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April 2010 Update
"It is estimated that there are over 1 million orphans in Zambia. Usually the father dies first, and a few years later the mother is gone. Children are divided up and taken in by already impoverished relatives, adding to the growing burden of survival. The scourge of AIDS takes its toll, leaving fatherless children and destitute widows in its wake. It is an overwhelming task to look after these children and give them a chance to achieve their potential; we must all take notice and do whatever we can, by whatever means we can, whenever we can (paraphrased from John Wesley). Lifesong for Orphans is attempting to do just that!"
Lifesong School
"One of our precious new children is 5-year-old William. He was born with deformed feet and ankles and walks on the side of his feet. He can walk only for a short distance, so his older brother carries him to school on his back. Some of the other children have started helping him. One day I saw him sadly watching his friends on the sliding board; I picked him up and set him on the top so he could slide down. I saw one of his rare smiles that day!
Martin (the avid reader) is in fourth grade. His father died several years ago, and his mother remarried. She then had another son, Webby, who is in the 3rd grade at Lifesong. Her second husband abandoned them, and she struggles to support the family. She in on ARV drugs for AIDS. Martin was one of the original students at Lifesong School when it started 4 years ago. He was difficult to handle, often angry and aggressive. When hurt or upset, his defense mechanism was to run away. I often had to chase him down and bring him back to school after he had been disciplined. I feared for him, because I saw in him all the classic signs of a potential street kid. At one time, John Mumba asked him what he wanted to be when he finished school. Martin replied, 'I don't expect to live long enough to finish school.'
Recently, Martin's mother came to school. She was stronger and healthier than we had ever seen her. She came because she wanted to thank Lifesong for all they have done for her and her sons. She reported that their behavior has changed dramatically, especially Martin's. Instead of being sullen and uncooperative, he now is cheerful and helpful to her. Each morning before going to school, he fetches water and asks if there is anything she needs. He stays home at night instead of running with some of the wilder kids of the compound. At school, Martin is always happy, cooperative and eager to learn. His big smile is contagious, and he makes friends easily, especially with our mission volunteers who come to visit. Truly this is "Christ's living spirit...carved into human lives."
Zambia School Catalog of Needs
About Zambia
Location
Southern Africa, east of Angola
Capital City
Lusaka
Area
752,614 sq km (Slightly larger than Texas)
Population
11,502,010
Languages
English (official), major vernaculars - Bemba, Kaonda, Lozi, Lunda, Luvale, Nyanja, Tonga, and about 70 other indigenous languages
Religion
Christian 50%-75%, Muslim and Hindu 24%-49%, indigenous beliefs 1%
**data from www.cia.gov
