The Limapela Foundation

Quality education for Zambia based on Christian values

20 February 2015

Yes, Limapela is still alive and well, even though six months have elapsed since our last report. May the favour of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us... (Psalm 90:17) Thank you all for your continuing interest and support. We could not function without it. My cousin and our good friend John Lewis once commented, “You seldom seem to mention any real problems, though I’m sure you have your share of such.” I’m glad he said that, because we do have, and they keep us on our knees. This year I am very conscious that as the infrastructure grows, so do the challenges and the expenses. Delegating responsibility requires a measure of trust, and we have to exercise that continually. Alison and I expect to take leave later this year, and are considering travelling via the UK and the USA. Please contact me if you would like to arrange any meetings or events for us.

New Building

Limapela Cedric’s School

We opened last month with 358 pupils. A pleasing 83% of our Grade 9 pupils passed their ECZ Grade 9 exam. Head Teacher Mr Mwanza has decided to run only one Grade 9 class this year, partly due to a shortage of classrooms.

Last September local supporter Jill Wilken initiated and ran a fantastic fundraising musical soirée at the Penny Farthing Club in Kamfinsa to start a fund for more classrooms. Our guest artists were New Zealand pianist John Chen, who is now teaching at Chengelo School here in Zambia, and flautist Lauren Kitcat from Zimbabwe. The evening was a great success — few such performances of this type and quality are ever held in the Copperbelt and the equivalent of NZ$ 5,200 was raised.

Our Library-Information Technology building is nearing completion and is beginning to look very smart indeed.

Luyando Community School

Head Teacher Franchessca Mumba continues to lead a good team of teachers and a settled school. 373 pupils are enrolled this term in pre-school through Grade 7. The British charity Give Hope International needs more support for Luyando. Contact us for more details.

Volunteers

Staff and Volunteers

2014 was a year of kiwi volunteers. It was great to have as many as seven New Zealanders around the dinner table at one time, and to enjoy kiwi camaraderie and humour again. Limapela Trustee Rob Bellingham was with us for 6 weeks in May. Teacher Gemma Stewart finished her two years with Limapela in October and has returned to Palmerston North. We are missing her. Teacher Gareth Bell, also from Palmerston North, joined us for three months and worked hard in our secondary department. His wife Sarah Jane was also able to come for a month. Veteran volunteer Thomas Duxfield came for a third visit and brought his father Bob, who is builder.

Last month Canadian Nick Vandenbogerd joined us for three months. He is working around the clock on completion of the Library-IT building and on other maintenance tasks.

Each of these volunteers has made an invaluable contribution, and we are grateful to them all for leaving the comforts of home to serve the least of these in Zambia.

— Matthew F. Raymond, trustee