Sponsor's update from Lusaka, Zambia

Child sponsorship update from the SOS Children's Village Lusaka, Zambia from December 2007

Dear Sponsor, Dear Friend,

We wish to thank you once again for your continued generous support and encouragement. We would like to share with you the developments that have taken place in the SOS Children’s Village, Lusaka Zambia.

We would like to update you on some activities which had been happening in the SOS Children’s Village of Zambia Trust from the period of July to December 2007.

It is Christmas time again and everyone in the Village, children inclusive is planning on how to celebrate the birth of Jesus. For the children, this is even a more exciting time, as it is also time for them to go for holidays!

Firstly, the First Ladies from Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Angola, the queen of Swaziland and Lesotho led by Zambian First Lady, Mrs. Maureen Mwanawasa visited one of the SOS Children’s Villages on 16th August 2007. This was a happy day for the children as they shook hands and interacted with the First ladies.

On the 3rd November 2007, SOS Children’s Village of Zambia Trust held a Fundraising “Zambian Night” Concert at one of the Five Stars Hotel. People from different companies and Firms attended the function including the “Friends of SOS” (these are Zambian Companies and Firms which have partnered with SOS Zambia in helping the Vulnerable and Orphaned Children). The Function was officiated by the Deputy Minister of Community development and Social Services. It was a colorful and fun filled evening as the SOS Children Choir, Cultural Group and Drama Groups entertained the guests with cultural dances, poems and songs.

19 SOS mothers have retired since they have reached the retirement age of 55 years. This is in relation to the Zambian Labour Laws. However, though retired they will still remain 'mothers' to their SOS children, the only difference is that they will not be found in the Children’s Village. Happily, some SOS aunties from the same houses have also been promoted to the position of Mothers in their respective family houses.

Children growing up in Lusaka, Zambia

More youths are being moved to the Youth Facility. This year the Village has 4 houses for the youths. Three (3) are for the boys and one (1) for the girls. The third boy’s house is not yet occupied by the youths but they are expected to move in soon.

On 17th November, 2007 SOS youths took part in a local Drama Festival which was attended by government officials. The participants were all vulnerable children under the care of different non-governmental organisation and the SOS Children Drama Group came out first! The young boys and girls are very proud of themselves as they have become a force to recon with.

There were a lot of activities at SOS Schools. Sports-wise, which has a population of 769 and 205 respectively. This year around only one child from the Village sat the Grade 12 Examinations. We only hope she performed well and will get good results next year.

November had been busy as Grade 7, 9 and 12 children were writing end of year National Examinations, while the other grades wrote the end of year tests. The SOS Nursery School
pre-class graduated on 30th November 2007 to go to grade 1 in 2008.

We are happy to share with you that the Anti Retroviral Therapy Clinic has opened at the SOS Medical Centre. The HIV/AIDS patients are now being attended to at the Clinic and Medicine is being administered. In addition, the Medical Centre has continued attending to other health needs.

This year the Vocational Training centre has trained 120 youths from vulnerable households in Tailoring, Catering, Mechanical and carpentry.

Lastly, we wish to thank you for your continued support. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Warm regards,

Florence F. Phiri, National Director and Smaiton Sichande, Village Director