It has been wonderful to watch everything turn green with the good rains we have had so far this season. In fact this week we have had torrential rain, and this has made things difficult on our secondary building site. Otherwise the building projects continue well under a very enthusiastic building team led by Liberty Muyamba.

The new primary building will be in use in January and the floor slab for the secondary building is being poured this week. We are grateful to Paul Els, who is taking over the project management this month in preparation for the Raymonds’ return to New Zealand.

Schools closed for the Christmas holidays on 5 December, and national exam results for Grades 7 and 9 have now been released. We have had good and stable staff this year. Head Teacher Martha Mbewe has recently moved on from Limapela Cedric’s and we are pleased to announce that a new head teacher, Marvel Mumvwende, has been appointed to take her place. This position is obviously crucial for the future smooth running of the school, and we warmly welcome Ms Mumvwende to Limapela.

The Kafakumba Singers have been very busy with a programme of Christmas music, which they presented at two churches this month and at Garden Court Hotel in Kitwe on Christmas Day.

This comes with our warm Christmas greetings. We appreciate your support and prayers. We need both more than ever!

— Matthew and Alison Raymond