December 2024
Our builder Simon Muyamba had aimed to finish the Lower Primary Building Project by 31 December. This is the biggest building we have erected at Limapela so far, and even though it will clearly not be finished by 31 December, the roof is being put on this week, and overall progress has been very pleasing.
In addition to this, a new three-classroom block is on the drawing board for our expanding secondary department, and we would like to get this built in 2025. The building fund will need to be replenished!
Expansion to Grade 10 is planned for January. We had anticipated running one class only, but it is looking likely that there will be enough pupils for two. Pupils and their parents are very pleased. Our Grade 9 pupils have now finished writing their exams.
Solar electricity, both at Limapela Cedric’s school and at Limapela Lodge, has reduced the frustration we had been experiencing due to power outages, but we now feel somewhat guilty because most others in the country continue to suffer when we do not!
Many of our pupils do not have anything to eat until after the school day has ended. So warm thanks to Paul and Velma Els of Shema for establishing the feeding programme in both schools well over a year ago. It is wonderful to see so many of our younger pupils enjoying the porridge provided.
265 pupils at Limapela Cedric’s now have fee sponsors, and their sponsorship reports have been sent out. Yes, we do need more sponsors in both schools, so please contact us if you are interested in joining this programme. The commitment is not high — NZ$ 35 per pupil per month.
We are now seeing young maize seedlings appearing in fields around the community and also in our own school gardens. I enjoyed watching some of our pupils weeding and tending to their plants this morning. The rains have been patchy so far, which is of concern. Remembering last season’s disastrous drought, we are all praying for good rains this season.
Alison and I are booked to arrive in New Zealand on 7 January. We expect to return to Zambia at the beginning of March, bringing retirement that much closer now.
Our thanks to you all once again for your interest, prayers and support. We greatly appreciate it.
— Matthew and Alison Raymond
