19th and 20th June 2025
Return home to U.K.
Our final working day and visit to the bush as our return home looms. It was a particularly sad day as it could be Suzie and my last day on working with Zoe in Chipata as I contemplate a back seat role supporting my successors, cheering on the next generation from the sidelines with a cup of tea and a cigar in hand.
Flipping the Switch
As I may have grumbled—sorry, mentioned—before, electricity in Chipata is a bit of a lucky dip. If we get seven hours of power in a 24-hour stretch, we’re practically doing cartwheels. It comes and goes without warning, like a mischievous spirit playing hide and seek with the light switches. That’s why a generator is not just helpful—it’s essential. Ours lives in Stephan’s yard, and bless him, he’s forever topping it up with diesel, especially when the Zoe team is around and kettles are boiling nonstop. With diesel prices creeping up, it’s becoming more and more of a challenge. We’ve got a bit of solar, and we’re now looking into adding solar panels to the Zoe House roof—sunshine we do have in abundance, after all!
Picture of Stephan topping up the generator
Getting Paw”paws” on Bargains & Brown-Skinned Bananas
And on a sunnier note (pun intended), one of our favourite little routines here is pulling over to buy fresh fruit from the women selling by the roadside. Avocados, pawpaw, bananas—depending on the season and who’s around. We love supporting them, as they’re doing what they can to make a living, and truth be told, their fruit is often better than what you’ll find in the shops—fresher, tastier, and cheaper too. Now, before anyone comments on the state of the bananas in the photo—they look like they’ve had a rough day, but I promise you, they’re a different variety. In the UK, they’d be destined for banana bread at best, but here, they’re perfectly ripe and delicious. Funny how things don’t always look how they taste—bit like life, really.
Picture Stephan buying fruit
Our farewell visit to say goodbye to all the staff and important village folk at John Hunt Primary school including seeing the children in their classroom’s was an emotional one. After a final discussion with Robert the headmaster future considerations were an installation of a further water tank to meet increasing school numbers. The shortage of teachers accommodation and internet issues. All a wish list for the future. On departure I was presented with two live chickens which is their way of saying thank you for Zoe’s relationship and involvement. Let’s just say airport security might have raised a brow if we’d tried to sneak them home in our hand luggage, so I chickened out of that one.
John presented chickens by Robert the Headteacher of John Hunt Primary
A final call on Wilson, an old friend who is still supported by Hands Around the World who was their carpentry teacher at a skills centre no longer working in Zambia. He has made many of our doors and furniture over the years.
Picture of Wilson the amazing carpenter
The Last Supper
We had a farewell supper at at Mamarulas which has been an important part of our life and memories here over the past 15 years. With nine of our Zambian family in tow, a fitting end to a last supper.
Picture of farewell dinner at Mamarulas fabulous restaurant
Our penultimate day spent doing odds and ends around the house and in town and final farewells – the end of an era and no more blogs from Suzie and I. 😩 (cue dramatic exit music). But what a ride it’s been.
Picture of Zoe House in Stephan’s yard where we stay
18 June 2025
Days are fast slipping away so John and I have been in town today busy saying farewells to our many friends in Chipata, tying up loose ends and trying to get Zoe House as shipshape as possible before we leave. There’s always a list of things to be done. It sits happily in the corner of Stephen’s large plot, near his house, and has two bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchen, sitting room and a verandah, where we spend most time. In front of the verandah is a small patio on which stands the all-important bar-b-q that John tends to cook on most nights. The electricity is off for the vast majority of the day BUT we have a generator that compensates and we do have hot and cold running water. We have fly screens (most without holes in them!) and we sleep at night in comfortable beds under mosquito nets. It could be called basic but we’re always pleased to get ‘home’ and really appreciate our creature comforts, especially when thinking about our orphans and guardians out in the Chiefdom. After we’ve been sitting with them on the swept dirt around their one-room mud-brick houses, luxury is the word that comes to mind rather than basic.
Darkness comes quickly here at 6 o’clock every evening and even though many of them have a solar powered torch, as far as power goes that will be it. If they are very fortunate and there is a hand-pump well nearby there is relatively easy access to good water, but they must then carry it home and it is SO heavy! If they don’t live near a well water must be collected from wherever. Mud-brick houses tend to have no windows, just a few bricks removed for minimal light the equivalent of our fly screens! We have given our families mosquito nets and blankets so they can at least sleep on their mats with SOME protection,
however, it’s been noticeable to us on this visit just how many children in general have been suffering from debilitating malaria. (If you’ve ever had flu, quadruple the effects and you’re just about imagining what it feels like). And yet adults and children alike are so, so stoic.
