Aylsham Cluster Trust Family Fun Day

Ruth Vaughan–Trip to Zambia

Below are the details of the trip to Zambia that Ruth told us about on Sunday morning.  Ruth is going as part of a group from Notre Dame School, in association with CAFOD (Catholic Oversees Development Agency).

If you are able to support Ruth in any way please contact her or John Vaughan directly.

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Zambia
13^th July – 30^th July 2012
CAFOD

Zambia is a Commonwealth country in Southern Africa. It’s a relatively poor country and life expectancy is only 47 years. WaterAid estimates that only 60% of people have access to clean water and 49% have sanitation, therefore, 10,000 children under five die every year from diarrhoea. Medical provisions are limited, especially in the remote areas. 16% of the population suffers from HIV Aids.

Firstly, I will be working with community projects which deliver HIV medication to the most remote areas out in the bush.

Secondly, as a team, we will also be raising money to fund projects aiding young people in order to help them develop a skill or trade, one example is a car workshop which was set up last year.

Thirdly, we will also spend time working at ‘salvation house’, a shelter set up by an American lady to house orphans off the streets of Zambia’s capital Lusaka. These children have often been abandoned, or come from abusive homes where there have been drug and alcohol problems.

Fourthly, I will be spending a week teaching English in a school to Grade 7’s, this is just before secondary school. The classes in Zambian schools are sorted by ability rather than age. With the money raised, we will be sponsoring two of the children that we meet, to a secondary school education. As, in Zambia, this has to be paid for.

One of the reasons I’m asking for help, is that as a group, each of us are currently raising money towards the trip and would I be really grateful if you would be able to sponsor me towards the cost.

The money raised will not just get me out there, but also pay to sponsor two children’s secondary education, go to the cost of providing meals that we will be sharing with local people. Also, to put towards the community projects such as a local children's shelter. Finally, we will be able to pay for mosquito nets, which are life savers, as malaria is wide spread across Zambia.

There are also some practical things; we are able to take various items over, to give to the locals. One thing is pens and paper for the schools and they lack basic equipment. Another is baby and toddler clothes. As babies grow out of these really, quickly mothers, who can’t afford to pay for bigger clothes, sometimes have no choice but to wrap their babies in cloths and old towels.

A lot of the children are sports mad, and another thing we like to take over, is items of football kits. The children adore them. If you are able to help financially, or with any of the other items, please see me or my dad John. We’d really appreciate your help.

Other than financial aid, I would really value your prayers for safe travel, protection and being able to make a difference to the people I meet.

Ruth Vaughan