Manyinga Project Update

The Manyinga Project is pleased to report that over half of the $39,000 budgeted for this year has been raised, and many of the goals that were set are well under way to being achieved. Other great news to report:

Education

100% of the children at both schools who sat for the Grade 7 national exams passed. In addition, the Zambian government continues to recognize the excellent work being done at the schools and now has 8 of the project’s teachers on payroll.

Capital Projects

This year’s budget includes $5,000 for a new school building in Samafunda, which has been in desperate need of replacement for some years. We are pleased to report that construction has started and we expect it to be completed in the next few months. Fencing improvements for the orchards, gardens and livestock has also been a priority this year, so new materials were ordered in May and are being installed now.

Agriculture Program

A crop rotation program of corn and sweet potato has been introduced to the school’s fields, providing students with a valuable lesson in diversification and experience in growing a variety of crops. The gardens are also undergoing diversification, producing tomatoes, brassicas, Chinese cabbage, eggplant and onion. The orchards, vegetable gardens and goat herds at both schools have greatly benefited from the protection of the new fencing and are doing well.

Health

The introduction of a permanent health nurse has dramatically improved the health of our students, with regular school-wide checks for signs of malnourishment, basic hygiene, cuts and scrapes that need attention and de-worming. In addition, preventative education for afflictions common to the area, including tuberculosis, malaria, HIV/AIDS and diarrhea has been introduced.

With your help, the Manyinga project has made great strides in improving the lives of over 400 orphan and vulnerable children annually by providing them with the education and life skills they will need to thrive in and contribute to the communities of Samafunda and Chinema.

If you have any questions about the project, or how to get involved, please send us an e-mail at support@manyinga.org. If you would like to make a donation to the project this year, please help us reach our goal before the summer ends by donating here.