Update May 5, 2008 from Fiona Trewby

Looking back over the past year, the Kawaza School Fund was a raving success - we completed the construction plans for 2007 and started on 2008 projects. The new classroom blocks are now furnished with desks, books and school supplies and the students are really enjoying their new space.

Several buildings were renovated. Three boreholes successfully struck water, reducing the pressure on the existing wells. The Kawaza School Fund is now eligible for tax-free donations in the USA, UK and Australia. We were also established as a charity in the UK - the Kawaza School Charitable Trust.

This year we are feeling equally ambitious with five teachers' houses, two classroom blocks and nine toilet blocks.
Our projected budget for 2008 was US$ 160,000 … unfortunately with a few unexpected twists this has increased to US$ 250,000.

The twists:
Number one, of course, is the appreciating Kwacha value - sadly increasing the overall prices. Last year we were calculating budgets based on $1 = K4,000 and now it has changed to $1 = K3,300.

Number two, and completely unforeseen … is the cement shortage. Last year we made the decision to stop using clay fired bricks as it contributes significantly to the deforestation of the Nsefu Sector (conflicting with our Reforest Nsefu Project!) and to use cement breeze blocks instead (these blocks are cured without fire) . Zambia has traditionally been a cement exporter, but with a region wide cement shortage they have started importing cement from China. Think about the carbon footprint. We still prefer to use cement, and are ensuring that we source only Zambian cement (which has doubled in price). And … I hear you ask, what is the cause of the Southern African cement shortage? We're not 100% sure but Jo and I think that the 2010 world cup in South Africa may have something to do with it (all those stadiums). In order to attract qualified teachers for our students; we do have to make teachers' accommodation a top priority as well.

Unfortunately the increase in costs means that we have to downsize our building goals for 2008, and keep our budget to $160,000. We are going to concentrate on the toilet blocks and teachers' houses, with the hopes of raising enough money to begin the classroom blocks later this year.

Return to Kawaza Fund page.

See Newsletter written December 3, 2007 from Robin Pope Safaris
See Newsletter written August 13, 2007 from Robin Pope Safaris

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Donations can me made to the Kawaza School project..
Make check payable to "Philanthropic Ventures Foundation" and note on the "memo" line on the check - "Kawaza School Fund."
Mail donations to:
Generosity in Action
c/o Philanthropic Ventures Foundation
1222 Preservation Park Way
Oakland, CA 94612-1201

Make a donation for the Kawaza School Fund via the internet. Click on the "Donate Now" icon to connect to Philanthropic Ventures Foundation site.

Once at PVF/Donate page, locate the section "Designated Funds" - click the button for "Generosity in Action" - and specifiy
"Kawaza School Fund" in the text box.
Note: there is a 3% administrative fee for internet transactions