How we admire their fortitude and cheerful dispositions despite everything.
And that reminds me NOT to complain as I look in despair at the curtain linings hanging down below the actual curtains AGAIN (every time I get here!!) and the days of going back and forth to town to get the ancient sewing machine I want to use fixed. So far only 4 curtains done and 10 still to go! Memo to self: I’m fortunate to have windows let alone curtains!! Another G&T required!
17th June 2025
We are generally woken at around 05.45 by the noisy generator being turned on that supplies power to both Stephen’s house and ours. It’s an early alarm call but at least we have power for the kettle etc. for which we’re always grateful. Our 08.30 departure for the Chiefdom seems to come round very quickly as we squeeze in breakfast and going through the mountain of clothes the four of us brought out from England. Happily Charity is an expert at seeing what might fit which orphan and what they would prefer so each pile is then bagged and labelled. Today Charity’s 17 year old daughter Charity (quickly christened Tee!) came to see just what her mum gets up to with Zoe Zambia. Safe to say her eyes were truly opened! We set off with bottles of water to hand, and today pulled in to the shop to buy samosas and pies for lunch – yum!
As ever, Stephen expertly navigated the tarmac like a seasoned pro, swerving around potholes with the grace of a dancer and dodging the 101 motorbikes like it was just another day at the office. But today, even Jeremy Clarkson might have tipped his hat—because once we hit the dirt roads and tracks, Stephen’s driving was nothing short of heroic.
Of course, the road hazards didn’t stop there. Once we entered the villages, it became a live-action episode of Animal Planet: goats, chickens, pigs—all roaming free, living in perfect chaos, and occasionally chasing each other and us.
Animals living in chaotic harmony
We started by visiting Stephen and Taonga, who live on the opposite side of the river to John Hunt Primary school, driving up a large sheer rock to exit the river bed. I noticed Tee was hanging on particularly tight at that point!
Whenever we arrive anywhere there is always an immediate scramble to find something for us to sit on be that an actual chair, tree stumps, a mat – in this case there was a row of convenient rocks! Taonga had come 4th in her end of term exams and had an excellent report so she and all the relatives who had gathered were as delighted as we were. Stephen’s report wasn’t so good but didn’t warrant the tears he shed! We know he tries his best and with many school days lost when the river can’t be crossed, they always have to catch up. A marshmallow seemed to help stop the tears.
On from there to see Masauso’s grandparents who live beyond the way back of beyond! (Masauso is one of the 3 children Zoe has managed so far to get to a good secondary boarding school) They are always so, so grateful for our help and this time had bought us a gift which they could ill afford. It will remain precious.
Gift from Masasusos grandparents
It was past midday when we left so a little further on we had a quick stop at the top of a rocky outcrop for the Zambian version of ‘Picnic at Hanging Rock’ – much appreciated by us all. It was then back to our usual dirt roads and a bit of a long hunt at home and at school to find Violet and discuss her report. It turned out she had gone to visit her grandmother who is very ill so Stephen and Charity will catch her on another day. Needless to say we were sorry not to see her, however, by this time we had all been jolted around inside the vehicle so much we decided it was definitely time to go home. Even Tee, with her newly opened eyes, said she was tired!!
Back in Chipata Stephen, John and I had a quick cup of tea and then went off in search of a couple of replacement items needed at Zoe House and to see Yusuf, a true friend to Zoe. He is an extraordinary entrepreneur with a large store in the middle of Chipata’s ‘business district’. Coming from the Chiefdom it’s always a shock to be there. Cars, bicycles, motor bikes coming and going and parked all over the place, with hundreds of shops, big and small, and wall to wall jostling people. I love it that at Yusuf’s you can buy large trays of eggs alongside wiggly tin for your roof!!
Home and falling asleep by 20.30 and that’s after only one G & T!!
15th and 16th June 2025
“Passing the Baton, Milestone Week in Zambia”
“ Milestone “day in the life of Zoe Zambia. I finally hand over the day to day management of the charity to Nick and Martin following a frantic 7 days covering all the important aspects of life in the field and the idiosyncrasies of life in Zambia. All the legal paperwork done, confirming the appointment of Charity Mwale as Stephen’s assistant and learning the important process of communication with our sponsor’s and donors who make all our work possible.
