Letter from Sister Cathy

Last year's drought continues to cause hunger, sickness and death. The rural areas are worst affected as relief does not always reach the most remote areas when needed and in sufficient quantities. This situation will continue to worsen until the new harvest in April '06.

Our Food Programme has continued this year but is very costly because of the increasing hunger. We could not have managed without the generosity of you, our friends, your kindness has helped them to eat and live this year.

The greatest need of all is water. We are working to access water and put in pumps. One borehole is being sunk and we hope to sink shallow wells to be used for irrigation. These wells will also provide clean drinking and water for domestic use.

In the Cheshire Home, the number of children has increased. We have treated 285 children on the various programmes and fifty-eight children had operations. Alongside operations, physiotherapy and all the rehabilitation and after care, the school programme runs on a daily basis but we lack a Ministry of Education teacher. But the good news is that Sr. Stella Bourke, who taught in Corsham for many years, has come to work in Mongu. Stella has done wonderful work with the children since her arrival.

We continue to support children we discharge from the Home to enable them to attend school. These children are supplied with orthopaedic shoes, caliper, prosthesis, crutches and wheelchairs. 104 people, children and adults, have been assisted with appliances.

We are sponsoring a girl from Mongu to train for physiotherapy. Namonda is in her final year and is doing well; we look forward to her joining the staff on graduation. It will make a great difference to have a full time physiotherapist working with us. A special word of thanks to Fr. John, Sr. Concepta and all the generous people in Corsham who donate to Cheshire Home regularly and who have made it possible for Namonda to pursue her training.

All in Cheshire Home join me in sending greetings of peace, good health and happiness to each of you. You are in our thoughts and prayers regularly. Please remember us in yours.

With best wishes.
Sr. Cathy Crawford Head of Cheshire Home, Mongu, Zambia.