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Thanks for your interest and support for the work of Eagles Wings. Whilst the last couple of years have been challenging, we are so very grateful for the continued, faithful support of many, doing their bit to support this community-changing work. I continue to be in admiration of our team in Zambia, for their dedication, perseverance and ability to stretch every donation to ensure the funds are used efficiently and effectively.
In this update, you will hear from the team in Zambia and join with us in celebrating the graduating class of 2021. We have some encouraging stories to share from three Ukufuma students - Mercy, Lawrence and Agness.
I'm sure you've heard about our Challenge For Change events in the past, but maybe you've thought that bike riding or walking wasn't for you, perhaps the locations didn't suit, or the timing wasn't right... We are excited to bring you our first big DIY Challenge - going OVER THE TOP for Eagles Wings this April. Everyone can take part! Find out more below.
If you're looking for a structured walking event - take a look at the wrap up from our Fraser Island adventure, and put aside the dates for our walking events later this year.
Eagles Wings has been built on the work of many volunteers over the years - we have an opportunity for you to be involved in continuing this work.
It's all waiting for you... just scroll down!
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The years 2020 and 2021 have not been easy especially in the education sector in Zambia. The COVID-19 pandemic compounded the existing poverty challenges in the community where our learners hail from.
Many challenges were faced. Households who had an income from small businesses were no longer earning, due to closures of business houses. Those who were working stopped because the companies closed. Supply chains in essential commodities struggled because of restrictions in movements. This resulted in an upward surge in commodity prices and money was difficult to come by. Indeed, there has been suffering in our communities, and this does not exclude our pupils.
The closure of schools due to COVID-19 disturbed the school calendar and affected our learners. It was very difficult to use online teaching due to families’ inability to afford the necessary gadgets such as smartphones. This resulted in challenges in completion of school syllabi.
Interestingly, the generosity of Eagles Wings friends and sponsors have kept our pupils’ dreams alive. Eagles Wings sponsors have really proved to us all that making the world a better place is still an ongoing project…. Many people around the world were under lockdowns, but they continued to care for the future of Eagles Wings students by committing to support them. For this, we say, Thank You!
In addition, Eagles Wings staff have wholeheartedly dedicated their time to speak hope and inspire our pupils to be ambitious and think about the future even in the midst of the pandemic and other life challenges.
Above all, our grade 12 pupils schooling journey came to an end with visibly smiling faces.
We now believe that making the world better for all is possible. Evidence is from our former students who have now become pillars in their family and community. Clinical officers, nurses, teachers, technicians, automobile mechanics, and many other careers still under training, all supported through Eagles Wings’ sponsorship.
The project’s outcomes are a reality for all to see.
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- Wesley Mazenta (Headteacher, Secondary)
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Ukufuma students tell their stories
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I am the 7th born child of my family. I completed secondary school at Eagles Wings school because my family were no longer able to send me to school. When I passed my grade 12 exams, Eagles Wings supported me with tuition fees at tertiary level. I graduated with a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and I am a mother of one child. I am not finding it a challenge to support my son because I am now working. My child will attain quality education because I am able to support him.
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Since the eighth grade, it has been my dream to become a medical personnel. But with the passing on of my mother who used to be the provider, I felt like my dreams had been shattered. Further education in Zambia is a rare privilege. My life became very difficult because I had no one to rely on and being the oldest I assumed the role of being a parent and a provider for my siblings. I started working as a security guard just to sustain a living. It was the hardest time in my life. I never thought the sun would shine upon me again.
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Then I received a call from Eagles Wings that I was selected for sponsorship. I thought it was a dream, but it was real and I immediately started to see a light at the end of tunnel.
Sponsorship from Eagles Wings has made it possible for me to pursue my dream course as medical personnel and this has brought joy in my heart. Once employed, I will return the same support to my family members and deserving members of the community. Eagles Wings has boosted my self-confidence and with the education I am receiving here, I have become a responsible citizen.
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I have had the privilege of being sponsored by Eagles Wings from Grade 1 to where I am today, studying to become a nurse. Eagles Wings has been a parent to me and creating a parent in me. The same help I am receiving is what I hope to give to my family and others in society. I have not had any struggles acquiring education because of Eagles Wings, but I know a lot of young girls out there who are having challenges attaining good education;
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some even ending up being sexually exploited in the name of getting sponsorship. My goal is to put an end to that, and be a voice to the voiceless. I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the great sponsorship you are providing for me, it has really brought a big change, and I am becoming someone in life.
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go Over The Top for Eagles Wings
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Gather your mates and join us this April as we go Over The Top for Eagles Wings!
It's a DIY Challenge - the activity, distance and duration of the challenge is up to you.
What's the furthest you have ridden in a week? Can you go Over The Top?
How far have you run in one day? You should try to smash that personal record!
Swimming, kayaking, hiking, yoga and more... the choice is yours.
It's all about going Over The Top - challenging ourselves to change the lives of orphans and vulnerable children in Zambia. We've got some inspiration below... What will you do?
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Need some OTT inspiration? Check out what the Anderton Family are doing...
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Remember, it's not just CYCLING... you can choose your own activity!
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Fraser Island Great Walk (2021)
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Congratulations to the 18 walkers and 6 support crew who completed the Challenge For Change - Fraser Island Great Walk back in July 2021!
Participants walked over 75km through coastal scrub, rainforest, past pristine lakes and creeks, over sand blows and along the beach. Each day had several steep hills and combined with the daily distance (14-19km), this provided a significant challenge.
The location, support, community (and food!) were all excellent. We were inspired each day, to hear stories of changed lives from the graduated Ukufuma students at Eagles Wings.
As a team, we smashed our goal - raising over $25,000. THANK YOU!
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Upcoming Challenge 4 Change Walking Events
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Noosa Hinterland Walk
Put the dates aside so you don’t miss this!!! From July 17-22 we will be walking the spectacular Noosa Hinterland to change the lives of vulnerable children in Zambia.
This will be a fantastic walk with 5 amazing lookouts, beautiful countryside, cool rainforest and a hill (or two). More details coming soon.
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Mt Coot-tha 1 Day Walking Challenge
A ONE day, family-friendly event at Mt Coot-tha. Challenge yourself and conquer the mountain, and make a difference for vulnerable children in Zambia at the same time. Details coming soon for a Saturday in September 2022.
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Our friends at Inspirational Heat Bags are looking for volunteers in a number of roles. They have recently been offered some space for their operations in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane.
There are a variety of jobs to be involved in, from sewing, overlocking, ironing, filling the bags, quality control, invoicing, dispatching and social media management. Full training is provided.
Profits from the heat bags support the work of Eagles Wings.
We would love you to be involved. Please contact Helen for more information.
iheatb@gmail.com or phone 0437 227 702
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Tax deductible receipts for gifts over $2 with a preference to this approved development project will be issued by Global Development Group for Project J427. If funds raised exceed the requirement for this project, funds may be directed to another approved activity.
* Please note, no non-development (evangelistic, political or welfare) activities are a part of, or funded by, GDG projects. For more information on Project J427 done in partnership with GDG, please visit www.gdg.org.au/InfoJ427 |
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