It’s been a remarkable 13 year journey for Suzie and myself and never did I dream that’s it would come to an end with so much sadness. To all those generous supporters thank you for without your help Zoe would never have given so many orphan children a better chance to a better life. Finally, thank you Stephen Ngwira, an absolute master in the art of the impossible and dear dear friend who is a truly remarkable man.
It was a quiet day on Sunday with farewells etc but now it’s Monday and back to work. It was simply not possible to see all the orphans at home in the 7 days Martin and Nick were here. The main problem is the children either go to school am or pm and trying to marry our visits to their movements, while not beyond the wit of man, is not simple. That said we managed to complete four home visits today where access to two families is difficult particularly during the rains. Crossing the river en route we were reminded of the realities of life and hardship our families suffer.
Below is us, walking to visit families
Water being drawn from a hole dug in a river bed since no easily accessible borehole exists.
The other predominant issue on this visit is how many children we found suffering malaria. Finally it’s been 3 years since Suzie’s last visit and Zoe house, our home here, has been sorely neglected by us men. Curtains requiring attention, for which we needed to go and get the Singer sewing machine repaired, bathroom fittings gone rusty, bedding in disarray, chipped china and so on. Thanks Suzie
14th June 2025
“Brains, Grains, and Laughter Lanes”
Our day began with a visit to one of Zoe’s success stories — a young man named Happy, who is now studying Computer Science at university. He is a shining example of what Zoe stands for. From the moment we met Happy as an orphan and welcomed him into the Zoe programme, we knew he had potential. With dedication and hard work, he earned the grades to move from primary to secondary school and now onto university — with all his fees covered by Zoe.
This is the heart of our commitment: if the children in our care work hard and meet the academic requirements, Zoe will stand by them every step of the way — all the way to a university degree.
Photo: Happy with John and Nick
Later in the day, we visited another family where the orphan is being supported by a hardworking and dedicated uncle. Last year, during the drought, Zoe provided the family with quality maize seed. The uncle used compost from the goats, chickens, and pig he owns as fertilizer — and the result was an abundant harvest. Thanks to that, the family will have enough food until the next planting season.
Photo: John inspecting the maize harvest
On our drive back, we came across a group of women selling sweet potatoes by the roadside. We stopped to buy some for supper. As usual, John’s sense of humour was in full swing — he had everyone laughing when he surprised the sellers by chatting in their local language, Cinyanja.
Photo: John buying sweet potatoes
One final laugh awaited us on the journey home: we passed two men riding on a donkey — not unusual in itself — but the second man was wearing a motorcycle helmet. It was an unexpected sight that had us chuckling long after, especially as most do not wear a helmet when on a motorcycle.
That evening, we enjoyed the sweet potatoes with a bit of meat on the BBQ — a warm and satisfying end to another meaningful day.
Photo: The two men on the donkey
13th June 2025
Porridge Power, Orphan’s Hour
Marys Meals, Meaningful Moments: Day 7 with Zoe Zambia
Hello, Zoe Zambia friends!, sharing the joys and triumphs of our seventh day in Chipata on June 13, 2025. Today was a whirlwind of school visits, emotional welcomes, and t-shirt giveaways, all fueled by your incredible support. Martin, Nick, Suzie, and I are amazed at how far we’ve come in a week, and every smile we see reminds us why we do this. Let’s dive into Friday’s adventure!
A Morning of Hope at Mnukwa Primary
We kicked off the day at Mnukwa Primary School, buzzing with excitement to meet its dynamic new head teacher. This visionary leader has big plans to lift the school, where several of our sponsored orphans study. We sat down to review their school reports, thrilled to see their progress despite challenges. A highlight was witnessing the impact of Mary’s Meals, a Scottish charity that provides ingredients for a daily soya-based porridge. The kids, clutching their own soup cups—a must-bring for school—lined up eagerly for their portion. For some, heartbreakingly, this is their only meal of the day, making this simple act a lifeline.
Children at Mnukwa Primary eagerly queueing for their daily porridge from
Chatting with the head teacher, we asked about Zoe Zambia’s impact. His words warmed our hearts: “You are enriching the lives of these children, raising their hopes so they can reach their full potential and build a better future.” Outside his office, we snapped a photo that captures the school’s worn walls—a stark contrast to our John Hunt Primary, which Zoe built.
