Beautiful Zambia, wonderful Experiences

Zambia did not disappoint! The team and visitors had wonderful experiences and enjoyed beautiful Zambia to the fullest. The FCTrelief team knew it would be labour-intensive and fulfilled their workload. The progress and successes of young people supported by FCTrelief are gratifying and encouraging! Gordon Merk reports.

Happy Pupils during Lunch at the Plot

Intensive work, encouraging reports

Gordon Merk and Erich Vracko arrived in Zambia a few days before Chris Merk. Unfortunately, Heiner Merk was unable to travel with them this time, but he was always ‘online’ because there was a lot to do and important decisions to be made. One of our teachers received a good offer and resigned at short notice. That’s how it works in Zambia when you’re employed by the state; you have to make a fast decision and change jobs immediately. During his time at FCTrelief, Ernest was able to continuously further his education. He now received a good offer that he couldn’t turn down. His father recently passed away. Ernest cares for his sick mother and the financial burden of the family rests on him. Him having a government job now, not only provides job security, but also a good pension. We had a farewell for him at the Youth Meeting in the beginning of October, with our thanks and best wishes. The team had to make some changes in the administration. Eugene will be taking up more of the teaching again. Remaining tasks were divided up and administrative changes were made. We are making sure that everything continues to run smoothly.

In addition to the pressing tasks, it was important for the team not to lose sight of the main focus: the children and young people we serve. FCTrelief makes a real difference in the lives of many. This vision will continue to be at the centre of our work. The reports on the progress, successes and achievements are gratifying and encouraging! We remain true to our vision and look forward to further gratifying experiences and successes.

Pupils with Vision for the Future

Esnart & Priscilla

We are proud and delighted to report that Esnart and Priscilla have successfully completed their nursing training at the ‘Makeni School of Nursing.’ Esnart was top of her class! Chris, Judith and Erich attended the graduation ceremony and are thrilled. As Esnart’s personal sponsor, Judith is delighted that she was able to participate in this milestone. At FCTrelief, we are proud of Esnart and Priscilla. We are convinced that both of them have a meaningful career ahead of them. They are proof that our work makes a difference in the lives of these talented young people. Enabling a ‘future through education’ is extremely rewarding.

Priscilla and Esnart at the Graduation Ceremony

Five other young people are enrolled in this programme: Mary and Gertrude are in their second year, while Dorothy, Idah and Goodson are in their first. They are doing their best and have good role models in Esnart and Priscilla. It is inspiring to see others succeed. Mable and Violet are also motivated. We met up with our three medical students, who are also striving for success in their studies. We are delighted and optimistic.

Wonderful Experiences

The visitors from Switzerland are filled with wonderful experiences in Zambia. ‘Zambia is a very beautiful country.’ The people are ‘courteous, reserved and cheerful,’ says Bettina, who was visiting southern Africa for the first time. She found the people in the FCTrelief project to be ‘incredibly grateful, humble and extremely lovable.’ She saw how children and young people at FCTrelief are developing well and flourishing. She is now more convinced than ever that ‘it is worth investing in people with potential.’

Ursula was very impressed by the warmth and modesty of the people in Zambia. ‘It's so good to see that they have a real future.’ As a farmer's daughter, the FCT Farm made a lasting impression on her. She returns to Switzerland with ‘great joy and energy’ to share her impressions: that it is worthwhile to support these people and give something of our abundance. As Esnart's sponsor, Judith saw how rewarding it is to invest in young people. She is now taking over the sponsorship of Dorothy, who is following the same training programme as Esnart. On her second visit, Judith saw how everything has developed and is delighted and motivated to continue supporting FCTrelief. She is fascinated by how modest and happy the people are. She is touched by the love she receives in Zambia.

Ludmilla and Svenja with Abigail

Ludmilla was delighted to meet the staff, the pupils and Abigail, who is supported by her family, in person. Ludmilla was always cheerful and radiated this constantly. Sharing her personal story was emotional for her, but it gave her listeners hope that despite difficult times, new things can emerge. Hope is important. Svenja and Monika were also in Zambia for the first time and they enjoyed it very much. They experienced a wonderful country and had wonderful experiences. They had been looking forward to it and Zambia was a wonderful time for them.

Svenja’s impressions were ‘moving, joyful, but also shocking.’ Meeting the people gave her a ‘special feeling’ and she remains in contact with many of them, especially Abigail, because she is supported by Svenja’s family. Svenja was impressed by this ‘calm and determined young woman.’ Svenja experienced her farewell with ‘a warm feeling in her heart.’ In addition to these experiences, the Swiss group also took a trip to a zoo and a day trip to Livingstone to see the mighty Victoria Falls. The conclusion of this special trip: This trip and all the experiences were a complete success – a time full of encounters and gratitude.

FCTrelief Team with Visitors from Switzerland

A Heartfelt Invitation

Our Celebration of Gratitude will take place on 5 December. We will present our work and participants will give first-hand accounts. You are warmly invited to attend. Advance registration would help us to coordinate the event effectively.

Thank you very much and see you soon!