Once again it's time to bring you news of what's happening in The Luhimba Project.

Jayne Williams and I were there in April/May and again had a very productive visit. We spent a great deal of time with the new head of the secondary school, Joseph Simwaba, and were able to make plans for the school's future. There are now 430 students on roll with 10 teachers. The local education authority is very supportive and is looking favourably on the idea of taking responsibility for the school. This would mean they would pay teachers salaries etc but we would still help the students with their school fees through our sponsorship scheme. Whether schools are government run or private, students still have to pay school fees. So your support is invaluable.

We found that a small number of the students you sponsor have moved to different areas and so are no longer at the school. This is inevitable but where this has happened I enclose details with this newsletter. If those concerned are happy to transfer your sponsorship to another student that would be wonderful and those new students would benefit greatly. I would be pleased to discuss this with you.

Whilst in the village we were able to help the villagers get the small business scheme off the ground. Initially this will be a pilot scheme where groups of villagers can apply to the committee for a loan to expand their business. The successful applicants will then be able to borrow an agreed amount over a set period on an interest free basis. When repaid, the money will be allocated to another group. This will be run by a committee made up of village business people, and if successful, should help reduce the poverty in the village.

We brought back some carvings and batiks to sell at various events and this has gone very well. We ran a stall at Cheddar car boot sale recently and have had displays at fetes etc. So far we have raised about £300 from the sale of these artefacts, all of which will go to help village products. If you would like to be involved in this please let me know.

My son George and I are off to climb Kilimanjaro this coming Thursday. Very many thanks to all those of you who have already sponsored us. We plan to use the money raised to provide bunk beds for the new girls' hostel. If any of you are able to collect any sponsorship for this venture we would be so grateful. After the climb I will be going on to the village with Patricia Gaya, a PhD student from Bath University, who is making a study of the project to assess its impact on the community. I'll be home on 17 August.

Wenna Coombs at the Weston Mercury will be writing an update on the project next week or the week
after, so please keep a look out for that.

Once again, many many thanks for your continued support. I'll be in touch again on my return, I will be going to Luhimba twice next year and if the idea of coming along appeals to you, please let me know.