Health Help International

The current vehicle used by HHI Zambia for outreach and distribution of disability work has given HHI in Monze great service in the past but for some time they have struggled because in recent years it never seemed to run efficiently and spent more time at the 'car doctors' than it did in a roadworthy condition. Many of us who have visited Monze have first hand eperience of the vehicle - it looked very nice  but underperformed, coughed and spluttered and left you with the distinct impression that you could be left stranded anywhere! In recent months HHI(Z) have tried to sell the vehicle without success so there was little doubt that the vehicle is destined for a scrap yard!

After a successful trip to Toyota dealers in Trowbridge by some of the commitee, HHI (UK) has purchased a new vehicle for Monze - see more pictures in gallery. Sampling Toyata hospitality - coffee and newspapers - Jute, Alun, Stafford, Edmund and Mike looked over the vehicle, took it for a test drive and were able to make a decision there and then as it met all requirements and was within budget.

It is 2 years old costs £12,700 has a cover and tow bar and 4 spare tyres to go with it. It has done about 56,000 miles. After collecting it next week HHI will start the process of getting it shipped out to Dar es Salaam from Sheerness.

On Friday evening (27th April) HHI held the spring supporters evening at Trinity Methodist Church. It was a very enjoyable evening with wonderful feedback. HHI hold regular supporters evenings to update people and thank them for their continuing and valued support. It is also an opportunity to worship and thank God for HHI's work. On the night HHI received donations of nearly £300 and some supporters, who could not make the evening, have sent a total of £375 donations to HHI in the post.

HHI would like to thank everyone who came along and also to Trinity Methodist Church who hosted the event - look out for the date and venue for our next evening in the Autumn.

Supporters in Strathaven Scotland continue to think of ways of raising funds for HHI. Iain Park has supported HHI for some time and has visited India and Zambia on a number of occasions to see HHI work for himself. He was a leader with the Strathaven Scouts who visited Monze in recent years. Some of those scouts came along to help at the whist/bridge drive on Saturday 21st April . Taylors - a local baker - made the cake which was used as a raffle prize.

Iain was involved in creating the Strathaven Friends of HHI (SFHHI) group and they organised the event; as you can see from the pictures - it was very well attended. It is not yet confirmed how much was raised but it is approaching £1000. The event was a great success - down to the generorosity of the people and also the organisation and effort from SFHHI. A team of people also did a marvellous job with catering with plenty of food for the afternoon tea during the event. SFHHI have received a lot of favourable comments from the bridge players about the event - saying it was well run and enjoyable.

It is encouraging to know that this group are supporting HHI and that Iain is now on the HHI committee and a Trustee.

Another example of how HHI is improving lives through education - a basic building block for any community if they are to succeed in their futures. In the past Choongo school has received a lot of help from HHI, including donations of school equipment. HHI see education as a key factor in improving the opportunities for the community to lift itself out of poverty. Most schools have minimal facilities and Choongo is no different - but now thay have electricity in the  dormitory, where the disabled children reside  - the picture shows a teacher and disabled pupils huddled around a laptop. There are more pictures in the gallery. HHI were able finance this work thanks to a very generous donation from Weir Group plc in East Kilbride. Weir Group's support has meant that this substantial project has been delivered quickly and effectively, making a huge difference. HHI would like to pass on our thanks to Weir Group for their interest and financial support.