Trip to Zambia, July 2008 by Julie Wookey

I have just returned from a week in Zambia with my children, Rachel and Joe, to see how the various VisionAfrica projects are developing. In the five years since VisionAfrica started its work in the Chilanga hospice and Linda Compound we have come a long way and achieved many miracles in the face of extreme poverty, the poorest sanitation and the continuing overwhelm one can feel in the face of so much sickness and death. As this trip was shared with my children this time it was particularly touching to have them alongside me and to involve them in the work of VisionAfrica.

In the hospice we visited the patients and met with the two incredible sisters that run the place every day. The concerted effort of the committee that oversees the management of the hospice has led to a successful ARV centre being setup and a general rising of standards in nursing care. VisionAfrica is intending to contribute monthly towards paying for the staff at the hospice and I hope that anyone who wants to truly make a difference to the lives of AIDS patients at the hospice will consider a monthly standing order payment to the fund. These regular payments will allow us to offer a financial stability that is much needed to a place that gives so much love and care to so many. Click here to download a form.

Patricia Campbell Parker, who is one of the VisionAfrica team, met me at the airport as we left the UK to give me £480 raised by running a disco and party at her son’s school. This will go to the wages bill in the hospice. Patricia also had a donation of Rescue Remedy cream, that she gets every year, to take out to the hospice and massage patients’ legs and feet to give soothing relief. Many AIDS sufferers develop Karposi Sarcoma, a skin disease, and the cream is a balm for this.

In the compound the water project is developing and we are in sight of its completion!! The people at the Linda water enterprise are confident that after we have completed our work they will be able to afford to maintain the management of it themselves.

This is a clear indication that our goal in Africa is being met – to empower the community to support themselves and to give people a ‘hand up’ rather that a ‘hand out’.

VisionAfrica is also supporting the Linda Community School to grow vegetables for sale to raise money to pay some of the teachers’ wages. Also we are looking at providing better toilets for the 1124 children that are now attending the school.

We are still continuing to provide heps (a nourishing meal in one) for the under-fives attending the Light of Hope clinic in the compound. Starvation is still the biggest problem with young babies and toddlers.

Our dear friend Cossie Findlay continues to hold the torch for us in Zambia! She is still teaching her Steps to Leadership group for girls at the City of Hope. They are punchy, challenging young women with a lot of attitude – great fun and greatly handled by Cossie, who they regard as their mother.

Rachel, Joe and I shared precious moments with all the people we visited this time in Zambia, and our shared experiences brought us closer together. So many people surviving in the most impoverished of conditions but getting up to live another day. It inspired us. And the gratitude of so many people for what the work of VisionAfrica has done for them. I can assure you that all the money you donate goes directly to where it’s most needed – there are no hidden extras!

And the work will continue. The work of VisionAfrica is making a difference. Thanks to all who have supported and continue to do so.

Love Julie x