November 9, 2021
Susan sewing a chitenge with Regina assisting.
Lining up for lunch.
Happy faces.
Cabbage on the menu.
October 21, 2021
Susan, our tailoring school graduate, is setting up her sewing shop in Kantolomba! She and Theresa went into town to purchase the sewing machine. Here, Theresa pushes Susan to the hired car.
Susan waited in the car, as her legs were hurting her today.
The brand new sewing machine being unpacked.
The sewing machine being thoroughly checked by the shop attendant.
Happy moments with friends.
Susan's grandma dancing with joy.
Susan with her late grandfather's younger brother and a neighbor friend.
Bertha, a member of our Girls Program, showing off the baby dress she made at the sewing school.
September 21, 2021
Regina is on the far right, and next to her is Natasha.
Regina, on the far left, and the other little ones having lunch. Regina’s daughter, Karen, is now in Grade 3 in the Girls Program.
September 14, 2021
Docus, one of the cooperative team members, carrying a bucket of water to the kitchen.
Word has gotten around that we are restarting sending photos for the blog, and these team members asked to pose!
We are piloting a new learning tool. They are tablets put together for Zambian learners with some wonderful resources, including support for reading. Anne (our librarian) and Beatrice (one of our teachers) are becoming familiar with how to use them.
September 7, 2021
Welcome back!
Theresa and the Kantolomba team paused on sending weekly photos and captions of current happenings in the project when COVID hit, as we wanted to prioritize people’s safety and well-being.
Sadly, COVID has continued to hit hard in Africa, as in most parts of the world, and the vaccine is slow to be available.
We are very happy to report, however, that our entire team, as well as our 6 nursing students, are among those who ARE fully vaccinated.
When Theresa can, she is taking photos and sending news to help keep us informed about a project that is close to our hearts.
Check back regularly for updates, or subscribe.
March 26, 2020
The Coronavirus has arrived in Africa, including Zambia. There are just under 30 confirmed cases in the country.
It has been impressive the speed with which the country seems to have reacted. In a place where social distancing is hugely complex—for many folks, daily survival depends on being out in the community selling something—and immune systems already have innumerable challenges to face, it is clear why early and immediate intervention is crucial.
Theresa has been the incredible hero and leader that she always is. She has gotten well-informed on the virus and carefully and patiently explained all of it to the Living Compassion team. They are closely following the health guidelines suggested to them and all gathering has ceased for the time-being. Only the number of cooperative members necessary to cook the day's food come to the property. Everyone else stays at home. They take turns.
The children come in single-file, collect their lunch and go home to eat it. In cases where it is possible, adults are sent to collect the food to minimize children wandering.
As with all of us at this time, we know you will send all your best wishes to the team and the community to head this off at the pass. We have told the team to focus on their health, well-being and community support at this time and not to send us weekly photos.
We will keep you updated on Good News updates on Open Air.
In Gasshō,
Jen and the team
The team gathering around to listen and ask questions on the virus that is spreading. Now they understand the situation.
Everyone that comes to Living Compassion now must have their hands sanitized. Here Charles sanitizes little Bupe's hands before he gets his food.
John cutting the hedge. Our routine cleaning goes on despite everything.
Little Mercy getting her food.
Some of the team members cleaning their lunch plates. They understand that hygiene is important. We are happy that we have clean, safe water here.
March 19, 2020
Our very own Jowen's son Philip, who is in Grade Eight at Twalubuka Secondary School in Mushili. He has grown into a young man.
Our college girls in a happy mood at the college grounds in Luanshya.
Susan getting in her ride from Kantolomba to school in Mushili, where she is learning tailoring.
During routine cleaning, Audria is mopping the dining room with soapy water before the food is brought in.
Beatrice going through the duty roster. Everyone is taking part in the cleaning exercise.
Our very own college girls at their school during a visit from Theresa. They look cute in their school coats!
March 12, 2020
Euginia standing beside the pile of mealie meal after counting the remaining bags. She is in charge of the food storage room.
Veronica and Susan making sure the little ones get their lunch boxes and warm clothing before they head home. The children tend to forget things they came with in the morning. Luckily they have good helping hands that take care of them.
With all the diseases that are coming up, washing of hands is our number one priority, especially for the children. The caretaker makes sure that the many little hands are washed properly with clean water and soap.
Nuts being resold in small quantities after being bought in bulk at Masala market. The peanuts are bought raw, then cooked to be sold.
Audria balancing a container of water for her home use on her head. She also has her granddaughter strapped on her back. She is strong!
Martha cleaning leftover bits of charcoal after the truck delivered it. The charcoal comes in huge bags.
Our cute faces for this week from Kantolomba are the girls from Veronica's class. Happy smiles!
March 5, 2020
Pauline counting her kwacha with a smile on her face after receiving her month-end stipend.
Beatrice in class with her students, marking English words that the children were writing.
Veronica and Annie in the library after a tutor's meeting where they were encouraging each other on the importance of speaking English to the children.
Margret and Charity singing a happy song about how Living Compassion has lifted their burdens. They are able to take care of their families. It is a happy song indeed!
Talent at its best. Mirriam with the help of little Elizabeth doing Memory's hair after work.
February 27, 2020
A view of an anthill at sunset here in Kantolomba.
Students from Twatemwa Primary School having an English lesson in the library with Annie.
Our new graduate Monica Chipili with her mum Brenda. Monica passed her Grade 12 exams, and here at Living Compassion we congratulate her for making our flag fly higher.
Boys, too, can play "ichiyenga." Here some boys from Charles's class play the game.
Talent begins at a very tender age. Here little Tasha plaits her friend's hair after lunch.
Some of the team members share a light moment while buying buns from Jowen, the tuck shopkeeper.
A colorful pot of greens cooking on the huge brazier. They look yummy!