Margaret's Story

Five years ago Margaret's daughter died of AIDS, leaving her children orphaned.  Like many elderly people in Zambia, far from being looked after by her own children, Margaret found herself as the sole carer for her four small grandchildren.  Margaret was too old and frail to work and the situation looked hopeless.

She registered the children that were old enough at Kantolomba Community School, these children at least got a hot midday meal.  There she met the band of loyal volunteers who cook the meal each day, she was invited to join them.  The smaller children also came along to have some food.  Margaret has been a volunteer now for four years. 

At the school she not only gets fed but finds companionship and support, there are others there in her situation and they meet, after the washing up is done, to for a chat and do some knitting.  Although Margaret is frail and unable to do the hard work the volunteers are welcoming and respectful, she serves the meals and helps in lots of ways.  In return as well as food and friendship Margaret gets clothes and the chance to be part of a community.

Without this lifeline the outlook would be grim for dozens of carers like Margaret.  Her life is far from comfortable, the five people all share a small 2 room shack and a platfrom bed of pallets lined with grain sacks, but she can support her grandchildren and they in turn will support her.

Back to news page