Update on Limapela School in Zambia

Children of Limapela School in Zambia outside the new ablutions block

We had two presentations last night, one from Matthew and Alison Raymond of Limapela School in Zambia and Seb Cox was back again to give us an update on the East Meru Community School in Tanzania.

Alison and Matthew Raymond with Seb Cox

Limapela Development purchased Cedric’s School near Kitwe in Zambia in 2009 to avert possible closure. A local farmer, Cedric Whittemore, had established this primary school in 1979 to provide free education for the children of his employees and others in the community.

Over the past six years Limapela has sought to continue the legacy started by Cedric Whittemore, and to expand, develop and improve facilities at the Limapela Cedric’s School. Links with Rotary clubs in Australia, and subsequent sterling efforts on the part of the Rotary Club of Canberra, have resulted in two successful Rotary International Matching Grants of some $80,000 for bore holes and a very attractive ablution block opened in 2014.

Interesting to note how many clubs in our Rotary District (including Hall) have provided support for this project.

In 2013 Limapela Development took on the responsibility for a second school, Luyando Community School, near Ndola; again to avert possible closure. Today Limapela is responsible for a total of 700 children enrolled in pre-school through to Grade 9 in these schools.

The Limapela Foundation was registered as a charity in New Zealand in 2008 to help provide education in poor communities in Zambia. Their aims:

For high standards of education within poorer communities in Zambia, based on the Christian values of honesty, compassion, justice, forgiveness and servanthood.
For the qualities of self-reliance, imagination and adaptability that are required for the survival of Africa’s young people today.
For school communities that are inclusive, supportive, self-sufficient and financially independent.
For the support of the vulnerable in both schools and communities, especially those affected by the AIDS pandemic.

To realise their vision, they are very conscious that they need to join hands with others who also have a heart for the disadvantaged in Africa. They have been overwhelmed to see how Rotarians and countless others around the world have supported the work that they do.