I arrived in Zambia on 5 June to assist with administration and building, and to pay closer attention to the needs of some of our particularly vulnerable young people. Some just need a little compassionate attention, but others need help with seemingly insignificant things such as school uniforms, shoes and toiletries.

And we have medical needs. Vanessa (23) is a former member of the Kafakumba Singers who is studying nursing in Lusaka. Some time ago she was diagnosed with Ménière’s disease, which affects both hearing and balance, and recently she has developed peptic ulcers. She is a very sick young lady.

The day after my arrival I learned that Filbert (23), a former Limapela pupil, had collapsed on the road in town and was rescued by strangers — true Good Samaritans. He awoke to find himself in hospital with cerebral malaria. Malaria seems to have been particularly prevalent recently, and many forget that it is still one of Africa’s biggest killer diseases. The Ebola epidemic in DR Congo has not affected Zambia so far. We pray that it won’t. Ebola is very contagious and the mortality rate is very high for those who catch it.

This week, with the help of our administrator Mararita Kabwita, I have very much enjoyed taking portrait photos of our pupils for their sponsorship reports, which will be compiled over the next couple of months. We are very grateful to all our fee sponsors whose support ensures the education of so many of our pupils. Please contact us if you, or someone you know, would like to join this programme.

Now that this year’s unprecedented rains have ended, the Secondary Building Project at Limapela Cedric’s is moving ahead in leaps and bounds. Simon and Liberty Muyamba and their team of tireless builders have set goals to make up for the delays. We should have the building ready for use in January 2027.

In order to qualify for the ECZ Grade 12 Exam Centre registration at Limapela Cedric’s, we are now required to set up a separate biology lab. We did not expect this expense, but we are relieved that the necessary equipment has now been ordered and is about to be consigned from South Africa.

If you are reading between the lines, you will realise that our funding needs are particularly high at the moment. We are grateful to our many donors who are aware of this. We appreciate your interest and support.

—Matthew Raymond