How does Aid Africas Children (AAC) and Ryan Moore, a 26 year old man from Lincolnshire, Illinois build a government endorsed school in Zambia for considerably less money than similar public schools? It certainly takes determination, patience, and a lot of hard work to deal with cultural differences, local business practices, and the practical problems dealing in remote African areas, but AAC has found to be successful, the need to create cooperation is imperative. Most of all, having a local and trusted presence fluent in the native African dialect and willing to go to the source to understand and accomplish the needs of people we help, distinguishes Aid Africas Childrens projects from other charities.
One of the ways Aid Africas Children (AAC), helps vulnerable children in devastated African communities affected by AIDS and poverty is by providing tools for empowerment through education. With the tireless effort of Ryan Moore, a Peace Corp Volunteer stationed in Zambia and the community effort of many people from several villages, AAC started the construction of a school for 119 children in Matushi, a remote region in NW Zambia. The story of this school is instructive in the ways AAC has learned to help these and other wonderful children who, without outside assistance might only perpetuate their vicious cycle of poverty.
Ryan Moore knew his time and resources in Zambia were limited and was determined to learn what he could do to make a difference in their lives. He spent time researching and questioning villagers. He became friendly with the area tribal heads men and learned about their needs, and their fervent desire to build a school for their children.
The dream of a school with four walls and a ceiling to educate their children was something these villagers understood their young Zambian children lacked and needed. Their school was among the trees and rocks where children gathered. There was nowhere to teach during the long rainy season. The long treks to the closest school were far too taxing for most of these young children to endure on a daily basis. Understanding their needs and with a sense of urgency, Ryan enlisted the help of Aid Africas Children (AAC). Now, the villagers dream for a school for their children and generations to come is becoming a reality.
Ryan has become Aid Africas Childrens, man in Zambia, and together we have successfully begun building the school. While not easy, and requiring much foresight and input, Ryan has secured the property with the approval of tribal leaders and headsmen. He obtained multiple bids before negotiating with vendors and working with the final contractor, drastically reducing construction costs. Ryan sourced building materials and supplies and oversees the development and construction of the school. This building is now a code approved school endorsed by the Zambian government.
To keep construction costs down the villagers are working under the direction of a local construction company with a successful track record of building schools in the Zambian area. The school building will be 82 long by 24 feet wide, fully enclosed and able to educate the 119 children from surrounding villages. As a show of great community support and excitement by the communities, the local headsmen have received permission from the area tribal chief to donate to the Zambian School Board, a large piece of land for the proposed secondary school and a future high school in this area. Teachers will begin teaching as soon as the building is constructed. The school will have concrete floors and a brick walls. The school district has applied to the government for desks, chalkboards, and paint. The school is expected to be completed in 2009.
This AAC Project is truly a community effort, supported by the local and state governments, one in which each participant and donor can be proud of how commitment and limited resources can be used to create infinite possibilities.
Film Footage provided by cameraman, Ryan Moore. Slideshow produced and edited by Kurt Schwuchow.
Persons interested in helping with this AAC Project may contact us directly at www.aidafricaschildren.org.
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