November 2023

We have been surprised by early rains this year. They have not been heavy, but the dust has gone and we are enjoying watching things turn green. Rural Zambians are spurred into action to prepare their fields for planting, and it is hard work at this time of the year when temperature are often in the mid-30s. Everyone needs seed, equipment and fertiliser. This morning Swinneys, a big agricultural supplier in Kitwe, was so crowded that I didn’t get past the door!

We celebrated Independence Day on 24 October in both schools with the usual singing, dancing, speeches and poems, all prepared and rehearsed for quite some weeks before the day. Our guests included family and community members and former pupils, and it was a good day.

Our Grade 7 pupils started their national exams this week. We hope our pass rates will improve this year. I gave a lift to four visiting invigilators this morning. They spoke enthusiastically about our pupils at Limapela Cedric’s, saying they found them courteous and friendly, and speaking good English. Very few of our pupils speak English at home, so this is encouraging to hear.

LUYANDO

Today I took time to counsel two children who last attended school on the 7th of October. Listening to their reasoning made me realise the necessity of parental involvement in the education of their children. So often parental involvement is completely absent. Often I wish we had a boarding facility which could keep these children away from some of their households for the whole school year.

It was all fun and colourful on the 24th of October, when we celebrated our National Independence Day. To the amazement of all of us, something was presented by each grade. Hearing the nursery learners outline the meanings behind the eagle and colours on the national flag was quite educative. Older learners shared poems and songs about the liberation struggle.

— Franchessca Mumba, Head Teacher

Many thanks to those of you who sponsor pupils through our Fee Sponsorship Programme. Sponsorship Reports are being prepared at the moment, and will be sent out to you all within a few weeks. 241 pupils at Limapela Cedric’s have sponsors. But there are 430 pupils on the roll, so new sponsors are always very welcome. So please drop us a line if you would like to make a commitment, or if you know of anyone else who might be interested.

Warm greetings and thanks to you all for your interest, support and prayers.

— Matthew and Alison Raymond