Zambia Update: refreshing, successful, intensive
We have now completed three busy weeks in Zambia. They were refreshing, successful and intensive. The team is working well together, the pupils and students are hard-working, and the results are encouraging.
Gordon and Elvira Merk report.
Pupils at the daily reading class
Reading, reading, reading...
During our three weeks in Zambia, we held daily reading lessons. The pupils were enthusiastic, the intensive reading sessions were successful, and these times spent together were refreshing. Their reading levels improved significantly in just three weeks. We were able to encourage them to read more and to develop this important skill. Reading in small groups was a personal experience, and the progress was evident every day. Generally speaking, literacy levels in Zambia tend to be quite low. The FCTrelief children should be among the best!
A book about Anne Frank and her famous Diary
They realised that they first learnt to read, and now read in order to learn. It was an enriching experience. We read a simple book about Anne Frank, the Jewish girl who had to go into hiding with her family during the Second World War. We were able to inform the pupils about the historical circumstances and moral aspects of that dramatic period of history, so that they could read and understand such a book in the right context. It was often moving. We were able to discuss what we’d learnt in depth. It’s true: children who read grow up to be thinking adults. In a world with too much social media, reading in groups also brought a greater sense of inner calm and moments for reflection.
Not only did we emphasise the benefits and importance of reading, but we also encouraged the children to keep a diary themselves and write down their thoughts and experiences. At the end of the book, we celebrated the achievement of having read a whole book – and we moved straight on to the next one.
Smiling faces after the success of reading a book
Visiting the Students
Part of our priorities during this trip were visits to the students. We support them personally on their educational journey and encourage them to develop a positive vision for their future. They rise to every challenge and strive for good results. They know that an education paves the way to the future. However, in Zambia, this is also linked to concerns about job security. There are too few jobs, and the number of graduates is growing steadily. However, such concerns should not distract students from their studies; they should remain hopeful, do their best and look to the future.
Four of the five young men who recently graduated from the Technical College in northern Zambia also came to visit the Plot during the youth meeting. They spoke about their experiences and encouraged the children at the Plot to do their best and to strive for a future with a good education. Benson Chapa, who graduated with a degree in agriculture, used to be out on the plot with some of these lads as part of our educational programme – but back then there was no school building; first they met under the mango tree, and then in a tent. Times change; our mission remains the same: a future through education.
Visiting the Makeni-Students: Nursing
We visited more students at the University of Zambia and Canvendish. They were delighted with the pizza and burgers, but also with the time we spent together. Their intensive study schedule doesn’t leave much free time. We were impressed by how much our students have grown. Their self-confidence grew in a short space of time. They are mastering their lives, with all the challenges that entails. They are growing from teenagers into adults, taking responsibility for their lives and learning to face the future with courage. This was heartening and refreshing.
Gift has completed his seven years of medical studies and is now finding his way to build his career. Alex and Leonard are in the middle of their medical studies and were delighted by Gift’s success. They, too, are striving for the same. It is heartening to see how, over the years, we have been able to form a sort of ‘community’ amongst the FCtrelief students, and how they encourage and support each another.
Students with a positive attitude
Another highlight was our visit with Danny and Racheal to see Abigail at the Legacy Resort – a luxury hotel just outside Lusaka. Abigail is doing an internship there as part of her training. She’s absolutely beaming at work and has found what she wants to do in the future. This environment has opened her eyes to what’s possible with a good education. It’s very intensive, but that’s part of the training too.
The Legacy Resort grew out of an American charity project. They support many children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and give them the chance for a better future through education. The hotel forms part of the business strategy to fund this impressive project. The environment is inspiring for Abigail. She is highly motivated and is well on her way to writing yet another FCTrelief success story!
Abigail (centre) at her internship at the Legacy Resort
Home Visits
FCTrelief’s work is personal; we care for people, including home visits. We visited several families. The parents’ gratitude that their child has been given the chance to receive an education is immense and heartfelt. FCTrelief makes possible what the parents were unable to do, and what they would be unable to do without our support. We are not only changing the lives of our students, but also those of their families. Further visits to Edward’s and Maureen’s families bear this out: hard-working students and grateful parents.
Evelyn (centre) with her grateful parents
A Mission with a Future - supporting it is worth it
Back in Switzerland, we were able to share these wonderful experiences first with Heiner and Chris Merk (founders of FCTrelief), who are unfortunately unable to travel at the moment for health reasons, and then with a group of sponsors in Münchwilen. Everyone was delighted. The founding couple are delighted that everything is continuing to go so well. Their tireless efforts are bearing fruit and the work continues. The group of sponsors in Münchwilen were delighted with everything that is happening and that their donations are being put to good use and bearing fruit.
FCTrelief’s work has a bright future – it’s well worth supporting!
Hospital visit to Heiner Merk with project manager Chris Merk
NEW! FCTrelief Telegram Channel
Apart from our Facebook and Instagram channels, we now also have a Telegram channel. We’re delighted that you’re following us on social media and thank you for sharing our posts. The Christmas campaign is just around the corner and we really appreciate your active participation in it!
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