The inspiring head teacher outside his office at Mnukwa Primary, June 2025.
Welcoming a New Orphan to the ZZ Family
Next, we visited a potential new orphan, recommended by the head at John Hunt Primary, Zoes flagship school. Meeting the child and her guardian, we asked key questions to understand their needs. Normally, we’d decide later, but with Stephen, Charity, and the team all present, we made a unanimous call on the spot: she’s now part of the Zoe Zambia family! The guardian’s joy and the child’s shy smile were unforgettable. Thanks to a ready sponsor, she’ll receive uniforms, shoes, books, mosquito nets, medical care, and food support. Stephen and Charity, our tireless on-the-ground leads, will visit her regularly in the bush, ensuring she thrives at school with teacher check-ins.
Stephen with our newest orphan and her guardian in the distance, June 2025.
This moment reminded us how your support changes lives. If you’re inspired to sponsor a child or donate, please reach out—there are always more kids needing help. Our hands-on approach, with detailed reports and personal updates, ensures you’ll see the difference you make.
T-Shirts and Smiles to End the Day
The rest of the day flew by with more orphan home visits, where we reviewed reports, offered encouragement, and shared guidance with guardians. The kids’ faces lit up as we handed out t-shirts, kindly donated by supporters back home. Each giggle and thank-you hug was a reminder of how your generosity brings joy beyond the classroom.
As the sun dipped low, we headed home, hearts full from another day of connection. With just a few days left, we’re racing to visit every child and school on our list. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s adventures on our blog!
With gratitude,
Zoe Team
Bouncing Bikes and Monkey Mischief: Day 6 with Zoe Zambia
Hello, Zoe Zambia friends! John here, reflecting on an incredible sixth day in Chipata on June 12, 2025. In just six days, our team—Martin, Nick, Suzie, and I—has clocked nearly a thousand kilometers, mostly crawling at 10 km/h over rugged bush tracks. We’ve visited 14 families, met 23 children in their homes to discuss school reports, and reviewed progress for over 40 of our 49 sponsored kids across four schools. By the time Martin and Nick head back, we aim to visit the final three schools and complete 12 more home visits to see every child on our register. It’s a whirlwind, but your support makes every mile worth it!
A Star Student and a No-Show
Our day kicked off with a visit to one of our brightest hopes, James, a talented teen at the province’s top secondary boarding school. After shining at primary school, he’s finding the transition tough, given the new updated stricter curriculum, but his teacher reassured us he’s on track to thrive. Your donations for uniforms, supplies, and fees are giving James a shot at a brilliant future, and we’re so proud to see him grow.
Next, we planned to meet the local chief—a key ally in Zoes work—but, as predicted, he was a no-show, given how incredibly busy he is. I called it, but our new team member cheekily claimed a paw paw bet, insisting he knew it’d happen. I suspect Stephen tipped him off! This Is Africa (TIA), as we say, and we rolled with it, laughing off another lesson in Zambian unpredictability.
Home Visits and a Mamarula Feast
After a few more home visits to check on our sponsored kids, we wrapped up early by 4 PM—a rare treat! The evening promised something special: dinner at Mamarula’s, a South African guesthouse that’s pure magic. Picture serene gardens, towering trees alive with monkeys, and three vigilant dogs keeping the cheeky critters at bay. It’s a tranquil oasis we used in Zoes early days before our current Chipata base. Words can’t do it justice—it’s simply marvellous.
The drive there was an adventure, with all of us on high alert as I navigated unlit bicycles, rogue motorbike taxis, and blinding headlights in the dark. Safely arrived, Martin and Nick devoured massive T-bone steaks with chips, I savored a chicken curry, and Suzie tried bream fillets—though she wasn’t thrilled with her choice. Gin and tonics, Castle beers, and Amarula shots rounded out a night of laughter and stories, fueling us for the days ahead.
Wrapping Up with a Sunset
Back home, we held a planning meeting for Friday, sensing the pace catching up but too stubborn to admit it. As we settled in, the Zambian sky put on a show, painting the horizon in fiery hues. Another good day in the books, thanks to your support lifting these kids toward brighter futures.
