Following two weeks in Zambia volunteering with Life Support charity this summer, ten Kingham Hill School pupils returned home with big smiles and memories to last a lifetime.
The Sixth Form pupils, travelled to Chingola to support the work of Eden Farm, a children’s village that provides a safe home environment for orphaned and vulnerable children.
Whilst living on site at Eden Farm in the new visitors lodge, the pupils not only helped to paint and decorate the new Chapel, but they immersed themselves into the local communities of Kapisha and Kabundi.
The team took every opportunity to learn about and support the local community through teaching at the local school and running youth church sessions.
During one visit to Kapisha, the pupils had a wonderful time singing, dancing and talking with the Nurture Ladies, another Life Support project that empowers vulnerable and widowed women with enterprise and craft skills, enabling them to find freedom from poverty.
During their time on the farm our pupils were able to develop their communication, leadership and compassion through the arts and craft lessons, a youth sports day, games, and spending time being with the children living in the village.
Athena Harper, Latimer Girls Day Houseparent and trip leader, commented on the time spent at Eden Farm: “It has been a joy to see the team immersing themselves in the culture and community of living life on Eden Farm. Every day saw a new challenge, from running the sports days, dodging spiders, epic bus journeys, cooking on coals and making the most of the sanctuary time – the team gave it their all. Lifelong memories and experiences have been made and I am very proud of all of them and what they achieved for Life Support and Eden Farm.
Being able to see how far every penny goes and taking pupils to see how their fundraising has impacted a community is an amazing privilege. There is now a Chapel, two children’s homes and two more on the way, the farm is continuing to expand and develop – it’s a really exciting time to be involved with the project!”
The school has been visiting the farm since 2011 contributing over £14,000 to Life Support and the Eden Farm project. Before departing for Zambia this year the team planned and lead a huge range of fundraising activities, including selling Valentine’s roses, a Secret Garden Fashion Show and a pop-up shop in Chipping Norton. Everyone did an incredible job and raised over £4,000 for Life Support and Eden Farm, which will make a real difference to the children and local community of Chingola.