We worked at Katowa Basic School yesterday, which is a more than 2 1/2 hour drive from our lodge in Choma. The 2007 Zambia team also worked at Katowa. Due to a ZOE sponsored feeding-program at this school, the population has increased from 200 to 450 children since our last visit. In 2007, most of the children were without shoes and had many serious heath issues; today, most had shoes and the occurrence of serious illness is greatly reduced. On Friday we participated in the dedication of a new bore hole (well) sponsored by ZOE. The bore hole will provide safe, clean water for the school and surrounding community for years to come. In many ways, this school is extremely blessed; in addition to the new water source, ZOE has a program manager to do the monthly weight checks and administer ringworm treatments to the kids every 3 months.
The teachers and headmaster were so happy to express how pleased they were to see a greater interest in learning. ZOE is having a life-long effect on this community. As a member of the 2007 team, it has been a personal privilege and joy to witness the improvement in health and education in just 2 years.
At the same school in 2007, I had an especially good interpreter that showed much appreciation for what we were doing. He returned as a helper again this year. I gave him a picture of himself from the last trip and he seemed humbled to receive a personal gift. It was good to reconnect with him.
As I write, there are 3 impalas grazing within 30 feet of me. Thank God for HBUMC and ZOE Ministry for providing these opportunities.
Harold Rose
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