Paving a New Course for the Future

We have had an intensive and eventful time in Zambia. Despite the challenges, we were able to make a real difference and have many positive experiences. There were staff changes and a major reorganisation. We have paved a new course for the future. It was particularly pleasing that Heiner Merk was able to join us again. Gordon Merk reports.

Youth Meeting under the Zambian Sky

New Staff, new Ways

Following the unexpected staff changes at the start of the year, there were a number of challenges to overcome. The team on the ground proved their worth, achieving encouraging results. Racheal and Danny, in particular, proved to be excellent team members with strong leadership qualities. Racheal has taken on the role of head teacher. Danny showed tireless dedication across a range of tasks. The team has settled in very well with their operational and administrative duties under the leadership of Gordon and Elvira. The cooks have also demonstrated their strengths. The transition went smoothly. Esnart and Priscilla have continued to do a great job as temporary staff whilst they wait for a position in a hospital. Jessica and Naomy are the newest members of the team.

Chris and Racheal (centre) with Naomy (left) and Jessica (right)

Jessica is a maths and geography teacher. She has settled in very well with the team and values her role at FCTrelief. She has embraced the vision of supporting and inspiring the pupils. Naomy has recently joined us as a receptionist. She also handles administrative tasks. She grew up in Linda and was herself a pupil at FCTrelief. She then studied Public Administration at Evelyn Hone College and was delighted when we invited her to join the team. From day one, she has shown heart, initiative and a spirit of cooperation. Her life embodies what we wish for all the children: a better future! Naomy is ‘living proof’ that it is possible to forge a path towards a better future. We are building ‘a future through education’, and Naomy inspires us through her example.

We were able to delight the staff with a small celebration and express our appreciation. At the same time, it was a surprise party to show our appreciation for Heiner and Chris and their tireless dedication. The atmosphere was wonderful and it was a lovely evening. The spouses were also invited. Jessica’s partner gave a spontaneous and touching speech, in which he paid special tribute to our positive attitude towards the staff. He said he was impressed by everything FCTrelief does for the children of Zambia. Two handmade cards from the pupils at FCTrelief for Heiner and Chris served as a testimony to this fact.

Self-made Cards for Heiner and Chris

Appreciation and Joy

It was a pleasure to be in Zambia with Chris and Heiner (Mum and Dad). Unfortunately, Heiner had to cancel the trip last year. Everyone was all the happier to see him again this year. My parents’ hearts are deeply connected to Zambia – and it was wonderful to see the great appreciation the pupils expressed as we said goodbye. The following words are part of the creatively designed thank-you cards that Evelyn presented on behalf of the pupils:

«Mum and Dad, thank you for everything you had done .» – Joyce

«Thank you for creating such a safe, happy space where we could all learn and grow together.» –Blessing und Patience

«Mum & Dad, with a heart filled with love and gratitude, you've been such a light in or lives. A Thank you can never be enough. Love you both.» – Dorothy

Chris with Evelyn (right) and other pupils at the Farewell

Ruth, Chikupi and a new Business

Ruth completed the tailoring course at the training centre in Chikupi (south of Lusaka). Under the supervision of Anni, our long-standing tailor who is responsible for the school uniforms, Ruth got straight to work on her first task: uniforms for our cooks. A new business is taking shape. At the heart of FCTrelief lies a commitment to training young talent and supporting them in life. Ruth is at the start of a small success story, and we look forward to seeing what else will come of it. This is genuine and meaningful support for self-reliance, with positive economic benefits. Ruth is a role model for all our pupils, showing that one can embrace their calling and turn a dream into reality. And this was the theme of the youth meetings.

Ruth with the Cooks in new Uniforms

Define your Purpose

Gordon and Elvira led the two youth meetings, and they were a huge success! The first topic was ‘Major Decisions’. The idea was that everyone has to make important decisions in life, and they need to be the right ones. These decisions have a major impact on our lives. Heiner and Chris were asked questions and shared stories from their rich life experiences, talking about the highs and lows, challenges and successes. Elvira spoke about her childhood in Namibia and her teenage years in South Africa. She was an inspiration to all the teenagers. Her example resonates with them and encourages them to strive for a meaningful future. Elvira brings an African perspective to the table, yet she also raises questions that spark reflection in Zambia and inspire all teenagers to think beyond cultural norms.

The second session focused on defining a purpose in life. Gordon inspired the young people to develop a positive vision for their lives and to pursue it. He told them that they were all ‘CEOs’ of their own lives, and that they should take responsibility for their lives and make good decisions. Under the beautiful Zambian sky (see cover photo), we took time to reflect on our lives and the future, to develop our visions and to write them down. We inspire a future and a hope!

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