Four Zambian students, who have been helped by Alan Kerins Projects paid a visit to Galway recently and attended a special evening of friendship hosted by the voluntary organisation on Friday last in the Clybaun Hotel.
Luando Chibwe, Michael Chipita, Nano Chatupua and Stephen Muyambabgo were delighted to meet some of the Galwegian people who have volunteered and contributed to the charity. Alan Kerins, director of Alan Kerins Projects, says, “The students really enjoyed their experience in Galway. They enjoyed a toe dip in the Atlantic ocean as this was their first time seeing the sea and the friendship they received from the people of Galway was very unique and memorable.”
The evening of friendship took place last Friday in the Clayton Hotel. Alan Kerins Projects have built a number of much needed facilities within the Mongu and Kaoma areas of Zambia for thousands of vulnerable, elderly and disadvantaged children. In the past five years 1.5 million euro has been raised by the organisation, and the money raised has been invested into a variety of essential projects and services.
The feedback on the night was very positive as it was an event to celebrate the good work of the charity, with supporters of Alan Kerins Projects turning out in huge numbers to show their endearing spirit for this worthy cause. The Zambian students spoke with guests specifying how Alan Kerins Projects have provided their community with much needed facilities such as their school hall, two large classroom blocks, and a dormitory for older boys attending the school. The charity is currently working on a community centre which will run strategic projects to help the community become self sufficient.
Kerins returned to Zambia last March and he was delighted to see that the projects have progressed to an altogether more advanced level. At the height of the drought in western Zambia food deliveries were required for 700 starving families. The food runs are now thankfully in the process of being phased out. Funding is also in place to seed the land, educate the locals on good farming techniques, and oxen and tilling implements have also been purchased. Sixty villages will take part in the scheme, which should help to keep the threat of famine at bay, while also diverting much needed funds into other projects.
Speaking about the memorable evening Kerins added, “We at the charity were deeply moved by the huge turnout and by the overwhelming generosity and support we have received from all our friends, volunteers, donors and fundraisers over the last five years.” For further information on Alan Kerins Projects log on to www.AlanKerins.ie or phone 091 586 547.
