News update Zambia
Hello Brenda!
Brenda Siasendeka, the newly appointed assistant to Carole, has settled into her new role very well and, in addition to her usual duties, has contributed to the July report writing and which includes more detail and also informative photographs. Welcome Brenda… and thank you!
Robby
Robby’s many skills continue to be in demand…
‘Wheelchair repair and mobility aid donation: During the month, Robby repaired 7 wheelchairs and we gave out 5 crutches and 3 pairs of rubbers.
Standing Frames and Sitting chairs for children with cerebral palsy: Robby is busy making 2 sitting chairs and 2 standing frames for 2 children living with cerebral palsy. These aids were requested by Holy Family who assessed the children and recommended that we could make for them. Once the aids are competed the parents to the two children will be called and given the items.
Primeldah and Alistair
Mask Making: In Zambia, it has now become law to always wear a face mask in public places. The tailors have managed so far to make 243 face masks for HHZ to sell and generate some income. Mr. Gondwe has been asked to sell some of these in his shop and they will also be on sale within HHZ premises.
On the Domestic Front
“Submissive” (submersible) pump: A problem with the submissive pump in the borehole in the HHZ compound has been identified as an electrical fault which has damaged the pump. Another pump has been acquired on credit at K4,500.00 and also other items like the kent kit and the capacitor at an additional cost of K500.00. The plumber charged us K1,000.00 as labour for the work that was done. This means that HHZ needs a total of K6,000.00 to clear the debt. As the HHZ compound is a vital lifeline for many vulnerable, sick and disabled people, we do not hesitate to ask if anyone can possibly help meet these costs. Thank you.
Hilux Repairs: The ageing Hilux continues to trundle along! A donation of K6, 080.00 enabled to successfully service the vehicle, pay the road tax for the last two quarters and fixed the bumper supporter on the vehicle. HHZ is grateful for the support.
Printer Cartridges and paper: Ink cartridges for the printer and a few reams of paper were bought recently in Lusaka. Unfortunately, due to the inflation levels (Covid again!), only one set of cartridges were bought and the remainder of the money was spent on reams of paper. HHZ expresses a big thank you for the financial support given for these basic items.
Priscilla and Bibian
Members of the HHZ team from time to time undertake home visits to monitor the wellbeing of their clients. Two such visits were made in July.
Priscilla was visited in Ntambo area of Monze district to assess the situation at her home, deliver groceries and advise her and her family on rational use of the donated items and encourage them to join saving groups for them to become self-reliant.
Priscilla was not well at the time of the visit. She complained of a headache and chest pains. One of the health personnel from a nearby rural health clinic within the community to attended to her and put her on medication. The team made a follow up visit a week later and they were told that she had recovered and was back on her feet. Priscilla continues to appreciate the organisation for the continued assistance that is being rendered to her and her family.
Bibian continues to appreciate HHZ for the continued assistance that she receives. She is excited about her new artificial limb that was acquired from Holy Family, Monze, and is learning how to use the even though she complained of it being heavy and difficult to use. She also complained of feeling weak and has some sores on her hip caused by the artificial limb. Bibian has requested some schoolbooks to read at home as she waits for full recovery before she can return to school. She is very grateful for the assistance that is being rendered to her and other vulnerable people in communities.
Food For Thought
Monze Mission Hospital
For many years, HHI supporters have generously contributed to the food programme which supplements the diet in the children’s ward at Monze Mission Hospital. Because of the situation regarding the Zambian economy, HHI has doubled the monthly allowance. The hospital is very grateful for this additional support. Thank you.
Community Feeding Programme
Following a request from HHZ, the allowance given for the feeding programme has been extended for a further three months. The response of our supporters to the project appeal has been very positive indeed and everyone has been further encouraged by the reception the programme received at the compound. Indeed, the HHZ Trustees have now approached African Milling and Choma Milling in order to seek sponsorship. An email has also been sent to the Bank of Zambia to apply for funding. This HHZ initiative is very exciting, and we look forward to celebrating the outcome!