Features
Features
ABOVE: REV TIM COSTELLO RECEIVES THE CHEQUE FOR CHITULIKA SECONDARY SCHOOL FROM ABRAHAM SHAMSHAD AND TOM ANDERSON(’ 15)
Praise for our‘ commitment and generosity’ to Chitulika
World Vision Australia CEO Rev Tim Costello visited Scotch again recently to acknowledge our efforts in reaching yet another fundraising target, this time for an ablution block at Chitulika Secondary School. He began:‘ Thank you on behalf of those in Zambia whose education and opportunities have been incredibly enhanced by your commitment, service and generosity’.
He went on to explain the fundamental importance of hygiene facilities, especially for female students who need the security and privacy that the ablution blocks provide if they are to attend school regularly. World Vision aims to keep children under the age of five alive. Over Rev Costello’ s 13-year stint as CEO, great progress has been made globally, with childhood fatalities being halved. Once children survive, they must be educated and have the opportunity to fulfil their potential through meaningful employment. World Vision works to facilitate both.
Rev Costello gave a powerful reminder that:‘ Poverty is not natural; it is created.
The circumstances of your birth shouldn’ t determine your chances in life. We shouldn’ t get a leave pass and say“ well they were born to be inferior, to be poor, to not have an education” … So you guys have challenged this idea that poverty is just a given, that we can’ t do anything about it— like what everyone thought about slavery. You’ ve done this. You’ ve given people over there a chance … You’ ve struck a blow against this idea that some people won’ t get a chance and that’ s somehow natural.’
Chitulika Secondary School Head Teacher Mapondo Haabuuka recently wrote:‘ I am truly excited about this great news! We are grateful you Great people! This news will surely excite everybody, especially the students! Inform everyone that we have received the most exciting news, inform everyone that we truly are excited and grateful!’ And later:‘ I announced the great news to the teachers when we had a staff meeting yesterday in the afternoon, there was jubilation and excitement because the news was just too good to hear! It will be great and respectful having a modern ablution block for the students. There will be great improvement among the girls on the class attendance. Absenteeism will be minimised. We truly thank you for your kindness and love you have for this school!’
Joshua Symes and Connor O’ Brien( both of Year 12) deserve recognition for leading approximately 100 of our current boys in raising more than $ 40,000 by setting themselves a personal challenging and gathering sponsorship – an unprecedented effort, one that will reverberate through many generations of grateful Zambian students. MARK WILLIAMS – OUTREACH PROGRAM
28 Great Scot Number 149 – December 2016