Day 8 – 15th October 2025 – Challenges
Challenges for Chipo
Chipo, a former pupil at Choongo school, arrived in the HHZ compound this morning just as we were singing our final hymn. Chipo has dwarfism and was supported by HHZ into education at Choongo school for several years. Recently, with further support from HHI, she re-sat her Grade 12 exams and even though she tried hard, she was unsuccessful.
What next?
How best to support Chipo in the future was on the agenda. However, the ever-resourceful Chipo was one step ahead of us.
Chipo, who has always had an interest and talent for hair braiding and already has many satisfied clients, proudly showed us pictures of the many styles she has created. We were not at all surprised to see that that Chipo had devised her own business plan. She has located an empty shop which she can rent and prepared a quote for the necessary hair dressing items that she would need to start a braiding salon – £150 in total.
Brenda asked Chipo appropriate questions about the viability of this vocation and, to be fair, undaunted by the challenge ahead, Chipo answered them correctly and with confidence. Indeed, she beamed with enthusiasm.
We wish Chipo well and will post updates on her progress!
On to Ntambo!
After smiling and chatting with Chipo we set off for another long drive through the barren terrain towards Ntambo. We visited Mona, who doesn’t hear or speak, and who has started to earn an income with her new tailoring talents. However, her mother explained that Mona was experiencing a bit of trouble with her machine. Alistair, the HHZ sewing teacher has been notified and she will make a visit to ensure all is functioning as it should be.
Mona with her sewing machine
Water Water Water
The desperate need for a decent water supply accessible to the vulnerable people who receive HHZ monthly food support, became very apparent today.
We then travelled to see Priscilla and her 7-year-old son, Isaiah. Priscilla, who cannot walk unaided, speak or hear, lives alone in a small home built by HHI. She communicates with some signing. Priscilla has received monthly support from HHI for many years and at the moment, her sister-in-law helps to look after them both.
Priscilla smiled when John donated the bag of Mealie meal, cooking oil, kapenta (dried fish), vegetables and soap. We also gave Isaiah a new back sack with stationery items for him to take to school.
Priscilla, who has also been trained by Alistair, had made a beautiful dress for her niece. She showed it to us, and we bought if from her for 40 Kwacha – £1.50. This was much more than her asking price.
All the people in this small hamlet are struggling to wash clothes, prepare food, maintain personal hygiene and access clean drinking water. Vegetables cannot be grown, and all the animals lie forlorn in the shade.
Priscilla with sister-in-law and nephews
Dress made by Priscilla for her niece
Next visit we went on to Cabilio and his mother who live a few kilometres away in the Ntambo area. Unfortunately, the HHZ vehicle wouldn’t start without us giving it a good push down a dusty slope. We breathed a huge sigh of relief when the engine engaged, and we jumped in!
Cabilo has cerebral palsy and lives in a wheelchair. It is a sturdy wheelchair donated to HHZ by the bank of Zambia. He is well cared for by his parents who receive monthly food, and grocery supplies in the same way Priscilla does, but life is challenging for them without water. Cabilo’s mother related to us the long distances she must walk to fetch buckets of water. We discovered that the two water storage drums by her small hut were empty because of cracks. On our return to Monze, (after another Hilux push), we decided to purchase two new drums for Cabilo’s family, and they will be delivered as a matter of urgency.
We welcome your support and prayers as we consider how we can best help those in dire need of such an essential resource – WATER!
Cabilo with his mother and supplies