Action for Children Zambia

18/09/2013

A group of Norfolk Christians have formed a charity to help children in Zambia, and are holding an art auction in Aylsham next month to raise funds. Tony Rothe reports.

70,000 Children inZambia have run away from home due to poverty, violence and sexual mistreatment. Yet on ‘the streets’ they are subject to even worse abuse. One of the few sources of help is a small charity, run by Norfolk Christians, named “Action for Children Zambia”. They provide ‘first aid’ most nights to the children on the streets; those who wish to come off the streets are first ‘detoxed’ from their glue or drugs habit. The final stage of the program is the teaching of a trade or skill so that they can find their way and place back as valuable young adults in the community.

Funds are limited so only some can the children can be financed back into school –but what is not limited is the offer and security of a safe and loving home. Many of the children though have been very badly affected by their experience: they need professional help. That help can be freely obtained from worldwide volunteers.

“Action for Children Zambia” have launched their “Building a Future” project. InOctober 2014 a team of builders from North Norfolk will donate their costs, time and skills to go and build house that will accommodate up to six volunteer doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals. They will also pass on their skills and tools to the older children, and empower them to earn a livelihood for themselves and future generations.

“We need to now raise £25,000 for the cement, blocks, doors, and roof and other materials” explained Wendy Fredericks from the charity. “Ideally we would like to invite companies to sponsor us, and in return receive maximum publicity on our website; and attract interest from national media organisations.”

Their next fund-raising event is an art auctionwhich Wendy is organising in Aylshamat 7.30pm onSaturday October 12. The event takes place at the Jubilee Family Centre, which is the home of Aylsham Community Church, which is easily found at Norwich Rd, Aylsham, Norfolk, NR11 6JG.

Some Norfolk’s best artists have donated their paintings, sculptures and glass-work to raise money for materials for the volunteer house, but more donations of artwork would be welcome. Viewing from3pm that day. Keys auctioneers will be taking the bids. There will be a professional wine taster, with bottles to try, and cheeses and chutneys from the local area. Music will be supplied by Ade Cockburn.

Tickets will be £5 on the door to cover costs for the evening, and every Pound donated will go directly to the “Building a Future” project.

“Come along and experience what promises to be a wonderful night to acquire some stunning pieces at very reasonable prices” said Wendy.

Action for children Zambia has already achieved some notable successes :
• Financing and supplying a Chicken House for the farm, where 350 eggs a day are now being sold for the benefit of the children;
• Supplied a generator, pump and irrigation system on the farm to provide running water, which has increased their food supply fourfold.
• Supporting 2 community schools and one infant school in Lusaka, providing 120 new and used uniforms and other clothes for each of the 60 infant school children.
· Currently collecting money for children’s books to form a library in both schools.

To make a donation, visit: www.justgiving.com/helpchildreninzambia

For more information about the charity or the art auction, or to request a catalogue,

e-mail: [email protected]

or phone 0787 952 4652.

Visit: www.helpchildreninzambia.org

Or write to
4 Myrtle Avenue, Old Costessey, Norwich,
Norfolk, NR8 5DA

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