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Our work
It started with the collection of 5 cent coins which could buy basic stationery. LACLA is now supporting 100 children by meeting all their school needs. LACLA is working with Mansa, in Northern Zambia and, like the rest of the country, the local communities face increasing challenges for their children. Many children are single or double orphans due to extreme poverty and HIV / AIDs. LACLA is working in partnership with 7 community based groups which include a youth group in 5 villages to enhance participatory sustainable development through capacity building. For more information contact us. Our stories
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Places & faces 2016
Great supporters
From time to time local Sydney schools support our needy students in Mansa, Zambia.
One school in particular has been supporting LACLA for the past 4 years.
It is Ashfield Public School.
Ashfield is an inner city school with a multicultural population of 350. The school supports a number of organisations such as Stewart House and Jean for Genes Day.
The founder of LACLA Dorothy Makasa visited Ashfield P.S. and spoke to the students. She told them about the children who did not have enough to eat and certainly did not have enough money for education. Dorothy explained that if Ashfield students saved their 5 cent pieces, these would add up to many. Many 5 cents can pay for school fees, uniforms and books.
The students of Ashfield thought this was a great idea. They have been collecting 5 cent pieces ever since.
The contribution to LACLA from the students of Ashfield each year is $1600.
A big thank you to the students of Ashfield P.S. The students in Zambia really appreciate your effort.
One school in particular has been supporting LACLA for the past 4 years.
It is Ashfield Public School.
Ashfield is an inner city school with a multicultural population of 350. The school supports a number of organisations such as Stewart House and Jean for Genes Day.
The founder of LACLA Dorothy Makasa visited Ashfield P.S. and spoke to the students. She told them about the children who did not have enough to eat and certainly did not have enough money for education. Dorothy explained that if Ashfield students saved their 5 cent pieces, these would add up to many. Many 5 cents can pay for school fees, uniforms and books.
The students of Ashfield thought this was a great idea. They have been collecting 5 cent pieces ever since.
The contribution to LACLA from the students of Ashfield each year is $1600.
A big thank you to the students of Ashfield P.S. The students in Zambia really appreciate your effort.
A Return Visit
LACLA Committee member Joan Drummond returned to Mansa, Zambia in 2016 to visit some of the students and communities supported by the fundraising of the LACLA Committee in Australia.
I was thrilled to return to Zambia, over three years since my previous visit. There were some immediate changes evident- many new cars, high rise buildings, more restaurants, increased number of shops, a new shopping complex and some road improvements. What had not changed was the lovely friendly welcome from the Zambian people, a warm smile and ready to assist with any problem.
During the month I was there, I spent one week in Mansa, the headquarters for the LACLA in Zambia. Mansa is a small rural community in northern Zambia. Its population relies heavily on agricultural production. Most people are struggling to provide three meals a day, Education is highly valued but very difficult to attain. Most students are from a rural background. The cost of education and the lack of public transport to schools make it very challenging for children to have the opportunity to attend school. Many are single or double orphans and live with extended families such as grandparents or aunts and uncles. There are difficulties in obtaining education because of financial restraints.
LACLA was formed in 2003 to provide funds for school fees, books, and uniforms for some of these students. The number being educated and supported has risen to 150. This is a dynamic program supported by a dedicated team in Sydney, Australia and a small administrative team in Zambia.
It was exciting to catch up with Ireen and Edwin, the LACLA in country partners, and hear their personal stories. The role of the in- country partners is vital to the running of LACLA. In discussions with school principals, the LACLA in- country partners identify students. These are students who show academic commitment and would benefit from financial support and those who are vulnerable, especially girls who are often involved in early marriage. LACLA assists students in spite of difficulties in their families such as HIV Aids, poverty and child marriage. The in- country partners coordinate the necessary paperwork needed for schools to enroll students and work with school principals in monitoring progress of the selected students. It is then necessary to visit the schools to meet with principals to discuss students’ progress. Discussions with students are also very important to support and encourage them both academically and socially.
