LUSAKA-Crafters Market

We had the chance to go into a local 'crafters market' close to downtown Lusaka - and look over an purchase some of their items - knowing that the monies would go into these families and communities (stay 'local'). So many choices! Bartering is an interesting process - with the goal being that of 'win-win'! I need more practice!

PICS: LUSAKA- Crafters Market

LUSAKA-Childrens Resource Center (CRC)

The CRC - Childrens Resource Center - cares for about 20-25 children. There are 2 families that live at the CRC fulltime - with 8 children of their own; quite a formidable task! It is about 45 minutes away from Lusaka - off the beaten path - and sits on 100 acres of land. There is not much outside noise - just that of kids playing, workers singing, occaisional drums (and now the sounds of other musical instruments!), goats bleating, laughing, and sometimes the sound of water cascading down out of the water tank high above on a tower - due to being to full. It is a relaxing place - and - in a sense - time stops still (at lease the hustle and bustle!) .

The 'chicken coop' now turned into school - is also on this property. They have a total of about 50 students - with others coming in from surrounding villiages. For now, the school it at is limit - but the need to be able to teach more young minds is strong - and there are plenty of young minds available. It is hard when the staff have to let a family know that there is no more room in the school for their children......

Much more to say - for a later time!

PICS: LUSAKA- Childrens Resource Center (CRC)

                                      LUSAKA: CRC - overlook from the top of the 'arena'

          LUSAKA: CRC - looking out and around from the 'outside' classroom

          LUSAKA - CRC - the view from up on the water tower

                                   

LUSAKA-CRC school - parents day!

In Lusaka the school is in 3 months, then out a month, year around. They happened to be just starting their 'holiday' when we arrived. We were priviledged to be able to be at the school when they had their 'Parents Day'. This included the instructors going over school related projects, subjects and work their children had done during the previous 3 months. Then the children of the school put on a program for the parents - which is what most of these are from!

PICS:  LUSAKA-CRC-'Parents Day' at the school

                               LUSAKA-CRC-'Parents Day' at the school 1:

LUSAKA-CRC music

Oh the sound of music!! Several in our team were able to bring a good quantity of smaller musical instuments with us for the children; including kazoos, juice harps, cymbols, bells, tamborines, cow bell, recorders and even an accordian! Also one of our team members hand carried an electronic keyboard (needs batteries as no electricity) in place of one of his suitcases - that had been kindly donated. Due to the limited time we had - and that the kids were out of school there was not a chance to give a lot of 'training'. Fortunately several in our team had some music background and we were able to pull together a couple of 'workshops' with the kids. We did not have a chance to get the recorders out and so one of the future teams will have that opportunity of training!

We also played some music based games - musical chairs was one of the favorites - with a good time had by all!

PICS:MUSIC AT THE CRC!

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LUSAKA - the CRC School

The school originally started out as a chicken coop! The is was decided that childrens education was more important then chickens - so out with the chickens (they never actually started using it as a chicken coop) and in with the students!!

This 2 room class has been a God-send - for having opened in January of 2010! The children all are excited about it and are ready to learn - plus they do not have to walk the 5 miles to and from the closest public (still costs $$) daily. Heather Raddatz has come onboard to get the school going - (a local Sherwood girl!) since August of 2009; and will be hanging on for a second year - to make sure the school has a solid foundation. Way to go Heather!! The consequences of the learning that will occur here will have an impact for these youth, the community and generations to come - and will provide for much needed hope!

PICS: LUSAKA-CRC School

LUSAKA-CRC Chickens

Chickens? Well, yes, a section devoted to chickens. You see, in this area, not many people can afford to eat chickens and even to purchase chicks to raise. As we came to the close of our 2 weeks there - it is tradition to give each of the staff a live chicken - as a token of our appreciation for their help and support that they provide, not just to us, but for the children and MWB organization. A live chicken was considered a luxury. So, typically the team would go out and purchse 15 chickens or so...about $5 USD a piece - but due to transport issues we could not. So Kathy and Fred took the MWB 'mini van' and a couple of hours came back with chickens squaking all over! Once the chickens were off loaded and the van hosed out (yea, and it was pretty hot that day as well!!) - then we each had the chance to present one of the staff with a chicken -and ask if they wanted it 'dead or alive' - some took them alive - for later butchering - and others wanted theirs dead. So some of out team broke off to be the 'death squad' and they went out back to help in the dispatching of the chickens; Betty and I opted to not - and hung out with the kids and staff.

Apparently it went reasonably well in the 'chicken yard' - although I heard some tips were offered for 'next time'!!

PICS: LUSAKA - the Chickens at the CRC

LUSAKA-CRC - Cultural Program/show

On the last Sunday in Lusaka - we were invited to attend a program put on by the CRC staff and children; with some of their dances and singing. Also, some poetry was given - in this cultural poetry plays a big part in the communication of traditions thru generations. Most of the poetry was written by some of the older children and how life is and can be for them - from the laughter to the tears.......

PICS: LUSAKA-the CRC School Cultural Program/show

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