Jenny’s Story

I first went to Zambia in 2009, with the organisation MMM (Mobile Mission Maintenance) on a mission awareness tour.  Our group was to be involved in some building projects and visiting and helping, where able, at other centres in the city of Ndola.  With limited practical building skills (and there was a lot of physical work involved in digging and pouring foundations) my interests and heart lay in visiting schools, orphanages and community centres.

The overwhelming poverty we witnessed has forever changed my life and worldview. 

The AIDS, malaria, poor health system, inability to access care, sexual and physical abuse were all too obvious. We were aware of grandmothers caring for multiple grandchildren because the parents had died of AIDS, with little or no resources. They lived in a one room hut, barely surviving. 

I am a registered nurse and on one occasion I helped in a health clinic run by a visiting medical team from Queensland.  We could diagnose conditions, but to what end, when the people could not afford the treatment, could not get to a hospital or doctor or have any investigative tests. All we could offer for most of the patients was vitamins, antibiotics, ringworm treatment and basic wound care.

We visited a school that was being held in a run down (derelict, really) building.  The teachers received little or no pay.  There were a few dilapidated desks and the teachers were writing lessons on the concrete walls. 

Despite my nursing background, my heart lay in helping with the children.  It was a joy to see the enthusiasm of the children in attending school.  Most would come for half a day to allow another group to come in the afternoon. 

The staff would walk for miles, some not receiving pay for long periods of time, but dedicated to helping the children and their communities.

There were no paper handouts or textbooks – the teacher would write on a blackboard and the children would copy out the task on their small blackboard.

Sadly, in Zambia, if the children cannot afford a uniform to wear, they cannot attend public schools. 

We first visited Arising Life Ministry School to attend its opening ceremony in 2009.  What a joy for the students and community!  On our second visit to Zambia I was able to spend time helping at the school.  The staff give so much of themselves with little remuneration and resources.

Not only do the students receive an education in a caring environment, they receive a meal, family support, uniforms, and medical support when needed (ie children with AIDS will be given medication and nutritional support).  The school also runs a farm to supplement the food needed for the feeding program and gives employment and skills to locals in the community.

To now see the development of the new facilities and how many more lives are being positively impacted is wonderful. 

Despite their circumstances, joy abounds and a love for being at school.  Knowing the difference this education and support provides, makes my heart burst.  Indeed, we have seen recently some of the children who started at the school in 2009, graduating on to university.  What would their future be without our support?

Slowly, the childrens’ lives, the families and communities are being lifted out of their dire circumstances.  It would be great to see improvements in the government support and in the fortunes of Zambia, however, in the meantime, I am compelled to do what I can to make a difference and be conscious of what this can achieve.