Report from BHW Zambia Partnership Facilitator

Key People: David Power & Maria Mwape

We have not visited recently so this update is a summary of the dialogue and stories we have had in communicating with GLO in the last 6 months.

Recent Events

Leadership

Over the past 6 months there have been some changes in the leadership at GLO. The Lukamas have resigned due to personal reasons and David and Liz Power from the UK have taken over as acting principal. David and Liz have many years being involved in mission and have come from working with OM Zambia in Kabwe (ZAM13).

Maria Mwape is still in charge of the administration of GLO and oversees the programs that are run.

Two young men, Olias and Chisenga, who were GAP year students around 10 years ago both volunteer their time to help out with the mentoring and finances at GLO. It is great to see the investment in these two men bearing fruit.

The courses offered at GLO remain the same. With the leadership training course GLO is attempting to attain government accreditation which means people would receive an official government backed certificate. 

GAP Year Course

This year there were 20 students, 8 girls and 12 boys, who came to attend the course although currently due to the Covid-19 virus the course has been postponed. 

Advanced Leadership Course

27 people came for the extension program, many elders, pastors, women and youth attended this course. This was the first week of four which will be held through out the year.

Church Based Training

Currently there are seven hubs where GLO has arranged teaching, once per month for 2 years to help build up the local church.

Farming

Donald Makinko from OM Zambia has recently joined the staff at GLO and he has a passion for Foundations for Farming. He wants to establish gardens and crops at GLO to help feed the students and also train them in the methods of farming. 

Personal Stories

Olias Tembo

My name is Olias Tembo. I was born in April 1995. When I was 16 I attended my first youth camp held at GLO and I had a very good time at camp. I completed high school in 2011 and the following year I attended the GAP year course which ran for six months.

In 2013 I went on to study for a Bachelor of Science in Production and Operations Management at the Copperbelt University. Even whilst I was studying, I always had a deep interest and passion for the work at GLO. During holidays or whenever I had some free time, I would often come to GLO and render my services to help facilitate some programs. I would normally help run and organise the annual GLO Kids camp, conduct mentorship sessions in the GAP year course, and volunteer in community outreach programmes.

In 2018 I found a job in Lusaka working as a Quality Manager in a cement plant. Despite being 6 hours away from GLO, I would still create time to come and help out whenever I could.

Earlier this year, the factory went on a 3-month industrial break. During this time I was asked by the GLO director if I could come and help out as a temporary accountant. This was because the previous accountant had left to pursue theological studies. Needless to say, I gladly accepted the offer and came to work right away.

During this time I proved to be a very zealous, organised and hardworking young man. I helped reconcile books from previous years with the utmost professionalism and I also helped implement effective cost cutting measures. I not only do accounts at GLO, but I also help out in the GAP year course and in children’s ministry.

At the end of my industrial break my contract was not renewed at the factory due to downsizing. Whilst others would be completely devastated at this predicament I opted to remain and continue serving at GLO as an accountant instead of leaving to go and look for another job. I saw this as a sign to help the ministry. I am happy that now I can serve God and give back to an organisation that made me who I am today.

I am currently studying for a CIMA certificate in Business Accounting. My goal is to become a fully certified Chartered Global Management Accountant. This will help provide me with the necessary skills, knowledge and expertise as I serve GLO as its accountant.

Partnership's Influence within the Community

Local churches are still right in behind GLO, wanting to use the facilities and send youth for the GAP year courses.

Ideas for the Future

To look at strategies to continue the plan of helping to make GLO more self-sustaining. Currently their thoughts are:
- Renovate the guest house which would enable the house to be used to generate more income. A request for financial assistance has been submitted to BHW.
- Upgrade dormitories
- Restart the chicken program
- Continue with farming practises to help feed the students and sell extra produce

Prayer and Praise Points

1) Praise for the successful transition into new leadership
2) Pray for the ongoing challenge of how to fund and support the volunteers who work at GLO

Comments

It has been great to see that with the leadership and direction given from David and Liz Power the local Zambian people are able to keep doing the work of interacting with the local church community.