The «Adventure» in Zambia shall continue!

Our work in Zambia is an adventure - and it shall continue! On our last trip to Zambia, we once again achieved a great deal. All the visitors were delighted and impressed by what has been achieved in recent years and how the wonderful people in Zambia are being served and helped. Gordon Merk reports.

FCTfarm-leader Benson chauffeuring Miriam

As explained in the last report, Joanna and Jonas came for the first time; Hanna, Julian and Miriam were back in beautiful Zambia. They were all delighted with the work on site and touched by the love and friendliness of the people. Miriam was once again enchanted by the beauty of Zambia and the warm-hearted people. Linda and Paul also travelled on to Uganda and Ethiopia with many wonderful impressions of their visit to FCTrelief in Linda Compound. Heiner, Chris and Gordon, as always, did their part to continue to lead FCTrelief and ensure that the ‘adventure’ (the mission) continues. Their co-operation with the local team is going well. The visitors remarked how nice it is to see the whole team working together in a complementary way. It was generally a happy and positive time.

Last Saturday, 115 young people attended the Youth Meeting; it was awesome! The Swiss group was warmly welcomed. ‘Schoggi’ (chocolate) and ‘Guetzli’ (biscuits) were very well received. The ‘special meal’ that was cooked on Tuesday before their departure was also a great success. Spaghetti bolognese is a dish that most of them had never eaten before - a real treat! It's nice to see how you can bring great joy in Zambia with things that are often taken for granted in Switzerland. Hanna saw how much has been built and invested since her last visit and how the work of FCTrelief serves the development of the pupils. Compliments from all the visitors went especially to Heiner and Chris for the great work they have built. Joanna saw how her parents are fully utilising their gifts in Zambia to help the people.

Joanna with Priscilla, Esnart, Mary and Gertrude

For Joanna, as a nurse, the visit to the medical container was a highlight, as this was part of the beginning of the work in Zambia. The container, which was donated by the Swiss army at the time and transported by FCTrelief, fulfils a valuable task, especially the ‘important work in caring for HIV and AIDS patients’. This work is led by another organisation and the container is still well managed. They enjoyed visiting our nurses who are training at the Makeni School of Nursing as well as Dr Winnice at the clinic. Chris and Gordon visited Violet and Mable at the School of Medicine at Cavendish University. This was particularly enjoyable for Chris. So was the meeting with the medical students last Sunday.

Chris with Mable and Violet

Joanna gave a brilliant talk about her role as the mother of a child with disabilities and her work at the hospital. The young people were impressed by how she handles these challenges. Dealing with disability in particular is an important topic in Africa. People with disabilities do not have the same status as they do here in the West. Miriam experienced the interest of the young people in her wheelchair very well: ‘The way I was received in my wheelchair touched me,’ said Miriam, ‘especially the reaction of the children, who were fascinated by my wheelchair, remains in my memory.’ She was personally chauffeured at the farm by farm manager Benson! Beforehand, Hanna took some of the farm children for a spin in the wheelchair, who obviously saw it as a ‘cool racing car’.

Julian's presentation on architecture was very interesting and aroused the interest of some of the young people. Most of them didn't know much about this profession. The kitchen extension on the plot was immediately used as a practical illustration to explain the theoretical aspects. Gordon pointed out to all the students at the beginning of the year that they should all observe the construction and learn a lot in the process. As an architect, Julian was also pleased with the progress of the infrastructure, as well as everything that has been built and established. He is excited to see ‘where the journey will take us!’ The adventure is set to continue.

Julian with one of our new pupils

Jonas also gave a presentation and talked about his life. He sang and played the guitar with some of the young people for a long time after the Youth Meeting. It was a joy for everyone. Despite his joy, however, the poverty he saw was difficult for him to handle. Yet he sees the work of FCTrelief as a ‘great opportunity to give people here a "springboard" to a better future’. This is part of the vision: ‘Future through education’. The pupils are also given ‘a perspective and a good mindset’. This is crucial for their future.

Heiner, Hanna and Jonas with Gift, Leonard and Alex

At the Youth Meeting, Gordon further contributed to the growth of these perspectives and mindsets in his teaching series. The inputs from his LifeCoaching Programme are bearing fruit. He constantly encourages our pupils and students with the slogan: ‘Zambian Lives Matter’, because every life is valuable.

Gordon with the Slogan 'Zambian Lives Matter'

All the visitors also spent time with the pupils playing games, from chess to 'Ligretto,' and with the staff in one-to-one conversations. They were able to get a good first-hand picture of the work in Zambia and gain a better understanding. Heiner and Chris were delighted to spend these days together in Zambia and are happy to welcome everyone who wants to help ensure that this ‘adventure’ continues in a good and healthy way for the benefit of the people in Zambia. Let the adventure continue!

We thank you for any kind of support.

Donate Now