On Thursday, May 15, 2025, a long-hoped-for blessing arrived at St. Mary’s Special School for the Blind in Kawambwa—a sturdy, reliable 2025 Toyota Hilux (Tacoma) diesel, 4×4 truck. Its arrival marked the end of a long wait and the beginning of new possibilities for the school community, who had hoped and prayed for this day.
This story began in January 2024, when members of Inverness County Cares (ICC) visited Zambia. During their visit, it became clear that a small, agile vehicle was greatly needed. A truck would help with the many daily responsibilities of the school—like collecting supplies and reaching students in distant rural villages, where no child should miss out on an education simply because of where they live.
Up until now, these tasks were managed with the help of a large 28-seater bus donated by Chalice and ICC three years ago. While this bus served with stamina and strength, it was not suited for transporting cement or lumber—or navigating the deeply rutted, muddy roads during Zambia’s long rainy season.
To offer some perspective, Zambia has nearly 68,000 km of roads, yet only a small portion are paved. The rest are gravel, sand, and dirt, and can be nearly impassable during the rains. A 4×4 vehicle, like the Hilux, is not a luxury here—it is a necessity.
Thanks to the generous hearts of ICC’s donors, the funds for the truck were sent before Christmas. But as is often the case with meaningful change, there were delays. For five months, the school waited patiently through a maze of paperwork and formalities. Eventually, Sister Marjory made the long, journey to Lusaka to collect the truck. It was a demanding trip—but one made in faith and hope.
When she and Lewis, the school’s devoted driver, returned to St. Mary’s, after a 21-hour drive, they were met with joyful singing, laughter, and even a shower of baby powder—a Zambian tradition to mark special occasions. The Hilux, decorated with balloons and ribbons rolled into the compound, bringing with it not just transport, but new opportunities.
Children crowded around the truck in awe, their excitement bubbling over as they asked for rides. Lewis did his best to balance his pride in the gleaming new vehicle with his concern that nothing should dim its shine. Father Kennedy Kashinga led a prayer of blessing over the truck and everyone who would use it and then said a mass of thanksgiving. Then, to the delight of all, Lewis gave the children rides around the compound tooting the horn as everyone sang and danced.
Sister Agnes, who manages the Chalice project and serves as the school administrator and the rest of the staff and sisters, were laughing, singing, and dancing with the children and staff. This moment meant so much. With this truck, the school can now reach children in the most remote corners of the region—ensuring that even the most isolated children have a chance to learn, grow, and be part of the Kawambwa family.
One of Sister Agnes’s first plans was to visit former students who have continued their education elsewhere, to check in, offer encouragement, and remind them that they are still very much part of the St. Mary’s community.
To everyone who played a part in making this possible: the students, caregivers, and staff extend their deepest thanks. Your generosity has brought more than just a truck—it has brought hope, dignity, and a renewed sense of connection.
St. Mary’s in Kawambwa and St. Odilia in Mporokoso continue to flourish because of your goodwill. These schools bear witnesses to the powerful change that can happen when people choose compassion, kindness, and love.
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.
