What a wonderful time we had at Living Hope! Dr. Lise Johnson, a long-time Communities Without Borders supporter and volunteer, got to meet the two recipients who attended the Healthy Kids, Brighter Futures Health Workers Training. Mary Namukulai and Bertha Banda, whom Lise sponsored, were excited to share their experiences with us about the training they received. They have started keeping records to document the children, their illnesses, and types of recommended treatment.

We look forward to having them assist us with the upcoming health screenings.

— Amy Archibald

For more than five years, Mumbi Ngosa and Carol Tembo have been the teachers at Garden, where they work hard to prepare the children for government schools. Solana Baer, Sabrina Freiberg-Dale, Lilly Brownell, Maddie Miller, and I spent four days teaching. We worked on the alphabet, numbers, colors, and animals. We are all impressed with the teachers who go above and beyond to support the children in Garden, from taking urine samples for health screening to providing food for children who might not otherwise have any. The children are so lucky to have them.

— Amy Archibald

One of the major needs our new partners have identified is purchasing local curriculum books. Steven Nkhata, a teacher at Sekelela Community School, is holding one of the books Communities Without Borders bought for the school.

The books will help support instruction for Sekelela’s 368 students.

So far, CWB has provided funds for 300 books for the Living Hope and Sekelela schools.

— Amy Archibald

People say it’s special to see the world through the eyes of a child.

Mwenya has been at Garden for the last three years. We were surprised to see him back again this year since his classmates all went on to grade one in government schools.

Although Mwenya did go to grade one, it was recommended that he sit at the front of the class because his eyesight is poor. The government school claimed he was not ready and sent him back to Garden.

We were so happy to be able to make it possible for him to have a pair of glasses. The pure joy he and his family expressed was a memorable experience that even brought his classroom teacher to tears.

In working with Mwenya for the past two years, we know that he has a bright future. We hope to give many other children glasses so that they too can go forward in the years ahead.

— Amy Archibald

Attention to all those who are interested in traveling to Zambia with Communities Without Borders during the summer of 2016. The approximate dates for our trip are:

June 28, 2016 – July 15, 2016

The trip committee has planned an introductory meeting for friends, families, and others who want to find out more about the trip. The meeting is designed to provide you with important information to help you know if this trip is for you.

We hope you can join us!

Introductory Meeting:

Sunday, January 24, 2016
First Unitarian Society in Newton
1326 Washington Street
Newton, MA
Location: Alliance Room
Time: 4:00

Please feel free to spread the word to others and let us know if you plan on attending the meeting by emailing Dick Bail ([email protected]) or Barney Freiberg-Dale ([email protected]). The trip committee can provide additional information to those who may be unable to attend the meetings but strongly encourage you to come if you can.

See more information about the trip.

New York Times: “China’s economic slowdown has caused Zambia’s economy to tumble. Thousands of jobs have been lost, and the outlook is now so grim that Zambia recently held a national day of prayer to revive its currency, one of the world’s worst performers this year.”

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