THE OARS for Africa row held last month has raised £2,000 for the Families For Children Zambia project. Teignmouth organisers Wendy and Alan Gillespie returned from Zambia last week after a tour of the four projects that the charity funds. It provides women workers to look after orphans and vulnerable children in the Misisi Township, sponsors students and education and provides support to destitute families at Umwana Kasembe. Demands have increased on charitable agencies since a recent revaluation of local currency. Prices have inflated and many projects have had to close. But thankfully, the work of the Families project has continued, and the generous donors 'can take much of the credit for this,' said Mrs Gillespie. 'It has hit everyone hard and our projects are struggling to meet their commitments, but we are still going and our project managers have done very well, 'We have found it much more expensive this time to stay in Zambia on this trip and the cost of transport has escalated,' she said. The orphan and vulnerable children project has helped 350 people this year. There are 26 homes which are headed by children. Volunteers give them support to ensure their welfare. They have raised the equivalent of £2,000 to supplement the funds from Britain. The charity covers costs of fees, books and living accommodation for youngsters in education. One girl, Ester, was given the opportunity to attend university through the programme. She is in her second year of an education degree at the University of Zambia. Others are doing equally well on courses including nursing and accountancy. Mr and Mrs Gillespie also visited St Catherine's School, an initiative that is helping itself. 'They are to be congratulated,' said Mrs Gillespie. 'They act as a model for other projects, they raise most of the money themselves and we only contribute a small amount and extra cash for specific things. 'They are generating income through keeping pigs and chickens and by brick-making, all of which are very successful,' she said. Progress is slow but sure at the Freedom Compound at Umwana Kasembe. It houses extremely poor people and has a high rate of Aids and child abuse. But things are improving. Workshops are held to educate peope about Aids and practical help given includes skills training and ensuring water supplies are in place. 'But the project desperately needs our help, said Mrs Gillespie. 'It has no other donors at the moment and is at a very early stage of development.' An open evening for friends and supporters is being held at the Community Centre, Bishopsteignton, on September 29 at 7.30pm.
