44 Volunteers To Travel To Zambia
Bermuda Overseas Missions [BOM] will be sending a team of 44 volunteers to Zambia in Southeastern Africa this summer to build homes for families impacted by the economic recession and the AIDS epidemic.
As part of the Global Village Volunteer programme of Habitat from Humanity the BOM team will join other teams from around the world in Ndola, a mid-size town of 400,00 in the “Copper Belt” region of Northern Zambia. Travelling via Dubai and Johannesburg, the team will depart Bermuda on July 15 and will return August 3.
According to Habitat “The average house size is 35 square meters (approximately 300 square feet). In keeping with the ethos of using regionally-appropriate technology, most of the program’s houses are ……. simple but high quality, with separate sleeping, cooking and living areas. The design is such that homeowners have the option of expanding the house in the future.”
The Bermuda team comprises a mix of locals ranging in age from 14 to 80 and includes high school and college level students, bankers, accountants, retirees and general members of the public who want to help others less fortunate than themselves.
BOM also takes a few local “children-at-risk” on these missions and this summer, working in conjunction with the Community Centres in Bermuda [Department of Youth and Sports]. In addition to students from The Sunshine League will go on the trip. All local volunteers must pay their own way and so fundraising helps to offset the costs.
Community support is a key part of ensuring a successful trip and David Thompson , President of BOM said “Every year, BOM receives tremendous support from the local community. Bermuda is fortunate to have so many generous corporate citizens who contribute to this important cause and our volunteers are active in supporting BOM through various fundraisers, car washes and bake sales ”
“In fact, on May 20, and in conjunction with Bermuda’s own Keith’s Kitchen, we will be hosting a “Fish Fry” at Christ Church in Warwick. We have done this for the past 8 years and it is always a success. For $20 you get a delicious platter of Keith’s best fish, fries, peas n rice, coleslaw and a drink and dessert. We hope that the community will come and join us on the night for a delicious dinner!”
This is the 9th year that BOM have sent a Bermuda team overseas on a “build” and will now be their 11th build. Previous builds include trips to Bolivia in 2004, Botswana in 2005, Brazil in 2007, Guatemala in 2009 and Honduras and Columbia in 2010.
Tickets for the fish fry are available on the night or by calling Carolyn Arnoldat 504-2114.
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