Some supporters wanted to know how they can help us practically. So, here is a list of some of the projects that we are also involved in:
* Joseph project: Yearly, the people in our community go through a time of hunger before the next harvest and when the previous year’s food is already finished. They have no effective way to store their food and seeds (it is very quickly destroyed by rodents, ants and mould). This is the reason why we built a store where the yearly harvests (beans, corn, cashew nuts) can be kept. We treat the seeds and regularly spread it out in the sun to keep it pest and mould free. When the food becomes scarce, people can sell these seeds (out of season, therefore at a higher price) or use it themselves. The idea is that they will give 10% of the seed back in order to help support the project. We are now in the first season and we have no “10%’s” to help yet!
* Local school: The local school (gr. 1-6) in our village hardly functions because of the bad state of repair of their school building (here in front on the photo). With the help of volunteers (believers) we have already built a new 3 class room building (in the back on the photo), but it still needs the roof and finishing off. The school also have no tables, chairs or writing materials: the children sit on wedged poles, writing on their laps (that is: if they could find something to write with!). We would also like to start a pre-school: here are none and most kids go to school unprepared and as a result fail miserably.
* The Ambulance: The Ambulance was given to help transport sick people to the local clinic, but has been standing, broken, for months now. As of yet, no funds or the “mechanic” to fix the vehicle. (Francois’s time is simply too limited).
* Literacy and Bible lesson development: For the development of the Literacy and Bible lesson materials, we need computers with big “brain power”. Some books are more than 200MB big and our computers and equipment simply can’t handle these size files. We lose much time – and work when the computers stall and are unable to retrieve the material again – because of this ineffective equipment. I’m sure you can imagine the frustration and time lost! Our reality however, is that most funds given to Mwinika work, are given specifically for the (much needed) translation of the Bible (mostly the Henderson’s responsibility), while the Literacy and Bible lesson development – including salaries – are supported from our monthly voucher. The Bible must be read… therefore the absolute need for Literacy. The Bible must be understood… therefore the fundamental nature of the Bible lessons!