Hello and Welcome!

Thanks for visiting my blog. I'm currently working as a Fundraising Advisor in Chipata for a small community-based organisation called Chipata Dzithandizeni Nutrition Group, based in the Eastern Province of Zambia.

It's a role I gained through Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) and I'm hoping to share my experiences of Zambian culture with you through this site.

I'm lucky to be working with some amazing colleagues and the community, sharing skills in order to generate income and resources to support the work of the the Nutrition Group. The Group is situated in Kapata township right in the heart of Chipata and its focus is to provide nutritional support to vulnerable children and adults in the urban and rural areas of Chipata.

Before this, I had never been to Zambia, slept under a mosquito net or even accepted a job without meeting any of my colleagues first, so as you can imagine it was a bit of a risk! I'm grateful to VSO for all their support in preparing me for all the challenges! I'm hoping that with some fun and hard work along the way, I'll look back and think that every minute was worth it.

If you like, you can see where Chipata is by clicking on the map on the right. Also feel free to click on the Zambia Country profile to learn more about this stunning country. Take a browse through my blog and feel free to post me any messages along the way!

Please remember that all the views within this blog do not represent the views of VSO or Chipata Nutrition Group.

Thanks,
Sarah

Friday, 21 January 2011

The Brits are in town!

Last night I attended a Reception in Chipata which was attended by Steve O’Brian MP, (British Secretary of State for International Development) and Mike Hammond, (DFID Head of the Zambian Office).

They were in town to see the work of DFID’s Social Cash Transfer Programme which had been roled out in the neighbouring town of Katete and of course in Chipata.

Steve O’Brian MP commented on the challenges he faces to convince the British Public that overseas funding towards development is needed more than ever and he was happy to report that the scheme to help thousands of Zambian’s step up on the ladder out of poverty has been fruitful.

The programme which has supported over 11 000 households in Zambia is aimed towards the most poorest and most vulnerable of Zambians, helping them to gain access to health and education for their families. Of course the VSO volunteers of Chipata (notoriously known as the Chiperati!) were out in force to hear all about it and it was great to hear him thanking us and VSO for our achievements towards the development process in Chipata.
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