Our visit to Zambia was enjoyable and successful. The highlight was the celebration of the tenth anniversary of ‘FCTrelief Zambia Foundation.’ It was a marvellous success and reflected our work in Zambia in an impressive way. Gordon Merk reports.
In addition to intensive work in counselling pupils, making decisions regarding students, important administrative tasks and work on the farm, especially planting the fruit trees, the 10-year anniversary celebration was the highlight of our stay. The guests at the celebration were amazed at what has been achieved and accomplished in these years. The packed hall with its buzz in the atmosphere was the perfect setting to present our review of the last 14 years in Zambia. It was in 2010 when Heiner and Chris Merk started to support a local aid organisation in Zambia, as we reported last month. In 2014, ‘FCTrelief Zambia Foundation’ was officially launched.
Doreen Nzila, headteacher from one of the schools in Linda, said that ‘FCTrelief changes lives’ and ‘makes a huge difference for many students.’ They now have a 100% pass rate. There are no more students at her school who fail. Doreen's heart beats for helping as many children as possible, because ‘education is the great equaliser.’ Education gives everyone a chance to make something of their lives. Education is the most important aspect of breaking out of poverty. Doreen's words were encouraging. She honoured Heiner and Chris for their work and thanked them for the good cooperation.
From right to left: Dr Winnice Nyirenda with Leonard, Gift and Alex
Dr Winnice Nyirenda emphasised that she would not have been able to complete her medical training without the support of FCTrelief. It was a real pleasure to see the medical students sitting next to her. We are grateful that the three of them are being mentored by her. The four young ladies who are training to become nurses also made an encouraging impression. Our pupils saw what a life can become despite difficult circumstances or poverty. There is always a way.
From left to right: Gertrude, Mary, Esnart and Priscilla
Chris Merk speaking to Dr Winnice
and others after the celebration
Brian Mulenga affirmed what was said and encouraged all pupils and students to follow their dreams. ‘FCTrelief is truly a place where dreams come true.’ Brian, who has advised and supported us from the very beginning, was once again very impressed and enthusiastic about everything that has been created through FCTrelief. He has a heart to help the children and young people and is looking forward to continuing to work with us. He encouraged the numerous pupils present to make something of their lives. The platform for this is provided by FCTrelief, but it is also up to them.
In his short speech, Gordon Merk encouraged the pupils and students to take responsibility for their lives. He brought along a vinyl to illustrate this. It now hangs on the wall in the hall with the inscription: ‘meet the person responsible for:’. A mirror hangs above every word. Be it their words, decisions or even their future, in the mirror the pupils see that they themselves are responsible for their lives. Gordon encouraged everyone to pursue their dreams and assured them that FCTrelief will continue to support them.
Our Swedish guests, who have lived in Zambia for years, were also very touched. Pelle, who had planned and built much of our infrasturcture, for his part was very impressed. ‘You must be really proud now,’ he said to Heiner as he hugged and congratulated him at the buffet afterwards. ‘It was very emotional,’ said Pelle's wife Lotta at the end. She was close to tears.
Heiner and Chris expressed their gratitude for everything that has been achieved. They showed pictures of the beginnings of FCTrelief in Zambia. It amazed most of the pupils, because what they can use today in terms of good infrastructure took place ten years ago under mango trees or in greenhouses. The plot of land we bought back then was practically empty. Today we have a residential building, an office and a large main building for lessons, a building with showers and toilets, as well as a football pitch with grass. The original team was also thanked, especially Eugene Mtonthola, who was there from the beginning, and Tabea Zuber, who contributed a lot during the founding phase. The current team is encouraged to continue the work.
Modest beginnings...
Mr Daka with Febian
Mr Daka with Chris Merk and pupils
Heiner also pointed out that the farm was built in a similar way with a vision and how this is part of the work. Building something takes a lot of commitment and one also has to manage the turbulent and challenging times well. Today we have a good team under the leadership of Benson Nchimunya.
Heiner and Chris also paid special tribute to Mr Daka, one of the first teachers. At the age of 88, he is delighted with everything that has been achieved. The whole team was thanked, especially Eugene, who has grown into a good head teacher and responsible project manager. He is encouraged to contribute to the future of FCTrelief. Everyone is motivated and the pupils are grateful. The founders and directors also explained why they are doing this: for the children and future of Zambia!
Grateful pupils today
Our pupils took an active part in the celebration - with dancing, cheering and touching words. They expressed their gratitude for all the support they receive. Blessing and Moses thanked the whole team, all the sponsors and especially the founders for their tireless efforts.
Karen and Akim recited a poem of gratitude in rap style. It described what FCTrelief means to them. From thanks for school uniforms, lessons and ‘yummy yummy food’ to ‘a decade of joy’ and ‘a decade of dreams come true,’ this rap-poem was a great summary of our work. They ended with the words (and a raised fist): ‘Cheers to the next chapter.’ Everyone joined in with a shout! This encouragement to keep going expressed what is on the hearts of the founders and the team: on to another decade! The work must go on and we are determined to do our best for these wonderful young people.
A big thank you to everyone who has contributed to the success of FCTrelief - on to another decade!
FCTrelief: «A future through education»
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