Things happen in God’s time in Africa and so it is with Rotary projects, but there has been progress with the District Zambia project and we look forward to this year’s work team visit in May.  This project began in around 2005 when District officers encouraged Lincoln East Club members to develop an International Project.  As many of you are aware we began with small projects designed to support orphanages, a clinic, to educate villagers on health issues and fund clean water projects.  Most recently our 3 year, $150,000 Global Grant is comprehensive in that we are funding clean water, agricultural projects and nutritional education.  
Along the way we have attracted non-Rotary funding as well as the great Global Grant.  Not only have we received financial aid, but several non-Rotarians have traveled with us to Zambia and have contributed sweat equity as well as expertise.  The Blankenau family led by father Dan has traveled with us on three occasions to weigh on borehole sites.  He and his father-in-law, Rotarian Mike Carr of Lincoln East have contributed to clean water projects.  Son George has assisted in Zambia and will be traveling again with us.  We have also benefitted from expertise from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln such asProfessor Ian Newman, in health education. 

The project has drawn several individuals to Rotary such as Bob Simmering of Lincoln a recent new member of Rotary.  He is a civil engineer interested water projects.  He has encouraged the UNL chapter of Engineers Without Borders to come up with a solution for a water source near a school where numerous attempts to drill for water have been unsuccessful.  They are seriously looking into this project.

The Brentwood Bay Club near Victoria BC introduced us to another individual with whom we are now working.  He has been involved in reforestation projects. We work with the Doctors at the Zimba Hospital to assist with our projects.  The Rotary sponsored Eye Clinic at Zimba has facilities for visiting ophthalmologists to stay, but in their absence we will be residing there.  It is the Ritz Carlton, but quite comfortable and not in tents. 

By the way, they need ophthalmologists to come for short periods.  They have excellent facilities and the main source of advanced eye care in Southern Province.  I would encourage your eye surgeon to explore this opportunity with the Director.  Please have them contact me and I will refer him. 

By collaborating with other organizations and individuals we are spreading the word of Rotary.  The SAM project our project coordinator has enlisted 3 interns from Canada who will continue our work when we leave as well as the work of SAM in water and agriculture.

The Zambia project has been able to continue for since inception  because of the great support from District Officers and members.  This year we have been able to raise funds in order that the newest member of the work team, Dr. Mirian Aguirre is able travel with us.  Formerly, of the Wayne Club, she has transferred to Lincoln East.  She has experience in public health and has worked in developing countries.   

This year we will venture into new villages.  We have learned a lot and realize we need to do a better job of making the villagers aware of the importance of early childhood nutrition.  There is a critical need for infants receiving a variety of foods at about 6 months when they are expanding their diets.  The reliance upon nsima(maize porridge) at the time of waning breast milk has resulted in wide spread stunting (lack of linear growth) as well as being underweight.

We are very grateful for all of the members who have contributed financially to the project.   Thank you so much
Sincerely,
Chuck Erickson
Project director