James Delivers Pens to Lusaka

Cranleigh Rotarian James Phiri is heavily involved in a number of projects intended to help people in Africa,particularly Zambia. During September and October, during one of his regular visits to the continent, James was able to deliver and distribute thousands of pens that were collected by Rushmoor Rotary Club to various schools. Here is his report.

The first consignment of pens was delivered to Mwiruti Primary school in Kenya. This was arranged by Rotarian Esther Nduta from Leicester Rotary. Mwiruti was a primary school she attended and therefore knows very well. She also arranged for books to be sent to the school. This facebook link gives further details and photos of this consignment.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/theyamumbifamily/permalink/1715841371771278/
Rotary pens Oct 2018
 
The rest of the pens were delivered to community schools in Lusaka, Zambia:
 
· About 1,000 pens were donated to Fountain of Hope Community School on International Literacy Day. The Rotaract Club of Lusaka organised a meeting at the school and Rotaractors contributed other items and spent the morning reading with the children, who in return performed a number of songs and also recited their own poems for us. The school is in a poor area and is housed in a terrible building. Yet they are overwhelmed with demand and cater for over 300 students. The Rotaractors also set up a literacy corner for the school. (Video of thanks)
https://www.facebook.com/747302995280502/posts/2116529818357806/ 
 
· About 1,000 pens were donated to The Other Side Foundation School for Orphans and Vulnerable Children. I am a Trustee for this school and it caters for 423 children who are provided with a free primary school education and school lunches. The school currently benefits from the generosity of one major donor and costs $120,000 per annum to run, all-inclusive. The funding is due to run out in two years time. https://www.facebook.com/groups/138785019878247/permalink/606289083127836/
 
· About 1,500 pens were donated to Pakachele Community School. This school caters for roughly 600 students and also has an orphanage for some 40 students. 
 
· About 300 pens were donated to Little Assisi Special Needs School. This school is run by Sister Kay O’Neil, who is part of the group of nuns from Ladywell Convent in Godalming. We joined forces with the Zambia Scouts Association who were also donating some other items to the school. Red school sweat shirts from Drayton House School, Guildford, were also distributed.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/395705053835555/permalink/2178780662194643/
 
· On 6 October, a career and motivation day was organised for 70 children from Pakachele and The Other Side Foundation schools. About 100 pens were distributed to the children who attended this event.