"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

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!!



9.13.2007

Welcome to Zambia!




We made it!

We flew from London to Johannesburg...had a 2 hour layover then were off to Lusaka, the capital of Zambia.

We are in good spirits....just tired. It's hot here. Most people visit here in June & July...not us, we're here in the beginning of their hot season! They have 2 seasons the rainy season and the hot season. We waited in the long customs lines, claimed our bags, and exchanged our money from dollars to Kwachas. The exchange rate is about $1.00 to $4,000 kw. The taxi drivers were right inside the airport eager to take us to our guest house. It was very smooth.

I wasn't quite sure of what to expect when I got here....but the visions I had in my head were quite different from what we saw outside. I had pictured more of a busy city downtown environment...lots of people, cars, some buildings and chaos. But it was calm, quiet, and not crowded at all. Very peaceful and welcoming. Our taxi drivers name is James.

We threw our bags in the back (they all arrived) and headed to our guest house. In Africa like most parts of the world they drive on the other side of the street. I'm still trying to get used to it....I keep trying to get into the drivers side....they giggle at me.

We passed people walking, biking and some cars and trucks. We saw billboards and lots of brush...dry, dry land. The taxi ride only took about 15-20 min. We finally passed the University to turn down the road to the Zebra Guest house where we are staying. The closer we got the more people we saw. It still hasn't really hit me that we are here. I think I was just absorbing everything...taking it all in.....we finally rounded a corner and saw a HUGE zebra....we are here.

We met the friendly staff, went to our room then I crashed out! I barely remember Hillary asking me where my money was to pay for the lodging...well at least that's what she said she was doing with it! I hand her my wallet and I'm off in dreamland...in Africa.

- gia
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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.