LACLA students are scattered throughout 26 schools in the Mansa district. The schools follow the Zambian Department of Education curriculum and examination program. I was able to visit 4 schools during my week including a newly formed trade school which is incorporating a change in curriculum to introduce a vocational stream such as carpentry, engineering and tailoring for Years 8, 9 and 10. The schools are presented neatly with all students in uniform. Although the facilities such as IT services are very limited, there is an enthusiasm and dedication evident from the staff. I was able to visit classrooms and talk to the LACLA sponsored students. They are understandably very grateful for the opportunity they have been given. I was able to explain to students how the sponsorship program works and that it includes financial support from Australian students the same age as themselves. To assist in overcoming poor living conditions, some students attend boarding schools. They appreciate the provision of three meals a days as well as receiving a great education.
I spent time with Ireen and Edwin in assisting them with necessary government paperwork, providing some office supplies and listening to their concerns. Unfortunately there is no lack of students who are eligible to join the LACLA program. The constant dilemma is selecting the students, given the funds that are available.
I left Mansa wondering how we in Australia can further assist the education of children in Mansa Zambia. The positive news is that 28 of our sponsored students graduated from high school at the end of 2015 and have qualified for tertiary education. What a great achievement. Let’s hope they will be able to continue and become the future leaders of Zambia.
I was thrilled to return to Zambia, over three years since my previous visit. There were some immediate changes evident- many new cars, high rise buildings, more restaurants, increased number of shops, a new shopping complex and some road improvements. What had not changed was the lovely friendly welcome from the Zambian people, a warm smile and ready to assist with any problem.
During the month I was there, I spent one week in Mansa, the headquarters for the LACLA in Zambia. Mansa is a small rural community in northern Zambia. Its population relies heavily on agricultural production. Most people are struggling to provide three meals a day, Education is highly valued but very difficult to attain. Most students are from a rural background. The cost of education and the lack of public transport to schools make it very challenging for children to have the opportunity to attend school. Many are single or double orphans and live with extended families such as grandparents or aunts and uncles. There are difficulties in obtaining education because of financial restraints.
LACLA was formed in 2003 to provide funds for school fees, books, and uniforms for some of these students. The number being educated and supported has risen to 150. This is a dynamic program supported by a dedicated team in Sydney, Australia and a small administrative team in Zambia.
It was exciting to catch up with Ireen and Edwin, the LACLA in country partners, and hear their personal stories. The role of the in- country partners is vital to the running of LACLA. In discussions with school principals, the LACLA in- country partners identify students. These are students who show academic commitment and would benefit from financial support and those who are vulnerable, especially girls who are often involved in early marriage. LACLA assists students in spite of difficulties in their families such as HIV Aids, poverty and child marriage. The in- country partners coordinate the necessary paperwork needed for schools to enroll students and work with school principals in monitoring progress of the selected students. It is then necessary to visit the schools to meet with principals to discuss students’ progress. Discussions with students are also very important to support and encourage them both academically and socially.
LACLA students are scattered throughout 26 schools in the Mansa district. The schools follow the Zambian Department of Education curriculum and examination program. I was able to visit 4 schools during my week including a newly formed trade school which is incorporating a change in curriculum to introduce a vocational stream such as carpentry, engineering and tailoring for Years 8, 9 and 10. The schools are presented neatly with all students in uniform. Although the facilities such as IT services are very limited, there is an enthusiasm and dedication evident from the staff. I was able to visit classrooms and talk to the LACLA sponsored students. They are understandably very grateful for the opportunity they have been given. I was able to explain to students how the sponsorship program works and that it includes financial support from Australian students the same age as themselves. To assist in overcoming poor living conditions, some students attend boarding schools. They appreciate the provision of three meals a days as well as receiving a great education.
I spent time with Ireen and Edwin in assisting them with necessary government paperwork, providing some office supplies and listening to their concerns. Unfortunately there is no lack of students who are eligible to join the LACLA program. The constant dilemma is selecting the students, given the funds that are available.
I left Mansa wondering how we in Australia can further assist the education of children in Mansa Zambia. The positive news is that 28 of our sponsored students graduated from high school at the end of 2015 and have qualified for tertiary education. What a great achievement. Let’s hope they will be able to continue and become the future leaders of Zambia.
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My name is Lillian Chopo. I am twenty-one years old and I am training as an Early Childhood Teacher under the support of LACLA.
