As we drove toward Livingstone, our cab driver chatted about our destination (the Zig Zag Inn) and commented that he was pleased when American travelers stepped off the typical tourist track in Zambia. He was sure it would only enhance our experience. How right he was.

The Zig Zag Inn, with Mercy and the rest of its welcoming staff, its charming garden and  flower-draped rooms, was a perfect home base for our visits to Tusa Munyandi and Ray of Hope. We especially enjoyed our visits with Ernest and Arysius at Tusa Munyandi. What incredibly hope-filled and gracious men they are. They spent more than an hour with us, showed us the site of the preschool, and walked us around the neighborhood.  They impressed us with their optimism. We came away sure that few organizations anywhere do so much with so little.

We also spent several hours with Agnes Yombwe, and we are delighted that she will be the Giving Circle’s representative in Livingstone. She will be a very perceptive voice for us, and one who will bring a broad perspective to GSGC.

Later in Cape Town we had the opportunity to see joyful Jikeleza in action, and to meet its charismatic founder, Edmund. Watching tiny girls dance vigorously, and slurp their snacks with equal vigor was a rewarding way to spend an afternoon. Seeing teen girls of all shapes and sizes throw themselves into the dancing was especially impressive.  Edmund and his staff have helped these young women develop a self confidence that many would envy. No wonder the program is so highly regarded, both within and outside the township.

We were incredibly humbled by watching our dollars work so hard. The leaders of these programs and the children with whom they work are genuinely inspirational. Our donation to the Giving Circle is one of the most meaningful donations we make, and we are honored to be part of the group.

GSGC would like you to meet Agnes Buya Yombwe, our local representative and advisor in Livingstone, Zambia. Agnes is a prolific and very successful experimental artist, who has won many awards both at home and abroad.   Agnes, along with her husband Lawrence, also a renowned artist, runs the Wayi Wayi Art Studio & Gallery, where she teaches art classes.

GSGC is so fortunate to have this dynamic and energetic woman working with us. As our liaison, she will enhance our direct and frequent communications with   our local partners, helping us navigate through local issues and cultural nuances as we strengthen our local connections.

While working with our partners, her perspective and problem solving skills will be invaluable!  As well, Agnes will be a great role model for the young women that we help support through these organizations. She is hard working, very competent and talented. Her self-assurance and poise will inspire any young woman who is working for a better future.

Yvonne brought her experience as a librarian in Orange County schools to help our local partner, Rose of Charity, set up a library. Besides delivering books and materials for the library, Yvonne sorted, organized and provided training on how to set up and manage a library.

She went to work with amazing organizing skills, ordering books and materials so they are very accessible now and leaving Rose of Charity with a system that they can build on.

Thank you Yvonne!

Access to books and learning materials is extremely limited in Zimbabwe. Rose of Charity is providing these children with an opportunity to expand their skills, knowledge and potential through the library.

An enthusiastic, vibrant group of girls aged 10-12 met for four consecutive Saturdays to learn about:

• healthy living / personal hygiene
• sex education & HIV/AIDS
• gender roles
• goals & dreams
• careers and mentors

The girls, some of whom are orphaned, come from economically vulnerable households in the high density areas of Victoria Falls.

Members of the GS Giving Circle were fortunate to observe the workshop on goals & dreams.

It was wonderful to see the girls in their matching red Rose of Charity t-shirts, gathered in the shade of a big tree in the front yard on the home,  talking about their future, goals, families, and all the things they can aspire to.  It was a positive day for them; what a great opportunity!            -Yvonne

Spending time in Victoria, Falls, observing young women participating in their first GSGC sponsored Workshop was so uplifting!  Sima, from Rose of Charity confidently guided the girls through self discovery with thoughtful questions and statements of empowerment!  It was clear that this workshop motivated some of the girls to step up into leadership roles as well as encouraging the more shy and timid to find a role.                                                                                                -Paige

It’s a pure blessing to see these girls so enthusiastic to learn and to see our local partners doing such a great job providing them with this unique opportunity to better their lives.                                                                                                                                      -Priscilla                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Great job Sima and Niyka!  You are truly making a difference in the lives of these girls.

