Wednesday 16th October 2024

October 18, 2024

A Day of Challenges

Luyando

Life is challenging for 10-year-old Luyando. Her mother and father abandoned her when she was born, and her grandmother is now looking after 5 grandchildren. Because her legs were deformed and she was unable walk, HHI funded an operation in March. She now has crutches, and some internal splints to straighten both legs. The good news is that today Luyando walked into the compound with her grandmother. She attends school and was able to write her name and age in Jute’s notebook. She has a hospital appointment in Lusaka later this month to review her progress and was given £82 towards travel costs.

Luyando

Grace

Grace has recently been in hospital as her legs needed further surgery. The new wounds have almost healed, but she still has some open sores and is experiencing pain. When Jute and Kath arrived at her family home, Grace was seated in her wheelchair by her sewing machine. She was presented with the challenge of tailoring 2 made-to-measure dresses for the ladies in Lindfield URC who are keen to have one of her beautiful creations. Measurements and ‘tchtengi’ fabric were handed over and Grace, who charges £6.50 per dress (more will be paid!), happily accepted the challenge. Kath, impressed by her workmanship, was also measured for a dress. The dresses will be ready for collection within the week.

Dressings, antiseptic lotions, honey and white vinegar were purchased to help heal her wounds and soap and feminine sprays were also gifted to Grace

And good news… Grace still enjoys attending school every afternoon.

sorting out material for dress making with Grace

Giving fabric to Grace

Kath being measured by seamstress Grace

Muumba school

Headteacher Mr Bbilika, the new deputy head teacher Beatrice, and Prisca Hatembo (senior teacher) greeted Jute and Kath at Muumba school.

Since the pandemic, HHI has donated £144 every month to the feeding programme at Muumba school. Today the students, sitting under the shelter which HHI funded last year, enjoyed their lunch of Nshima, vegetables and soya which had been freshly prepared by the parents.

A consequence of the growing popularity of Muumba school means that pupil numbers are also rising, and now a new classroom block is desperately needed. Although an application for this has been made to the Government, perhaps this project could be the next challenge for HHI?

In the meantime, £77 was gratefully received by Mr Bbilika to purchase a solar battery replacement for the water pump.

Meal time at Muumba school

Mumba students seated under the shelter paid for by HHI

Muumba 2024 pupil numbers

Dimuna Family

It was a difficult drive along barren, dry and lumpy roads to reach the home of the Dimuna family in Rusangu. To accommodate the family of 10, Mr and Mrs Dimuna are trying their best to enlarge their home. Mrs Dimuna has used the start-up capital from HHI and now sells vegetables and with the small profit, she is able to buy bricks, iron sheets and cement but progress is slow.

The challenge here is how the 4 blind boys who were sitting silently under the shade of the trees, could be helped in the future to secure their futures. Discussions ensued about finding places and finance for the boys to attend Rusangu school.

Before leaving, Jute, Kath and the family enjoyed the traditional drink of ‘tchwantu’ and the family happily accepted clothes donated by HHI supporters.