|
 The
Zomba KIDZ Project began in 2006 as part of Saanich’s
Centennial celebrations. The project, undertaken by the 1,100
employees of Saanich, was launched in an effort to look outward
and acknowledge our place in the world.
Saanich has had a relationship with Zomba, Malawi since 1988
when a municipal exchange was organized through the FCM. The
Saanich Employees’ Centennial Project committee decided
to direct its international development project to Zomba,
and strengthen our relationship with this African community.
In finding a project in the Zomba region, Saanich was able
to partner with Chancellor College, a campus of the University
of Malawi situated in Zomba. In 2006, the college’s
Home Economics Department had just begun an outreach project
in Magalasi in early childhood development. Chancellor College,
which has a relationship with the University of Victoria,
wanted to use Magalasi as a learning laboratory for its students.
Through Chancellor College, Saanich had found a way to have
a project delivered on the ground with local expertise. The
project needed funds, and we needed a project. Zomba KIDZ
was born!
 Magalasi
is a small rural village within the region of Zomba in Malawi.
Like many sub-Saharan countries, Magalasi is experiencing
severe poverty, famine and has been devastated by HIV/AIDS.
Many children are orphaned and are either heading families
or have been absorbed in with extended family members or other
tribal families. The pressure on surviving adults and on these
children for basic survival – food, shelter, water – is
tremendous. Education and basic health care are often out
of the question.
Through the Zomba KIDZ Project we
are focusing our attention on early childhood development
and community initiatives. By investing in the children of
Zomba, we hope to provide some small measure of hope for the
future, in a community that so desperately needs our help.
|
