2009 was a difficult year for tourist operators in Zambia. Visitors to Victoria Falls were down as much as 50% during some peak months and lodges and resorts were sometimes empty when they would normally be full. The global economic crisis cut deep into the industry. LiPAF opened its first production at the end of May 2009 and struggled to get large enough audiences to meet expenses. Still, we survived and look forward to a much brighter 2010.
Dumbwa School
Kelly wrote a letter this past week with information about some of her experiences in various schools throughout Zambia before she came to Livingstone. Regardless of the school’s location or size she found one common denominator – “the children’s desire to learn”. Kelly shares our own experience with various schools when she says the system is poorly funded, lacks enough teachers or school materials, and keeps kids from getting an education due to high fees and uniform costs which many cannot afford. Children in school are often older than we expect in the western world because many start late or start and stop often depending on their ability to pay. Imagine a 10 year old boy working to raise enough money to return to school.
In addition to the government schools, many community schools have been started in areas where there is considerable poverty. These rely on sponsorship from an NGO or volunteer teachers. Often the classrooms are outside or in small mud structures. Some have almost no supplies but still the children come to learn.
In 2009, LiPAF organized the sponsorship of 35 elementary and high school students through Canadian donors. During our visit to Canada, we have been collecting funds to continue this sponsorship and will hopefully expand the numbers in 2010. I can’t thank our sponsors enough for this important gift they are giving the children. Only when the population is better educated can Zambia expect real progress in areas of the economy, health, social justice, and rule of law.
LiPAF has also raised funds to create a computer lab in one school and the establishment of two libraries. We also installed a bore hole at Linda West Basic School which is almost complete. Our commitment to education is one of our priorities.
Family dinner in Saskatchewan
On a different note, Marilyn and I have been spending some quality time with family and friends in Canada. We have been staying with our oldest son, Ryan, and our daughter-in-law, Sally in Guelph. Both are professors at the University of Guelph in the Biodiversity program (that’s a fancy way of saying they study DNA). Sean (our youngest), Makiko (daughter in law number 2) and our grandson Julian are home from Japan and this brings us lots of joy.
Our Grandson Julian
We traveled to the Province of Saskatchewan where we visited Marilyn’s immediate and extended family. She has a lot of aunts, uncles and cousins. With four of her cousins, Marilyn performed at the Hanley Community Hall a few days before Christmas. It was an amazing evening and enjoyed by a lot of the local community. We also went to watch some curling and ringette – two winter sports in Canada.
Marilyn and cousins performing
Curling
Girls playing ringette on ice
There really isn’t much snow yet this year but we did manage to make a snowman at Ryan and Sally’s. Emails from Livingstone tell us it has been hot and humid.
We return to Livingstone on Jan 18. We are looking forward to a good year ahead of us with lots of success for our foundation. To all those who have continued to help us financially, sponsor children in school, or offer emotional support, we say thanks and wish you and your family a happy and prosperous new year.
Downtown Hanley - a small Prairie Town
