You may recall some time ago a reference to a special project at Francis Davidson Secondary school in Zambia. We had opportunity recently to visit this school and see what had happened. In the picture on the left you see a brand new dorm for girls that houses 58 students. It came about due to the concern of school officials, the compassion of donors and the alertness of MCC staff in response to the plight of the young women now living in the dormitory.
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The young women in this picture come from villages quite distant from the school and had to negotiate for places to stay in the local community - where lodging was at a premium. Unfortunately too often they were taken advantage of by unscrupulous people. Some had to work long hours cleaning & servicing the homes they were staying in - in lieu of rent. Others were made to offer sexual favours for room and board. This not only affected their well-being it also meant they could not pay attention to their schooling - the one chance they had to better their lives and have alternatives for their future.
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Fortunately things have changed for the better. A number of donors stepped up to the challenge and contributed enough resources to build a three room dorm and equip it with furniture. The whole project was managed locally, on time and within budget. In January it was filled with young women excited to have a safe place to live and the ability to concentrate on their studies. Currently the girls cook on small stoves in the open but a cook house will eventually be built for them.
.JPG)
Out of this has grown an awareness within the local community of what was happening to the girls. It has pushed the community to begin taking ownership of the underlying issues. MCC is supporting this school through Global Family. The dorm building project enhances this work in a very positive way. Thanks to all who made it possible!
You may recall some time ago a reference to a special project at Francis Davidson Secondary school in Zambia. We had opportunity recently to visit this school and see what had happened. In the picture on the left you see a brand new dorm for girls that houses 58 students. It came about due to the concern of school officials, the compassion of donors and the alertness of MCC staff in response to the plight of the young women now living in the dormitory..JPG)
The young women in this picture come from villages quite distant from the school and had to negotiate for places to stay in the local community - where lodging was at a premium. Unfortunately too often they were taken advantage of by unscrupulous people. Some had to work long hours cleaning & servicing the homes they were staying in - in lieu of rent. Others were made to offer sexual favours for room and board. This not only affected their well-being it also meant they could not pay attention to their schooling - the one chance they had to better their lives and have alternatives for their future..JPG)
Fortunately things have changed for the better. A number of donors stepped up to the challenge and contributed enough resources to build a three room dorm and equip it with furniture. The whole project was managed locally, on time and within budget. In January it was filled with young women excited to have a safe place to live and the ability to concentrate on their studies. Currently the girls cook on small stoves in the open but a cook house will eventually be built for them..JPG)
Out of this has grown an awareness within the local community of what was happening to the girls. It has pushed the community to begin taking ownership of the underlying issues. MCC is supporting this school through Global Family. The dorm building project enhances this work in a very positive way. Thanks to all who made it possible!
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