My early morning treat of watching the breaking dawn on the veranda of our little house has been rudely shattered. The weather has turned with a cold wind blowing through our region so later today we will adjust our programme to deliver warm fleeces to our kindergarten children kindly donated by a school in Sunningdale. The first port of call for the day is one of two remaining primary schools we need to visit to complete the teachers assessments of our orphans. Yet again we find the head has been summoned to a meeting over 20 miles away, nevertheless a deputy can normally satisfy our needs. In this particular case and while the grade 7 teacher is helping fill in some gaps in the end of term reports Martin takes over as teacher and a very amusing session of English and maths is conducted.
Onwards to visit Yotam a profoundly deaf boy at a special boarding school for the deaf and blind established in 1955 by by an amazing lady Dr. Ella S. Botes, a Dutch Reformed Church missionary nurse and teacher, which has an outstanding reputation in the province.
The brief by the school master who teachers him in grade 11 contained excellent news about “ what comes next “ The boy is probably capable of progressing to a teachers training college in Lusaka the capital which would provide him with a fine future possibly back at this school as a teacher.
We were thrilled to dive into the latest school report, his outstanding grades in art caught our eye, so we couldn’t resist asking to see his creations. And wow, were we blown away! This young man’s talent is extraordinary—he’d crafted a stunning papier-mâché vase, its curves painted with vibrant patterns, an intricately woven basket that could rival any artisan’s work, and a detailed cardboard model of a school, complete with tiny classrooms. Standing there, surrounded by his creations, we felt a surge of pride for how far he’s come. Thanks to your support, Zoe Zambia is helping him chase his dreams, proving that talent and determination know no bounds.
“Yotam and John beaming with pride over his stunning artwork, June 2025.”
On departure Yotam always gets a tuck and necessities supply and Martin observed a bunch of dormitory mates hovering as the goodies were transferred back to his room concerned an ambush was about to be launched! No such luck, Yotam is now nearly 6 ft tall. He was also presented with some football shirts by Nick, which he seemed most pleased about.
As it’s roughly on our route home Stephen wanted to show off his farm field. Just 6 months since acquiring the land he has had a large harvest of maize and peanuts, is in the process of harvesting sunflower for oil, planted a large patch of garlic and an orchard of bananas, oranges and avocado. Tomatoes were ripening and Kale maturing. This is a measure of his multitude of skills and a personal drive to self-sufficiency for his family as a sideline to his primary role as Zoe’s man in Zambia. We have included picture of a banana tree from his farm for you.
Homeward bound and as it was nearly dark it was decided to save cooking at home and Martin suggested a pizza dinner. After 13 years of visits to Chipata this was definitely a first for me!! I’ll say no more but simply confirm Suzie and I will pass in future but enjoyed the tomato and avocado salad enormously.
Fingerprints, Frustrations, and Fajitas
I apologise for the delay in reporting, but it’s been a rather frenetic first week with an accelerated programme. Martin and Nick set off for home on Sunday, and with so much ground to cover before I’m put out to grass, it’s been full on.
The visit to the bank to pay our dues was remarkably painless—surprisingly so—so we headed straight to the police station to have our fingerprints taken. What an experience! First, receipts were issued in one office before we were ushered into another, where money was demanded for rubber gloves and ink before we could proceed. More documents were filled in to hold our prints, and after what felt like an eternity, we finally escaped. Except—we never saw a rubber glove and had to wipe our fingers on a towel that posed a definite health risk and left us dirtier than when we arrived.
Next came three more admin tasks to test my patience. First, we went to one of the newest petrol stations in town to deal with a slow puncture, which was thankfully sorted quite quickly. Then came the debate about getting a SIM card that Martin needed for an improved communication system on his phone. Both Charity and Martin assured me it was a five-minute job—with which I disagreed vehemently. Undeterred, we pressed on and, thirty minutes later, we were finally free to move on.
We then found a street photographer to get passport photos done for some government documents we’re wrestling with. At last, we were able to begin our orphan work. I swapped places with Suzie, and the gang set off to visit two schools in the patch. Their mission: to speak with the headmasters and teachers about 30 of our orphans. With half the day already gone, I doubted they’d manage it. But I had to eat humble pie on their return—mission accomplished, with just a little crowing at the doubting Thomas.
The day ended with the most astonishing meal cooked by Martin. Somehow, he managed to rustle up chicken fajitas with cinnamon-flavoured tomato rice and guacamole—a wonderful end to a very full day.
Paw Paws, Paperwork, and Progress
Our third day in the bush was to be preceded by what Stephen describes as protocol visits to the great and the good in our operational area. Mayhem ensued as four people in our little base, all scrambling to get organised, pack clothing for the orphans, have breakfast, remember their water etc it was fun to behold.
