Hazelbank’s generosity to Zomba project

The largest project (£2700) was at Mwaliwa village and funded a well and a pump

Rev Terry McMullan, Treasurer of ZAP, thanked Hazelbank for their unfailing generosity. This year they donated the magnificent sum of £6500. This was up 30% on last year’s total of £5000.

Rev McMullan said: “£6,500 is a marvellous sum at any time, and all the more amazing when we remember that it was raised in the midst of the pandemic.”

The amount was enough to fund substantial projects in not just one, but seven villages. The largest project (£2,700) was at Mwaliwa village and funded a well and a pump.

In Mwaliwa, a bicycle ambulance was welcomed by the villagers

Paul Snelling, ZAP Secretary, said: “Clean water is the most effective way of improving health in a village.”

Goats were provided for 18 families to raise and sell for meat. Each family passes on a kid to another family and so the benefit is spread round the village. “This has proven to be a good way of giving families a much-needed income.” said a local representative. Also, in Mwaliwa, a bicycle ambulance was welcomed by the villagers. This is a great boon as it means the end of carrying (on foot) sick relatives to the nearest clinic, more than ten kilometres away.

£2400 went towards establishing beekeeping clubs in four villages. This covered hives, bee suits, smokers and tools. ZAP’s local administrator, Ruth Nyirenda, reported that ZAP funded bee clubs have been very successful in other villages. Families have been able to sell the honey and improve their food security.

The final project (£1,400) went on improving the health of small children in Makawa and Jalasi villages. These villages are on the shores of Lake Chirva, a wet, swampy area which is plagued by mosquitoes. The money bought 200 insecticide-treated mosquito nets, a great relief to the parents, as malaria is particularly dangerous to small children.

Rev McMullan concluded: “So many people in Zomba have benefitted from this congregation’s consistent generosity.”

If anyone feels that they or their church congregation congregation would like to help in this life-changing work, please contact Paul Snelling on 075 5435 7704.