The girls get a special chance to "experience art" with Agnes

The GSGC invited six girls (aged 11-13) for a special art class with Agnes Yombwe.  Agnes, prominent artist, inspiring mentor and our GSGC liaison in Livingstone, provided them with an afternoon of art lessons as well as life lessons thrown in!We believe one of the ways to support orphaned and vulnerable children is to expose them to new and meaningful experiences that will hopefully impact their thinking and dreaming of a better future.  Time with Agnes not only helped them experience and tap into their creative side, it also let them spend time  with a woman who truly inspires them, helps them see their worth and motivates them to work hard.  It was a joy for me to be a part of this memorable event.

I observed girls with abilities and talents and such potential just needing the support and encouragement to shine.   During a break while having snacks and free time, the girls gathered around a play structure freely laughing and taking time for carefree play, reminding us how important this time was as well.

The painting and beading experience came to an end all too soon and the girls piled into their transport with their masterpieces in hand.  Smiles all around and who knows, there may be a budding artist emerging soon…..or a belief that this new challenge was fun and a ‘look what I can do attitude’!

I feel so fortunate to be a part of this Circle and experience first -hand the benefit of how a small act can have such a positive the impact on all of us. -Paige Hasson

Florence, Jenipher, Evelyn, Petronella, Caren, Rachel and Arisius

A note from partner, Tusa Munyandi:

We received a total number of 530 books together with a four shelved cabinet where we are keeping them. We are going to open up a library for the children where they will be coming to peruse through the books and read. A provision will be put in place for those who would like to borrow books and take home for a specified period. We have already identified one member of the Organization who will be the Librarian. Children in the higher grades (Grades 8-12) will benefit more as there are quite many books of their level, (26 children). We will try to send you a photograph of the books and the children when we secure a camera.

We thank you most sincerely for the donation of the books. Be rest assured that we will use them properly for the benefit of the children.

Warm greetings,

Ernest Maombe

Director

One of the highlights of my visit to Livingstone was a special visit with Rachel.  She has been a friend to GSGC since our memorable outing almost three years ago to Victoria Falls.  GSGC members accompanied around 40 of the vulnerable/orphaned children from our local partner Tusa Munyandi on a ‘field trip’ to the falls.  Rachel has remained connected to us and Priscilla always takes time to check on her each time she is in the area.

As you can imagine life has been full of challenges for Rachel and her family.  She is one of seven children being raised in a household by two aunties.  Her father and mother died soon after she was born.  Her auntie, Eneless, volunteers in the new Tusa Munyandi Preschool. Rachel is 12 years old, in grade 7 and continues to do well in school, dreaming of a brighter future.

I was able to arrange a visit to Rachel’s school in Dambwa thanks to our GSGC partner, Agnes, where I could see first-hand the conditions and meet her teachers.

• The school is overcrowded,often 40-50 students per class
• School supplies and materials are always in short supply
• Teachers receive little compensation and often miss class
• However, positive social messages are posted all around the school

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This is the entrance to the Preschool in Livingstone at Tusa Munyandi where we are bringing supplies and learning materials from Portland Jewish Academy and Faith Lutheran Preschool.  We have been working with the teachers and approximately 40 students there.

This is a photo of inside the classroom. Imagine trying to get all of the children in here! They do, and manage quite well. The children have school uniforms.

Most of the time they use their ‘outside’ classroom for lessons.  Yvonne is reading from one of the books she brought to donate to the school.  Notice all of the cups ready for the children!  The children love to hear the stories and see the pictures.  They are so eager to learn!

Some of the children are waiting to use the bathroom.  They have taken care to emphasize sanitation and health in their curriculum!  They learn to use the toilet and wash their hands often.

This is the new building and playground. The children begin each day inside the room where you see the open door (The doorway with the curtain is a residence).  It is quite a challenge to get 40 some children in there.  The children range from 3-5 years of age and because of illness (malaria, worms, bronchial issues) you never have all 40 children there at once.

Here you can see one of the students learning math/counting skills with some of the handmade materials created by the Portland Jewish Academy and Faith Lutheran Preschool students and teachers.