I have been under LACLA support since Grade Six. We are eight in the family and my father rejected us after my parents divorced. He has never had any responsibility for us. Therefore it has been very difficuilt for my mother alone to take us to school. Thanks for LACLA which has supported me in my education, together with my brother who is in Grade Ten. Without LACLA we wouldn’t have finished school. CHIMESE BASIC SCHOOLPictured are some of the pupils supported by LACLA at Chimese Basic School. At the far left is the Deputy Headteacher for the school. At the right hand side is Irene, one of the co-ordinators at LACLA office in Mansa.
MEET SILAPUS MUMBAMy name is Silapus Mumba. I am twenty-one years old and I am in Grade Twelve at Lubwe High School.
I am a double orphan and LACLA has been supporting me since Grade Ten. My father died when I was just eight years old and my mother died when I was twelve years. Thanks to LACLA for having supported me with my education. MEET CHARITY NAKAZWEI am nineteen years old and I am in Grade Twelve at Lubwe High School.
My father is disabled in both legs and moves in a wheelchair. LACLA has been supporting me since Grade Ten. Thanks for LACLA because my mother alone wouldn't have managed to support me at school because she is old. |
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MEET GOODSON MPUNDUI am in Grade Eleven at Mansa High School.
I am a single orphan - I stay with my mother, my father died when I was 8 years old. LACLA started supporting me when I was in Grade Seven. I am very grateful for the support because without LACLA, it would have been very difficult for me to finish school. |
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Meet Medrine NgalasaMy name is Medrine Ngalasa. I am doing Grade Eleven at Mansa High School under the sponsorship of LACLA.
l am a double orphan - my mother died when I was just four years old and my father also died two years later. I have been brought up by my Auntie. Life has been very difficult for me where education is concerned because my Auntie sometimes could not manage to pay school fees for me and her own children. I am very thankful for the support I receive from LACLA which enables me to continue with my education. |
36 Hours in Mansa
Following is an extended story from a great friend of LACLA's – in fact one of our valued committee members in Australia – the wonderful Joan Drummond.
Joan came to know of LACLA through her friendship with Dorothy Makasa, founder of LACLA. Students and staff at Ashfield Public School in Sydney, where Joan is Teacher Librarian, have been supporting LACLA for some time.
Joan travelled to Mansa in 2013, visiting some of the schools and many of the students supported by LACLA. Here is Joan’s story…
My trip began at the Lusaka bus station, a busy crowded place. It was necessary to purchase the ticket the day before to get a decent seat. I arrived at 1.45 pm for a supposed 3.00 pm departure. I had a window seat, but sitting in the aisle seat was an unusual sight- a very over- weight Zambian man. There was a seat between us which was later filled by a farmer. He needed to use half his seat and some of mine to fit in. The bus was packed with people and luggage and when we finally left at 3.45 pm, it was very difficult to walk down the aisle because of various bags. We stopped on the outskirts of Lusaka for "10 minutes" and finally got on the correct road at 5.00 pm. An hour later we had a one hour delay at the weighing station for buses and trucks, so after a very uncomfortable journey we covered the 700 kms by 3.30 am.
I was meet by Pastor Edwin and taken to a guest house and got into bed at 4.00 to be up and out the door by 8.00. Ireen was with Edwin as well as a driver and we went off to have breakfast. This meant stopping at a local petrol station which had a few versions of hot take away food - all meat based. After quickly swinging by the supermarket to pick up yoghurt, apples and water for yours truly, we set off to visit the first school. This became lunch as well.
It had been decided to visit the furtherest school as Edwin and Ireen had not been there since Term 2. This meant a 90 km journey- plenty of time to talk in the car about the program!! This school is a co-ed boarding with day students as well. LACLA supports 12 students here and it was lovely to meet them and chat. One had unfortunately been suspended from boarding for a week because his pass to leave the school to go and practice the keyboard for the church and school functions had expired the day before and he was caught by the Principal. The practice was a regular event, so the punishment did not seem to fit the crime. Added to that LACLA pays the extra boarding component, so for him not to be there for a week was a significant amount being lost in a country were every kwacha counts. It was a tricky situation because the Principal was unforgiving, and the boy happened to be Edwin's son. I gave out the donated toothbrushes and Colgate toothpaste, took the photos with lots of embarrassed giggles and off we went about 2 hours later.
