Newsletter January 2010

Hi All, January has been a busy month for us here and at the orphanage, these photo's are only four of six new children that have joined the growing family at Mazabuka. Left (second row) we have Joseph he is over 2 years old but unfortunately is so malnourished he is unable to walk yet, but with a overdose of love and food it won't be long before he is running around. Right (second row) is Namwunga. And to the left is little Naomie. There is also 2 other boys aged 8 and 4 they have all come in through the Department of social welfare and we have not received a detailed report as yet.

For Christmas we received a little girl Emily (top)2 months old who's mother had died and father is a 17 unemployed and with no extended family to care for the child, little Emily has since been tested and sadly is HIV positive so will need some extra care and dietary attention.

We had planned to start building a 2 roomed 8x4 building on the new block to accommodate a security guard/yardman and a store room, but other problems came along and that has been postponed for a while. An additional career at the home has been employed at the home to cope with the extra work load. We can not take in any more children at present as the home is now at capacity.

Our planes for the shipping container have also had some developments as we were inquiring about the logistics of shipping to Zambia and were directed to a organisation called "Operation Lift" in Mackay who send medical equipment to and run and build birthing clinics in Zambia. After speaking to them they kindly offered to partner in sending a 40ft container and they would fill half with medical equipment for our planned birthing clinic and the remainder going to the local Mazabuka hospital and clinics. We are requiring funds and building equipment and materials for the container , we have plenty of clothes and toys now and would like to thank all those who have donated clothing, we could still do with some shoes.

We need monthly sponsors to keep up with the growing daily expenses, and the costs involved in sending the container and ongoing building program on the new block.

Sorry about delay in the updates, and will now be regularly posting updates.

Regards

Dalwyn.

Congratulations it's a Girl !!

Oz Kids is pleased to have a new member of our family.
This little girl was dumped in a sack by the side of the road in the town of Monze about 80 KM south of Mazabuka Orphanage. This baby girl was taken to hospital and they named her Chipego Pemba which means "Gift" in Tongan. The juvenial inspector of the Monze Social Welfare heard about Chipego and told the staff about Oz Kids. The staff at Monze Hospital came and inspected the orphanage, they were pleased and left Chipego with Oz Kids. All the girls at the orphanage are excited about their baby sister. The boys think she is wonderful but think they need more boys to even up numbers.

To see more photos of Chipego please visit our photo album.

Purchased our new block of land!

This month has been a busy one for the orphanage. We now have 9 children in the house. Click here to see their photos. All are now going to school, some for the first time and they are excited and proud to have their own school uniform and the chance to have an education. It took the children a couple of weeks to settle in. Kaoma our manager has chosen Miriam as house captain and she is great with the other children. It is only a matter of time before we would need to expand to accommodate more orphans. There are hundreds of orphans in our local area.

Through the generous donations and fundraising events we have purchased a 3/4 acre block of land to build Oz Kids first orphanage house. A local Townsville business man has pledged money to go to building a house on the block of land. This is so wonderful and we are grateful, however we need more funds for putting on the electricity, water and to fit the new home out to take in approximately 35-45 children, so please consider donating for this new home.

We have estimated that it will take $25,000 Australian dollars to keep the orphanage running, this includes all day-to-day costs, rent until we build, staff wages, school fees and other expenses. Over the next couple of weeks we need to raise $2200.25 for 6 months rent. If you would like to make a donation we would be very grateful. If you think you could run a fundraising program in your town or city we would love to hear from you. If you would like to become a monthly sponsor you can do that through our website here. I plan to use this blog as a newsletter of sorts to keep you all updated on the goings on at the orphanage but also here in Townsville with the fundraising efforts and our walk of faith. Take care, have a great month, Trudy

Welcome to our Updates

I just wanted to welcome you all here to our new blog where you will find the latest updates and goings on with Oz Kids International Inc. Check back often to see what we have been up to and how you can be a part of helping the orphans of Mazabuka, Zambia. This is just the beginning of our journey and we invite you to join us as we step out in faith to make a difference in the lives of these precious children who have already lost so much. We look forward to sharing this journey with you. Take care, Trudy & Dalwyn