On January 22nd six Inverness County Cares (ICC) members embarked on a five-week journey which has had a great impact on their lives. For five years our organization has been supporting two Zambian schools for blind, visually impaired and students with albinism. For three members it was an opportunity to renew acquaintances and for the other three an opportunity to meet staff and students we had not yet met in person. We arrived during the cholera lockdown and students returned to school on February 12th. We used this time to work training teachers and assessing the infrastructure maintenance needs of both schools, before the arrival of the students and actually began doing maintenance work.
Zambians are a sincere and welcoming people who greeted us with warm hospitality and friendship. This on the ground reality replaced our online relationship with a real interactive rapport. With this ground zero experience we realized why some items we didn’t understand as high priority when we were in Canada, were truly extremely important. Take for example the wall-fence. Being present on a regular basis on the school compound, we realized the very important role of the wall-fence. It provides security, safety from kidnappers, and gives the students a protected designated area that is officially school grounds.
Our in-person experience helped us understand the reasons for the priorities set by the school administrators. Food was highest priority, often overriding the needs of classroom supplies, electrical, plumbing and building maintenance requirements.
It was however our interaction with the children, teachers and administration which was the most moving experience. The most stressed principle by administration with the student population is unity and caring for each other. The sisters practice what they preach and love the children unconditionally. They provide the best possible environment for all the children, whether they are boarding students, orphans or fee-paying students attracted to the school by its good reputation. We have observed instances where very poor students came to class without a lunch. The other children who do have food are expected to share with their hungry classmates.
The blind, visually impaired and students with albinism are the ones who are most striking. Those without vision navigate their school grounds remarkably well, despite the fact the grounds are uneven and after rain are slippery and muddy. When other students see they are in need they automatically guide them when helped in required.
Another very profound experience was our visit to the Good Shepherd Orphanage. This orphanage is run by the same sisters who manage the two school sites we support. All the children there have Chalice sponsors. This orphanage has about 48 students for whom it is their only home, the home they return to on seasonal school breaks. The children there range from two to those who are taking post-secondary studies. As in St Mary’s and St Odilia schools the children love and support each other like one big family.
Through every step of the way, we were met with immense gratitude for the positive changes made to the school infrastructure and teacher training. Running water, functioning toilets and electricity to areas previously without, make a huge impact on the lives of students, staff and administration. The students and staff expressed their gratitude daily and on the way to our return flight home, we met with Bishop Patrick Chisanga specifically so he could express his appreciation for the help provided by the supporters of Inverness County Cares.
On a final note, we were able to see first hand the impact made on a whole family when a child is sponsored through Chalice. It is a total life changer. For more information on sponsoring a child contact an Inverness County Cares member or visit Chalice.ca.
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: [email protected] or send a cheque to Inverness County Cares, 5414 Route 19, Judique, NS, Canada, B0E1P0. Taxation receipts provided for USA and Canada.