We suddenly became tourists as this area is surrounded by lakes. The largest one Bangweulu looks like a bit of Fiji with white sandy beaches, flat water for some distance then deep blue as far as the eye can see- more like looking at the ocean. There are some small rotundas and a large thatched open sided structure suitable for weddings, functions etc. back from the beach. All this and the landscaping was designed and constructed by Australians and it was one of the cleanest sites I have seen in Zambia. A totally different atmosphere to dusty Lusaka. The local people survive by fishing and selling some and growing cassava and mangoes. Their houses are built from mud bricks-not sure what happens in the rainy season- and the small gardens and village compound are kept very neat and clean. It is still very poor and there is no industry to employ anyone, but at least food is plentiful.
We travelled back to Mansa and I then met 2 of the 4 community groups LACLA supports. The idea is is get the groups to work together, develop skills, to make/grow/create a form of income. The first are a group of women are farmers growing groundnuts and beans. With the small amount of capital they had, they were hoping to increase their products and make a contribution to LACLA.
The second group of women had been knitting but the profit margins on babies' bonnets is very limited, so they wanted to expand into rice collecting and selling as it makes better money- more discussion needed. These meetings finished at 6.00 pm and after a meal in a local restaurant I fell into bed at 8.00 pm to be up and meeting two more groups at 8 in the morning. The first was the young mothers group whose average age 18 , did not finish school, so no work skills but with dependent children. What they really need is some counseling and fortunately Ireen has these skills so with motivation and direction, ideas might start to flow. The final group represents Youth- those who completed Grade 12 and are now doing nothing. They would like some kind of building which can serve as a community hall - a big project. Further discussion needed.
After visiting the supermarket for sustenance supplies, we travelled a mere 30 kms to visit a Primary school. Here are the numbers- 1300 students with 11 teachers!! Every grade is divided into morning and afternoon sessions and even then some classes have 50 plus in them.
In this mix are the LACLA students at risk. An extremely difficult situation. We were asked by the Principal to please take on another 16 year old boy showing potential whose grandmother could no longer pay for his education.
Lots of toothbrushes, photos and laughs and we were on our way with me being told the only way I would be allowed back is if I do some teaching for a couple of months!!
The next school was better located and smaller but the children were very poor, all from the local village. Even though they were in uniform of a sort, it was evident life is a struggle. All of the children in every school were very polite and so grateful for their education and we all talked lots about working hard and taking the opportunities presented. Most of them want to visit Australia, so our house may be crowded one day- what a dream fulfilled that would be.
Right next to the school was a local maize collection point where farmers bring their maize to be weighed and sold to the govt. It is a huge nation wide program and it was nice to spend a couple of minutes talking to a couple of very exhausted farmers waiting around to be paid.
Off to the "airport" at about 1.00 pm for lots of discussion and debriefing. On the plane by 3.00 and landed in Lusaka at 4.30.
That was the visit to Mansa.
Joan came to know of LACLA through her friendship with Dorothy Makasa, founder of LACLA. Students and staff at Ashfield Public School in Sydney, where Joan is Teacher Librarian, have been supporting LACLA for some time.
Joan travelled to Mansa in 2013, visiting some of the schools and many of the students supported by LACLA. Here is Joan’s story…
My trip began at the Lusaka bus station, a busy crowded place. It was necessary to purchase the ticket the day before to get a decent seat. I arrived at 1.45 pm for a supposed 3.00 pm departure. I had a window seat, but sitting in the aisle seat was an unusual sight- a very over- weight Zambian man. There was a seat between us which was later filled by a farmer. He needed to use half his seat and some of mine to fit in. The bus was packed with people and luggage and when we finally left at 3.45 pm, it was very difficult to walk down the aisle because of various bags. We stopped on the outskirts of Lusaka for "10 minutes" and finally got on the correct road at 5.00 pm. An hour later we had a one hour delay at the weighing station for buses and trucks, so after a very uncomfortable journey we covered the 700 kms by 3.30 am.
