A dormitory of hope

Sometimes it is the unexpected and the unplanned that has far reaching results.

Mid 2011 a potential donor indicated they had interest in supporting a personal project in Zambia. After some consideration the Reps directed them to another possibility that was connected with an MCC project.

The reality was that in one of MCC's Global Family supported schools there were many girls who lived quite some distance from the school. Since it was a day school they had to find accommodation in nearby homes and could return home only on the weekends to collect more food supplies. It meant travelling long distances both ways.

The problem was that some people within the community took advantage of the vulnerability of these girls. They could be made to work long hours in the homes they stayed in. Some were given accommodation only if they provided sexual services. They were at the mercy of men who took advantage of them and there were unwanted pregnancies. The girls were subjected to many indignities that seriously affected their well-being in addition to detracting from their school work.

One possible solution to the problem was to build a dormitory for the girls to live in. This would provide them secure accommodation, protect them from unscrupulous men and allow them to focus on their studies. This idea was quickly picked up by interested parties in Manitoba, Ontario and Zambia. Before long more than enough monies had been raised to construct accommodation for 60 girls. The pictures you see are the work in progress. Before the next school term it will be complete.

The community soon became aware of the emerging building. When they learnt the reason for this construction there was a sense of 'shame' at what had been happening to the girls in their community. This has resulted in some soul searching and a desire to address the issues that resulted in the girls harassment. So without any intentional planning the desire to help these young girls by building a dorm has had, hopefully, a longer  term impact in the broader community.  A big thanks to all who helped make this happen!

In this particular school MCC supports 15 students through its Global Family program as well as providing textbooks for the entire school of some 485 students. With the addition of this dormitory it will be able to significantly support about 60 young women seeking to improve their educational status. If you are interested in supporting Global Family and its intent to provide effective education to children around the world please contact your nearest MCC office to inquire how to do this.