Back to Zambia - Chikumbuso
While I was in Lusaka in April I had the opportunity to visit Chikumbuso.
About 6 years ago, Linda had a dream to help the widows and orphans. Her prayer was to be able to somehow help about 6 widows survive. What started with a small prayer has developed into a life-giving opportunity for women and children and even some men.
Chikumbuso ...building a community....offering love, food, and healthcare.
Chikumbuso ....a place of empowerment for those who have lost so much.
Chikumbuso .... free schooling for orphans
.... caregivers network to assist the grandmothers of Ng'ombe
.... single mothers skill training group
.... widows income generation project
Crocheting skills were taught to the women who now "go to work" to crochet purses, tote bags and other small items. These are sold in the shop and through various outlets, many in the U.S.
Sitting together in front of a large window the chatter and smiles on the womens' faces brings a smile to my heart. Spontaneously, one woman breaks out in song and the other women joyously join in, singing parts and harmonies. (Hmmm - maybe I should try it in the staff room at school one day.....)
Walking into another room, one is greeted by the whir-r-r of old sewing machines. A newer, yet equally successful project is underway. Again, specific skills training is provided.
On the day I visited, the people were working to meet a deadline for a large order of zipped wallets. Much like a factory, each person had their task and the finished pile soon was growing high.
The project has expanded to include a school. The day I visited was a school holiday so I just saw the rooms. There are classes for grades 1 through 5 (I think). They have received some donations and have a small assortment of teaching resources.
Another project is a "safe house" for boys and girls. Two rooms are set up and available for people to stay in if they don't have a safe place to live. The day I visited the boys' room was empty but the girls' room had 2 young teens who were living there. Look closely at the book on the shelf. A little touch of home!
Some of the women are trained in food prep and cook lunch for everyone each day. The program has benefits beyond this immediate community as some women were in town the day I visited working in a coffee shop. Seema, as it is called in these parts, (pap, phuthu (Zulu), mealie meal and many other names) is corn porridge and the diet staple.
Here I am stirring it -- or that should be trying to stir it -- it was so stiff and hard to stir. This pot was to feed the women who were there that day - maybe about 30 or 40. Imagine the quantity needed to feed 400!
Another interesting thing is this "merry-go-round" for the kids to play on. As they turn and spin the wheel, water is pumped into the water tower!
It's is obvious from these photos and my little blurb that this is a place where people are valued and given hope!
If you want to read more about it go to their website, ( they are currently redesigning their website), search them on facebook or google them.
While I was in Lusaka in April I had the opportunity to visit Chikumbuso.
About 6 years ago, Linda had a dream to help the widows and orphans. Her prayer was to be able to somehow help about 6 widows survive. What started with a small prayer has developed into a life-giving opportunity for women and children and even some men.
Chikumbuso ...building a community....offering love, food, and healthcare.
Chikumbuso ....a place of empowerment for those who have lost so much.
Chikumbuso .... free schooling for orphans
.... caregivers network to assist the grandmothers of Ng'ombe
.... single mothers skill training group
.... widows income generation project
Crocheting skills were taught to the women who now "go to work" to crochet purses, tote bags and other small items. These are sold in the shop and through various outlets, many in the U.S.
Sitting together in front of a large window the chatter and smiles on the womens' faces brings a smile to my heart. Spontaneously, one woman breaks out in song and the other women joyously join in, singing parts and harmonies. (Hmmm - maybe I should try it in the staff room at school one day.....)
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| One part of the shop that is on the premises. |
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| A finished purse! |
Walking into another room, one is greeted by the whir-r-r of old sewing machines. A newer, yet equally successful project is underway. Again, specific skills training is provided.
On the day I visited, the people were working to meet a deadline for a large order of zipped wallets. Much like a factory, each person had their task and the finished pile soon was growing high.
The project has expanded to include a school. The day I visited was a school holiday so I just saw the rooms. There are classes for grades 1 through 5 (I think). They have received some donations and have a small assortment of teaching resources.
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| Grade 1 |
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| Don't you love these student chairs? |
Another project is a "safe house" for boys and girls. Two rooms are set up and available for people to stay in if they don't have a safe place to live. The day I visited the boys' room was empty but the girls' room had 2 young teens who were living there. Look closely at the book on the shelf. A little touch of home!
Some of the women are trained in food prep and cook lunch for everyone each day. The program has benefits beyond this immediate community as some women were in town the day I visited working in a coffee shop. Seema, as it is called in these parts, (pap, phuthu (Zulu), mealie meal and many other names) is corn porridge and the diet staple.
Here I am stirring it -- or that should be trying to stir it -- it was so stiff and hard to stir. This pot was to feed the women who were there that day - maybe about 30 or 40. Imagine the quantity needed to feed 400!
Another interesting thing is this "merry-go-round" for the kids to play on. As they turn and spin the wheel, water is pumped into the water tower!
It's is obvious from these photos and my little blurb that this is a place where people are valued and given hope!
If you want to read more about it go to their website, ( they are currently redesigning their website), search them on facebook or google them.
