Speaking of Money:
Much to our surprise, money became a concern of ours in Zambia. So much that we did not travel to Northwest territory to visit the beekeepers. While in Livingstone, we started to plan with Kennedy, a very trustworthy guide and friend. The trip would require 3 days travel to and then also to return. Yikes! Just in time alone, we did not have the allowance. Fuel is jaw dropping expensive there too! We thought we had it bad here in US! ha, they are charged 1.50-1.75 a liter. There are almost 4 liters to a gallon. That's $6-8 a gallon! Just in fuel alone, we would be broke! There was also lodging and a car needed. And even knowing all this, Gia was not deterred by any of this. I was cringing after adding it all up and sad because it was something my heart called for. We also felt we owed it to Anita. Some one the last words we shared with her in Florida, before she passed away, were about the beekeepers. What to take with us - a polaroid camera and a wind up shortwave radio as a gift. She also encouraged us to follow our hearts and not listen to hierachy corporate beings telling us no, don't go.
So with Anita's spirit urging us on, it was a good 3 days before we finally came to the disappointing conclusion we could not pull it off with what little time & money we had left and all the other things we wanted to do. I still regret not going and I know that I will end up there someday soon. I know Gia and I are not people that can be told no easily. We question, we research and yes, sometimes we just wing it. Going back to meet the beekeepers is still a goal of mine.And not for The Body Shop, but for me, Gia, Anita. Who knows when it will be. And that's ok too.
-Hillary
"Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world." - Desmond Tutu
Purpose:
Purpose:
This desire to visit Zambia is least about tourism and more about becoming better students of culture, and more about self-awareness, and most about examining our shared humanity. It has been our dream to visit Africa, to listen to her rhythm, to learn some steps to her dance. Our philanthropic agenda is straightforward and certainly open to suggestion. In short, we want to embrace the challenges and needs of the local families, nurture and support existing programs, and collaborate on future goals and growth of services. Meeting basic needs as clean water, food, safe shelter, companionship and self-esteem, these are viable activities worthy of our volunteer time. Upon our return, we are committed to educating our communities about the plights of Africa, and seeding environments for more growth in service programs.
Destinations/Organizations to Support:
1.The Kondwa Children’s Foundation, Lusaka, Zambia
2.The Body Shop Community Trade supplier in Northern Zambia.
3. Working with children at various orphanage facilities in Zambia.
Travel Dates:September 6 - 25th 2007
This desire to visit Zambia is least about tourism and more about becoming better students of culture, and more about self-awareness, and most about examining our shared humanity. It has been our dream to visit Africa, to listen to her rhythm, to learn some steps to her dance. Our philanthropic agenda is straightforward and certainly open to suggestion. In short, we want to embrace the challenges and needs of the local families, nurture and support existing programs, and collaborate on future goals and growth of services. Meeting basic needs as clean water, food, safe shelter, companionship and self-esteem, these are viable activities worthy of our volunteer time. Upon our return, we are committed to educating our communities about the plights of Africa, and seeding environments for more growth in service programs.
Destinations/Organizations to Support:
1.The Kondwa Children’s Foundation, Lusaka, Zambia
2.The Body Shop Community Trade supplier in Northern Zambia.
3. Working with children at various orphanage facilities in Zambia.
Travel Dates:September 6 - 25th 2007
Get Involved:
Get Involved:
Now that we're back from Zambia we have more ways for you to help out!
Here's what we're working on right now:
1. Gia is putting together a care package to Angela (school director/creator) in the beg of Feb. for the kids at Kondwa centre. She said they are currently in need of socks. The kids age in range from 4-8 yrs old. If you would like to donate please contact Gia.
2. We have HIV pins to sell at $5 a piece. They were made by the widow's group. Gia would love to send the money to Angela with the care package for the widows. I am happy to mail them to anyone who would like to purchase them. About 30 left!!
3. If you would like a tax write off you can always donate to the Kondwa Centre directly via this website. www.kondwa.org
The money is being used to help fund the new primary school! It's were we spent time "digging" with the caretakers. A great way to invest in the children's future!
Keep checking back to see what's needed.
Thanks for your continued support!!
Now that we're back from Zambia we have more ways for you to help out!
Here's what we're working on right now:
1. Gia is putting together a care package to Angela (school director/creator) in the beg of Feb. for the kids at Kondwa centre. She said they are currently in need of socks. The kids age in range from 4-8 yrs old. If you would like to donate please contact Gia.
2. We have HIV pins to sell at $5 a piece. They were made by the widow's group. Gia would love to send the money to Angela with the care package for the widows. I am happy to mail them to anyone who would like to purchase them. About 30 left!!
3. If you would like a tax write off you can always donate to the Kondwa Centre directly via this website. www.kondwa.org
The money is being used to help fund the new primary school! It's were we spent time "digging" with the caretakers. A great way to invest in the children's future!
Keep checking back to see what's needed.
Thanks for your continued support!!
We Support:
The Kondwa Children's Foundation:
The name Kondwa means "Be Happy."
This name encompasses the mission of the Kondwa Children's Foundation, which is to bring happiness and hope to the lives of orphaned children and communities impoverished by the effects of HIV/AIDS in the slums of Lusaka, Zambia in Africa.
Almost 20% of the children in Zambia are now orphans. On average, these children will live to be only 34 years old. The toll of HIV/AIDS and extreme poverty on Zambia and other African counties is staggering, but there are many ways for individuals to make a difference and help.
The Mission of the Kondwa Day Center:
Kondwa serves many physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the orphans.
To improve the quality of life of orphans whose parents or caregivers have died of AIDS and HIV related diseases.
To give love, care and counseling to the children.
To provide pre-school education and to seek funding for formal education.
To prepare orphaned children with life skills.
To serve nourishing meals and attend to medical needs.
To raise awareness about HIV / AIDS among the children, their guardians and center volunteers.
To provide spiritual guidance to the children and their guardians.
The program staff is 100% volunteer.
Where is Kondwa?
It is located in the Ng’ombe compound on the outskirts of Zambia’s capital, Lusaka. Zambia is one of the southern countries in Africa, an area most affected by the AIDS virus.
The name Kondwa means "Be Happy."
This name encompasses the mission of the Kondwa Children's Foundation, which is to bring happiness and hope to the lives of orphaned children and communities impoverished by the effects of HIV/AIDS in the slums of Lusaka, Zambia in Africa.
Almost 20% of the children in Zambia are now orphans. On average, these children will live to be only 34 years old. The toll of HIV/AIDS and extreme poverty on Zambia and other African counties is staggering, but there are many ways for individuals to make a difference and help.
The Mission of the Kondwa Day Center:
Kondwa serves many physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the orphans.
To improve the quality of life of orphans whose parents or caregivers have died of AIDS and HIV related diseases.
To give love, care and counseling to the children.
To provide pre-school education and to seek funding for formal education.
To prepare orphaned children with life skills.
To serve nourishing meals and attend to medical needs.
To raise awareness about HIV / AIDS among the children, their guardians and center volunteers.
To provide spiritual guidance to the children and their guardians.
The program staff is 100% volunteer.
Where is Kondwa?
It is located in the Ng’ombe compound on the outskirts of Zambia’s capital, Lusaka. Zambia is one of the southern countries in Africa, an area most affected by the AIDS virus.
