Background of the Program
This program was introduced to IRFF Zambia by our IRFF Assistant International Executive Director, Mr. Paul Byrne. He arranged for two sisters to come to Zambia under this program, namely sister Claire Aoto from Switzerland and sister Nathalie Martin-Prevel from France.
The two sisters arrived in Zambia on the 24th of July, 2007 at Ndola International Airport where they were welcomed by the Mackenzie Little Angels (a singing group), members of the Mackenzie community and IRFF Zambia staff.
Background of the Program
This program was introduced to IRFF Zambia by our IRFF Assistant International Executive Director, Mr. Paul Byrne. He arranged for two sisters to come to Zambia under this program, namely sister Claire Aoto from Switzerland and sister Nathalie Martin-Prevel from France.
The two sisters arrived in Zambia on the 24th of July, 2007 at Ndola International Airport where they were welcomed by the Mackenzie Little Angels (a singing group), members of the Mackenzie community and IRFF Zambia staff.
Activities carried out
A. LITTEL ANGELS PERFORMANCE AND LUSAKA PROJECTS:
Upon arrival, the two sisters quickly got involved in the preparation of the Little Angels singing tour of the Capital City, Lusaka. In Lusaka, they also participated in the construction of a classroom in the John Laing compound and helped with IRFF Zambia’s Microfinance project. They helped greatly in all these projects.
B. COMPUTER LESSONS
When Claire and Nathalie return to Ndola City they started helping by teaching computer skills. They taught several different groups: members of the Mackenzie community, the teachers of Mackenzie Community School and children from the Hillcrest area.
The parents and the children were very grateful for the help provided by the two sisters, because computer lessons are very expensive here in our country, but with the sisters it was free.
C. HELPING AT MACKENZIE COMMUNITY SCHOOL
Nathalie left for France after working with us for one Month, while sister Claire continued her work. When school opened, Claire started helping at the Mackenzie Community School, where she helped children in reading and also had time to visit some of the families of her computer students within the Mackenzie community.
D. HELPING AT ST. THERESE CHILDRENS ORPHANAGE
Sister Claire also helped by taking care of and feeding the orphans of St. Therese Children’s Orphanage, where she made many friends. All the children liked her very much because of her BIG HEART, and each time she left the Orphanage they would cry for her.
D. THE MICHTY VICTORIA FALLS AND SAFARI
After so much hard work for four months, Sister Claire found time to visit the Mighty Victoria Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world. This time, she was joined by her mother, who came to visit from Switzerland.
Conclusion
The contribution made by the two sisters will never be forgotten by the people they worked with and the people they helped, especially sister Claire who worked for four months. It was not easy for many people to see her go back to Switzerland. She touched many people’s hearts, both young and the old, because of her love and care for people. Her natural sweet smile will always be missed by many.
Nicholas Chisha
IRFF DIRECTOR ZAMBIA
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