Report from BHW Zambia Partnership Facilitators Following Visit March 2026

Key People: Faidess Cheyasu, Rebecca Kaumba, Leonard Kapenda

Recent Events

Orphans Programme

There are still six remaining orphans on the programme. They are thinking to not add more but explore other ways of serving the community. Most of these orphans are away at boarding schools in Chingola. Only two remain in Kamatepa, which reflects the quality of education in the area.

Rebecca came in January from her home to help collect the funds from the bank and to purchase the school requirements for the children.

There is a photo attached that shows the names of the current orphans in the partnership, plus a picture of the three orphans who came to collect school requirements.

One boy Muzala was having many issues staying with his grandfather as both his parents have died. The grandfather was not looking after him at all well, not even feeding him with Nshima for three days. Faides and Leonard have been to visit the extended family and have helped the boy move away to an uncle’s place where he will be better looked after. 

Farming

The rains have been very good this year for crops, which has been great. However, it has caused many weeds to come so the farmers have been busy weeding in the fields.

They have planted a field of sweet potato for the orphans, as they were not wanting to spend the funds on the high inputs for maize. And they only have contact with the two orphans in Kamatepa who have been able to come and help in the planting.

Elijah has been taught Foundations for Farming and has planted 2 limas and is doing fine. He used manure and compost to plant. 

Leonard has planted 4 limas, being one hectare. He has had a challenge of rats in the field who have eaten the maize, but things are still looking ok. Last season Leonard harvested 55 bags of maize, using 10 of these for food and then 45 went for sale at FRA. This was from 3 limas. The photos are from his own field of maize.  

Faidess

Sadly, Faidess' father has been very sick, which has taken her away from the area to care for him.

Personal Stories

Leonard Kapenda

Leonard has now moved to a 2-ha farm in Kamatepa and has finished his bricklaying course. 

His job of travelling to collect data from wells has been going well with a few ups and downs. He sadly lost some batteries from his work, which was his fault and he has to pay the company back for them. He is thankful that he has not lost his job. The work is a contract on a yearly basis, but they are expecting to have the work for the next 5 years.

Leonard has managed to repay K16,000 of the K20,000 loan that was given to him to source a motor bike which has enabled him to have the job. The remaining K4,000 would have been cleared but for the loss of the batteries.

Ideas for the Future

Once Faidess has returned from looking after her sick father they intend to sit down and discuss what will happen in the future.

Comments

The budget for 2026 has reduced down to US$760. We will review things again in November / December to find out what orphans remain; plus any other ideas they may have.