thrive.
This journey proved once again that music, health, and kindness are universal languages that can bridge the distance between Inverness County and Zambia.
Inverness County Cares will be conducting community presentations to talk about their adventures and highlight the incredible support Canadians have given to Zambia. When a schedule is created it will be posted on our webpage and blog.
Inverness County Cares (ICC) is a local charitable organization, founded in 2012 and based in Inverness County, NS, Canada. ICC works in partnership with Chalice.ca, a Canadian charity, based in Bedford, Nova Scotia. Chalice provides guidance and assistance to help ICC provide a better life for the children at the Kawambwa schools. The Kawambwa Project involves supporting two schools for albino and visually impaired students, in Northern Zambia. Inverness County Cares always welcomes new members. Individuals who wish to donate, can use the donate button on our website https://invernesscountycares.com When using E-transfer, please include your mailing address for CRA tax receipts and a thank you message. E-transfer address: invernesscountycares@gmail.com or send a cheque to Inverness County Cares, 5414 Route 19, Judique, NS, Canada, B0E1P0. Taxation receipts provided.