Finally, late according to Stephens immaculate programme, we set off and I thought it was time to impart some “ this is Africa” reality wisdom. We were to meet for three pre-arranged appointments. The District Education Board Secretary, a key person who governed our supply of teachers, the District Commissioner the senior political “maker and shaker” in our district and the head of the Council who again was an important player in Zoe’s life.
I bet Martin and Nick a paw paw and 10 Kwacha each that with all our well laid plans that only one out of three would be there to receive us and I’m now a paw paw and 30 pence richer!!! Lesson one complete. Our one success, the Education Board Secretary was waiting for us and frankly, in Zoe’s life, the key player and whose importance cannot be overlooked. Judy Chinyama, a recently appointed secretary whom I’d not met before was utterly charming and well up to speed with Zoe’s work and needs – great result.
It was then over 20 miles to Myzangulu school to interrogate the headmistress on our two orphans at this school. We had been at the school on Saturday so the visit was short and sweet.
As we bumped along the dusty track toward our next orphan families, we came upon a young man sprawled beside his bike, which had toppled under the weight of roughly 80kg of charcoal sacks. He was headed to Chipata, a gruelling five-mile ride, to sell his load and earn a living. Struggling to hoist the heavy bags back onto the bike, he looked exhausted. Without hesitation, Martin and Nick jumped out of our vehicle, dusted off their hands, and helped him lift and balance the charcoal. With the bike steady, he flashed a grateful smile. It was a small act of kindness, but in that moment, it felt like the heart of Zoe Zambia’s mission—lifting burdens, one person at a time.
Probably the worst bush track safely behind us after nearly an hour but only some 5 miles completed we met up with three orphans and their mother who had recently joined Zoe. Stephen , the headmaster at John Hunt and Charity had chosen well and I was very pleased to not have to intervene as this decision was made in my absence. Sounds rather pompous I’m afraid but we do have serious selection criteria and protocols. Because of running late we missed two other families as the children had gone to the afternoon school session but we will catch them at home in due course.
However our work for day was easily re- programmed with things to do in town. Our previous bank went bust overnight some months ago with a reasonable bank balance and the Bank of Zambia is still to reconcile the issue. We do have alternative arrangements in place but need to formalise things While I do recognise opening a new account can be a tedious affair it’s nothing like the safeguards in place here. To get ahead for tomorrow’s schedule we reported to the central police station to arrange for fingerprints to be done. Or no not that simple!! Martin took control of an interrogation by the duty inspector and after a full hour of pointless showing off by him we were issued with paying in documents to be taken to the government bank in the morning to deposit the costs of having our finger prints done and then return to the station to collect more, very slowly hand written receipts.
Whew what a palaver but saved by a yummy meal done by Suzie who had spent a second day chilling at home. A late night to bed after much amazing technology lessons from our incredible new leaders. More to follow tomorrow.
Sunday: Church, Children, and Ice Cream
Sunday started with a dash to a packed Church of Zambia service, where we slipped in late during the vicar’s sermon. It was Pentecost, and the Bishop of Eastern Zambia’s presence drew a crowd. For me, this church holds memories of my childhood, though I’ve switched from another one after a noisy service mishap years ago. Martin and Nick, new to this scene, soaked it all in, while Suzie, a veteran of other Zambian churches, enjoyed the vibe.
After sorting clothes brought by Nick and Martin for the kids, we grabbed a quick breakfast—toast and honey, though we’d already run out of milk! Then, with Suzie joining us, we headed into the bush. For Suzie, back after a three-year gap, seeing “her” orphans was emotional. First, we visited Aness, a girl struggling with English, which affects her exams. Her grandfather is determined to help, and we’ll work with her headmistress at her school for extra support.
Next, we met a family with twins and a younger girl, Beauty. Their school reports showed improvement since my November visit, a relief after their earlier struggles. Martin, ever the entertainer, chased goats for photos while Nick and I watched, amused. Then, we visited Nick’s sponsored boys, who are thriving with stellar reports. Their mother keeps their home and surrounding spotless, and their sister, sponsored by Nick’s friend, shared a letter translated by Stephen into Nyanja. Gifts were handed out, and the visit felt like a triumph.
