Present where representatives from several partners, from the Oslo HQ of FK, Mr. Fikre Hailemeskel our regional representative from Africa, and finally, our new member of staff in Lusaka, Ms. Edwidge K.M.Mutale who arranged the conference.
The conference was held at the Mwiza Corporate Lodge at the outskirts of Lusaka. A FK network for Zambia was established during the conference, and the coming activities for the network seems to mirror many common challenges known from other partners and parts of the world.
During the one week stay of the representatives from the Oslo office, they visited several of the partners in Zambia. Partner visits in Lusaka were made to Agribusiness, Score, and the Visual art Centre. Mr. Stefan Midteide and Ms. Edwidge K.M.Mutale also visited the Norwegian embassy in Lusaka in order to introduce our new staff member to the Norwegian embassy staff. FK’s work and plans in Zambia were discussed with the embassy personnel. If possible, FK wants to align their work with the priorities of the Embassy.
Litha, a participant from Port Elisabeth and Edusport, was visited in his tiny village 15 km off track outside Lusaka. Those who claim that our participants have an easy living abroad should pay this guy a visit. Loneliness, malaria, lack of food, water, and language challenges, constitute the daily obstacles to his work. The village with its surrounding population were preparing for the national day of Zambia, 24th of October, when we visited. 40-50 anticipating children were playing and dancing, and were only slightly affected by our presence. Later we played football with the local guys who probably exercised more often than the Norwegian staff members.
The Bream Farm of Mr. & Mrs. Fuller in Chirundu was also visited. They continually try to improve and expand their activities with the skilful help of Edward from the Philippines. Chad from Lusaka was exchanged to the Philippines some years ago, and has since worked two years at the farm.
Things are slowly picking up at the farm, and production is getting better. The biggest fear at the farm is if Hippos find the ponds convenient for bathing as they already have experienced elephants in their banana plantation - quite exotic for pale Norwegians. The beautiful location on the riverside of Zambesi more than justify relatively long journey to Chirundu. The participants have their own hut beside the banana plantation, and enjoyed the place.
In Livingstone FK has several participants focusing on health issues and sports. The visit in Livingstone was one, happy day with discussions, practicalities and beautiful nature. The women at the health centres in Livingstone showed us the best of Zambia and the challenges of running health work with limited resources. Our participants were about to start working on their own after two months with introductory activities. They also considered the unique bungee-jumping possibilities of the Victoria Falls – good luck!