I was meet by Pastor Edwin and taken to a guest house and got into bed at 4.00 to be up and out the door by 8.00. Ireen was with Edwin as well as a driver and we went off to have breakfast. This meant stopping at a local petrol station which had a few versions of hot take away food - all meat based. After quickly swinging by the supermarket to pick up yoghurt, apples and water for yours truly, we set off to visit the first school. This became lunch as well.
It had been decided to visit the furtherest school as Edwin and Ireen had not been there since Term 2. This meant a 90 km journey- plenty of time to talk in the car about the program!! This school is a co-ed boarding with day students as well. LACLA supports 12 students here and it was lovely to meet them and chat. One had unfortunately been suspended from boarding for a week because his pass to leave the school to go and practice the keyboard for the church and school functions had expired the day before and he was caught by the Principal. The practice was a regular event, so the punishment did not seem to fit the crime. Added to that LACLA pays the extra boarding component, so for him not to be there for a week was a significant amount being lost in a country were every kwacha counts. It was a tricky situation because the Principal was unforgiving, and the boy happened to be Edwin's son. I gave out the donated toothbrushes and Colgate toothpaste, took the photos with lots of embarrassed giggles and off we went about 2 hours later.
We suddenly became tourists as this area is surrounded by lakes. The largest one Bangweulu looks like a bit of Fiji with white sandy beaches, flat water for some distance then deep blue as far as the eye can see- more like looking at the ocean. There are some small rotundas and a large thatched open sided structure suitable for weddings, functions etc. back from the beach. All this and the landscaping was designed and constructed by Australians and it was one of the cleanest sites I have seen in Zambia. A totally different atmosphere to dusty Lusaka. The local people survive by fishing and selling some and growing cassava and mangoes. Their houses are built from mud bricks-not sure what happens in the rainy season- and the small gardens and village compound are kept very neat and clean. It is still very poor and there is no industry to employ anyone, but at least food is plentiful.
We travelled back to Mansa and I then met 2 of the 4 community groups LACLA supports. The idea is is get the groups to work together, develop skills, to make/grow/create a form of income. The first are a group of women are farmers growing groundnuts and beans. With the small amount of capital they had, they were hoping to increase their products and make a contribution to LACLA.
The second group of women had been knitting but the profit margins on babies' bonnets is very limited, so they wanted to expand into rice collecting and selling as it makes better money- more discussion needed. These meetings finished at 6.00 pm and after a meal in a local restaurant I fell into bed at 8.00 pm to be up and meeting two more groups at 8 in the morning. The first was the young mothers group whose average age 18 , did not finish school, so no work skills but with dependent children. What they really need is some counseling and fortunately Ireen has these skills so with motivation and direction, ideas might start to flow. The final group represents Youth- those who completed Grade 12 and are now doing nothing. They would like some kind of building which can serve as a community hall - a big project. Further discussion needed.
After visiting the supermarket for sustenance supplies, we travelled a mere 30 kms to visit a Primary school. Here are the numbers- 1300 students with 11 teachers!! Every grade is divided into morning and afternoon sessions and even then some classes have 50 plus in them.
In this mix are the LACLA students at risk. An extremely difficult situation. We were asked by the Principal to please take on another 16 year old boy showing potential whose grandmother could no longer pay for his education.
Lots of toothbrushes, photos and laughs and we were on our way with me being told the only way I would be allowed back is if I do some teaching for a couple of months!!
The next school was better located and smaller but the children were very poor, all from the local village. Even though they were in uniform of a sort, it was evident life is a struggle. All of the children in every school were very polite and so grateful for their education and we all talked lots about working hard and taking the opportunities presented. Most of them want to visit Australia, so our house may be crowded one day- what a dream fulfilled that would be.
Right next to the school was a local maize collection point where farmers bring their maize to be weighed and sold to the govt. It is a huge nation wide program and it was nice to spend a couple of minutes talking to a couple of very exhausted farmers waiting around to be paid.
Off to the "airport" at about 1.00 pm for lots of discussion and debriefing. On the plane by 3.00 and landed in Lusaka at 4.30.
That was the visit to Mansa.