HER MAJESTY THE MOTOR MECHANIC
When a picture of Princess Elizabeth was posted on the Mechanics for Africa Facebook page, Tendai Ngoma, one of our former students was quick to respond, saying, "She's my inspiration”. When she was a similar age to many of our students, the Queen trained to become a motor mechanic. Although no longer Sovereign of Zambia, she still has an important role as Head of the Commonwealth of which Zambia is a member. The Commonwealth, “sees young people aged 15 to 29 as assets to a country’s development who should be empowered to realize their potential” - a perfect description of the mission of Mechanics of Africa as well.
MfA's CURRENCY CRUNCH
Following last year’s elections, the new Zambian government has won international confidence and one of the consequences has been the soaring strength of the Zambian Kwacha. In early 2021 a £100 donation from the UK bought 3,500 Zambian Kwacha. Now £100 transfers into just 2,300 Zambian Kwacha. What does this mean in practice? We need to ask UK supporters for an additional £9,000 just to stand still! Can you please help? MfA’s bank account details: Barclays, sort code 20-35-35, account name Mechanics for Africa, account number 20366781. If you are a regular donor or one of our generous band of student sponsors - would you consider increasing your regular contributions? Thank you so much.
LYDIA'S STORY
Lydia Sapatu (23) is in her first year at MfA. Her family could not afford the cost of secondary education for any of their eight children. As the first few years of education are free, Lydia attended Mwinilunga Primary where she was one of the brightest children getting excellent grades. Lydia’s father is disabled and the family just survives on what they can grow themselves. Lydia applied for sponsorship from the Forum for African Women Educationalists of Zambia (FAWEZA) and she was selected. “After completing high school, I passed well but I found myself thinking about completely giving up on school. As I waited, I looked for casual work. I found some work in a saloon and this is how I could raise some money. Although it was not much, I could at least contribute at home”, says Lydia. “Many girls in my community turn to alcohol, and unhealthy sexual relationships with men but I decided to stick to my Christian principles.”
Lydia stayed at home for five years, picking up whatever casual jobs she could get. Lydia developed an interest in mechanics. She was interested in the thought of fixing vehicles and possibly opening a workshop on her own in the future. Lydia says, ”I heard about Mechanics for Africa from Meldah Kamwandi, a current second year student who also is also from Mwinilunga. After hearing about the MfA College, I told a church member about it, and he actually committed to paying fees for me. This was a very huge breakthrough for me because I know without his generosity and my UK sponsor I wouldn’t have been able to afford any form of education.”
During term time, Lydia stays at a boarding house near the college. She completely relies on the daily meals that are offered at MfA. Lydia recognises the opportunity that has been given to her through Mechanics for Africa and she is ready to make the most of it so that she can change the narrative of girls in poor communities. She has so much potential and as her journey begins, we hope that the example of her life will help other young girls in impoverished communities find hope. “I am now in term 2 of my first year at Mechanics for Africa and its going great. I have made good friends and I get to learn not only Mechanics, but I get to pray and get taken care of spiritually. I am very grateful for this.”
Covid disruptions continue
Zambia’s vocational education authority delayed the examinations for MfA’s 2021 second year students from December to April this year. The results will arrive sometime in June with Graduation Day now fixed as 16 July. In January at the at the start of the new academic year we had our highest numbers ever - 105 students in all with two classes of second year students attending. But from May, now our 2nd year + have competed their studies, numbers drop back to 75. To accommodate the three year-groups in the early months, we accepted just 25 first year students when we would usually have accepted 50… another of the COVID disruptions our staff team have taken in their stride.
GIFTS OF LAPTOPS
In today’s world, technology is a vital tool. As part of our 2021 Christmas Appeal well-wishers donated 27 laptops to Mechanics for Africa. This has completely changed the game for how our lecturers teach and it is a great upgrade. Not only do students have access to more information from the internet, but they now have the opportunity to improve their computer skills.
When Covid hit Zambia, it was not easy to give students all material because it was required that students stayed away from the college as a safety measure. Many efforts were made such as the printing of course material for students to read. However, none of these efforts were as effective as having computers.
“I am so happy about being able to use a laptop in college. This is my first time interacting with a computer and I am so thankful to learn how to use a computer. May God bless you for giving us these laptops.” – Peter Kasela, 1st year student.
“Gwanire Kalombe, I presume”
In mid-May MfA’s chair, David Lucas, met our Zambian CEO face-to-face for the very first time. UK / Zambia travel restrictions are now lifted. Usually at least one UK trustee visits Ndola every year… but, with new trustees having joined the board, more UK visitors will be on the way to meet Gwanire and the team and see for themselves how things are going on-site. MfA Hon Treasurer and trustee Paul Cannings plans to be at July’s Graduation Ceremony. Paul took up his role 3 years ago. Although he is in regular Zoom-contact with Gwanire and Mwansa, our Zambian accountant, this will be his first opportunity to visit Ndola. He will carry with him the congratulations of all our UK sponsors and supporters as our students and staff celebrate their successes in the presence of their friends and family.
Driver training
In the UK most motor mechanics have driving licences. It makes sense, doesn’t it? But when they arrive at MfA many of our students have never even ridden in a car. Local workshops prefer to take on mechanics who can drive. Plans are underway to include driver training as part of our core curriculum from January next year so that every MfA student has an opportunity to have a driving licence by the time they graduate.
Zoom briefings
The internet advances of recent years have made communication between the UK and Zambia so much more effective than they used to be. When Charlie and Sharonne started MfA the internet was an infant, connectivity was painfully slow and a half-hour phone call cost over £100. While it’s true that the local current communications infrastructure is poor compared with the UK, choose the right time of day and free Zoom or WhatsApp connections keep us in regular touch. On-line board meetings are now the norm. We are currently planning ways that all our UK supporters can benefit from these advances. In March we conducted a Sunday-afternoon briefing which was attended by over 30 MfA supporters. We think regular Zoom briefings may become a regular part of our communications with you. Please look out for an MfA Supporter Survey that will soon be delivered to your inbox - and please complete and return it to us so that we can improve the ways we keep in touch with you.
Prayer points
After a delay of nearly 4 months due to COVID, our Year 2 students sat their final exams and all are now in their industrial placement. Please pray that these translate into jobs for them.
The last 2 years have interrupted the college calendar. Please thank God with us for a successful first term without any disruptions despite COVID still affecting lives in Zambia.
Thanks for our loyal supporters who continue to give to MfA despite their own personal challenges in the UK
Thanks for the gift of laptops to all first-year students. These are proving
to be very useful and make learning easier for students.
Thank God with us that Eden Motors have made it possible for us to continue providing lunch to all our students. This is particularly helpful because of the economic hardships that most families are facing- the meals MfA provides is the only daily meal for some of our students.
Gwanire Kalombe June 2022