Needed Supplies arrive in Zambia

On behalf of the Kids Alive Zambia staff and children I would like to personally thank our friends for helping us ship a forty-foot container to Zambia! Originally destined for Kenya, political pressures dictated that the container be diverted to Zambia, otherwise we risked possible confiscation and loss. It was a difficult decision that needed to be made quickly. The contents have, and will continue to be, a huge blessing and aid to our Zambia programs, as well as many other struggling institutions, families and individuals in the days ahead!

Our Kids Alive Zambia staff were overjoyed as…

• school desks were distributed to residential homes and schools

• offices were equipped with new chairs and computers

• first aid supplies are in stock and on-hand to be used as needed

• extra toys and clothing are now readily available for children’s birthday and Christmas gifts, and as needed

The medical supplies we could not use ourselves were passed on to benefit the community at large. The majority of the equipment was donated to the Lewanika General Hospital, far from the capital city of Lusaka, and therefore very under-resourced. This is the same hospital that cares for the majority of the children in our programs. Medical supplies were also given to two hospitals in Lusaka and four smaller clinics.

Numerous individuals received much-needed wheelchairs or crutches. At the Misisi Care Center Families Together program, Kids Alive Zambia has been reaching out to get to know each of the families of the children attending our care center. This is how we met David.

David, who is mentally and physically handicapped, is the younger cousin of two children in the Misisi Care Center. Abandoned by his mother, David is now living with his grandparents. The grandfather is disabled and the grandmother isn't able to care for him properly. Nearly every time we pass by their house, we see David sitting outside on the ground, smelly, dirty, and alone. We took him to the physical therapy department at the main hospital and they prescribed regular therapy to help him learn to walk and talk. The problem is getting him to his therapy sessions. The nearest clinic is more than a mile walk from his home, an incredible distance for anyone carrying a handicapped boy. The new wheelchair that arrived in the container gives David the opportunity to finally receive the therapy he needs to have a chance in life. To walk and talk like other little children!

Because you and other friends generously gave to cover the shipping cost, goods valuing more than $200,000 were distributed - fulfilling the hopes and dreams of some of the poorest of the poor in Zambia.

Thank you so much, and God bless you!

For the children of Zambia,

Al Lackey, President