Finally, we reached Martin’s three boys. Their mother was out when we arrived, but we reviewed reports and chatted. The youngest, who has epilepsy, struggles at school, and his mother often rushes miles to fetch him during seizures. It was tremendous that despite these challenges the two older boys had managed excellent grades in their exams, including full marks for social studies, and even the younger brother having missed considerable schooling due to the seizures, managed to get some ok grades. It’s a stark reminder of the challenges these families face. Exhausted but fulfilled, we treated ourselves to ice cream at Chipata’s Indian-owned parlour—a heavenly reward after a hot day. Back at the supermarket, we grabbed a fillet of beef, a steal compared to UK prices, for dinner.
Reflections
Back at the house, the generator hummed, mozzies buzzed (but weren’t too bad), and two young team members got a gentle nudge to focus after too much TikTok. Their tech skills are a boon for Zoe Zambia’s future, though—modern meets mission! This weekend was a whirlwind of connection, from school reports to village chats, all rooted in Zoe Zambia’s goal to transform lives through education, support, and clean water. Each visit reminds us why we do this: to make a real difference to real lives, right now.
Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you for supporting Zoe Zambia!
With gratitude,
John and the Zoe Zambia Team
Into the Field
Saturday kicked off with a slow start—jet lag is real! Suzie opted for a restful day at the house with Rachel (Stephen’s wife), their daughter, and Vincent their son, who is a local pharmacist. Meanwhile, Nick, Martin, Stephen, his assistant Charity, and I headed to a supermarket in Chipata. For Martin, it was his first taste of a Zambian grocery run—chaotic but fun. Nick, a veteran of these trips, took it in his stride. We stocked up on essentials, praying the power would hold so our fridge could keep the ice for our evening gin and tonics!
Then, it was time for the heart of Zoe Zambia’s work: visiting our sponsored children. Our first stop was to see Natasha, a young girl whose father is deceased, and now lives with her mother who struggles with severe cataracts. We reviewed her school report, shared clothes, and played with the local kids who gathered, eager for the excitement. Next, we visited a family we’ve supported since 2012. The girl, now a young woman, has faced challenges at school and recently chose to stop attending. Her brother, who’s shot up to six feet from a tiny 3’6” when we first met, confided that she’s been struggling. It’s a tough call, but after a long talk with their mother, we agreed to shift our support. She wasn’t there—she’d gone to an agricultural show—but the decision felt right.
We then visited Myzangulu School, a Zoe Zambia-supported community project that’s thriving. The community has made over 96,000 bricks, and with Zoe providing cement, windows, and roofing, the school now has a roof and window frames. Just three classrooms need plastering to expand capacity by over 50%. With 400 children currently squeezing into two small rooms, over two shift system (morning and afternoon classes) and a grass-hut classroom, this growth is vital. The deputy headmaster gave us a tour, and Martin got a crash course in Zambia’s education challenges. It’s inspiring to see Zoe Zambia’s impact here, making education accessible for so many.
Our next stops were bittersweet. We arrived at a grandmother’s home to check on two boys, but they weren’t there—typical of the unpredictable nature of these visits. Undeterred, we moved on to see Violet, cared for by her grandfather, the village headman. His maize crop was impressive, enough to feed the village without selling a single cob. We gifted him a new sports cap, replacing his tattered one, and his grin was priceless. After a long, bumpy 15-mile drive back, we celebrated with a barbecue of pork and sausages, maybe one too many drinks, and a briefing for Sunday’s plans.
Off to Zambia, for our Zambian winter visit – Making a Difference, One Village at a Time
Hello, friends of Zoe Zambia John here, fresh from an unforgettable three-day adventure in Eastern Zambia, joined by Nick, Martin, and Suzie. This trip, starting on June 5th. Here’s a glimpse into our journey—full of bumpy roads, heartfelt visits, and the joy of seeing Zoe Zambia’s work in action.
Friday: Touchdown in Zambia
After a smooth flight from London via Dubai, we landed in Lusaka with just two hours to catch a small plane to Mfuwe, the gateway to Zambia’s famous game reserves. From there, we piled into a snug vehicle with Stephen, our Zoe Zambia’s man on the ground, for a lively drive to Chipata. Dodging dogs, pigs, goats, and unlit bicycles in the dark, we arrived around 7:30 PM, exhausted but grateful for Stephen’s foresight—he’d stocked basic rations so we could eat and crash. By 10 PM, we were tucked in, lulled to sleep by the quiet of our first Zambian night. The next morning’s sunrise, glowing over a land that won’t see rain until November, was a reminder of why we keep coming back.
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