Project 2008

Retrospect by André Boersma
From mid-May to the end of June, I was able to help build a kitchen at an orphanage in Kaoma, where 130 orphans from 0 to 18 years old are cared for. Until that moment, people were always cooking outside, which caused many problems, especially in the rainy season. We built the kitchen with 4 Zambians and 4 Dutch people. The language of instruction was English and the collaboration was excellent. Of course the cultural differences are big, but with a lot of improvisation and humor you can go a long way. Thanks to your joint donations, also here on Terschelling, the collections of all Churches at Christmas and the action at the local Vosserschool, we have been able to achieve this. For me it was a rich experience in a poor country!

Retrospect of Cees Schellens
Before we went to Kaoma in Zambia, I had tried to get an impression of what would await us there. The living conditions are quite a bit more primitive than we are used to in the Netherlands. Electricity and water supply sometimes cause some problems. The logistics involved in the construction of the kitchen at the orphanage of Zr. Mary was a bit difficult at times, but the cooperation with the Zambian builders was excellent. The kitchen is there and is furnished and can now be used optimally. That gives a very satisfied feeling. It is striking that the Zambians in Kaoma have a lot of fun in their lives. They are very grateful for the help that the Bouwen met Bouma’s foundation offers there, in the form of financial resources and labor. We Dutch go to a service in the church, but Father John’s parishioners go to a celebration and they celebrate with heart and soul, with song, dance and movement. I have gained a lot of admiration for Father John, the sober Frisian Shepherd, who functions fantastically in the middle of his community with a lot of humor. All in all, a special experience that I will enjoy for a long time to come.