Sad to say Tuesday we had to let Ashwini go. We all got up early and spent the morning getting in as much meeting time as we could before leaving for the airport.
Ashwini, Jane, Jen with our charts and notes.
Cheri and Jane continue their talks as Jen and Ashwini go to the airline counter.
Despite the fact that Ndola has the smallest airport we know of they hold passengers to the 2-hour advance check-in for an international flight. Our tradition is to check in then adjourn to a nearby coffee shop for good food and last minute meetings.
Jen, Jane, Ashwini at our last meeting.
Once we accepted the reality that Ashwini was gone (we were all hoping for a last minute miracle that would have her staying) we went out to Kantolomba. The men had accomplished a phenomenal amount towards completing the brick-work for the hammermill building.
Peter on the job site.
John making sure the courses of brick stay even.
Peter and John.
In the sewing room there was much excitement as Muyunda played video clips on his computer of cooperative members. We are thrilled by how seriously he is taking his job of reporter.
Everyone crowded around Muyunda’s computer to see themselves on video.
Muyunda filming Foster reading a Bemba word with its English translation—watch for the roll-out of our Bemba word-of-the-day offering around the Bridge Walk!
Nelly looking especially beautiful.
All around the property are the little details that tell the story of a thriving, active community.
Jen checking the class record books.
Eggs in the storeroom.
Beans pre-cooking for tomorrow’s lunch.
Charts outlining the cooperative teams.
Toward the end of the day we met with Rose, the cooperative nurse. Jane, who has a great deal of experience in health programs, was impressed with Rose’s knowledge and commitment to making a difference in the community. At one point Rose suggested follow-up visits to the members receiving bed nets to be sure the nets are installed correctly and are being used. Yes! A huge benefit Rose brings to Kantolomba is all the information she has access to in her other job as a government health clinic nurse. She knows when government services such as inoculations, de-worming, and free bed nets for pregnant women and small children are available. She can help folks navigate the system in a way they could not do on their own and we are not able to assist them with. We’re eager to support Rose in starting an after-school Girl’s Club that will supply health information and some general mentoring.
Cheri and Jane meeting with Rose.