Millet for Mbayi

Millet is one of the oldest foods known to mankind. In fact, it is mentioned in the Bible for making bread and, indigenous to Africa, has been used as a staple food for thousands of years. It is inexpensive, grows well in areas with poor soil fertility, has a short growing season and is highly nutritious. Maize (corn) was introduced into Africa by the Portuguese in the 16th century and has since become the staple crop. However, the subsistence farmers in Mbayi struggle to produce maize in soil that is infertile and requires both D Compound and Urea, fertilizer that is very expensive. Commonly, they must proceed without and hence after much hard work end up with very poor crops.

Zambia VentureWendy BourgonOctober 26, 2012Agriculture, Food, Mbayi, Millet Project, ZambiaComment

HAPPY THANKSGIVING Canada!!!!

I'm grateful to God for this awesome opportunity to serve in Zambia and for all who are making it possible!!!! For my son Malo, my mother, sisters and so many good friends.Missing you all very much especially on this Thanksgiving weekend! For the veggies growing in Mbayi, more chickens ready for sale, the Health Post foundation that's underway, food for the hungry and so much more. Hope you all are having a great Thanksgiving weekend!!! God bless you.

Zambia VentureWendy BourgonOctober 8, 2012ZambiaComment

Caledonia Moms Take On Malaria

According to the World Bank's International Development Association ' no continent suffers the ravages of malaria more than Africa. And in Africa, no country bears more of malaria's burden than Zambia.' It kills more children under the age of 5 than any other disease or illness and there is no vaccine. Driven by this information, the hearts of some Canadian mothers, the Moms Group at Caledonia Presbyterian Church, determined to make a vital difference in the lives of their friends, the mamies in Mbayi, worked in earnest to raise funds for mosquito nets, to provide a barrier between families and this fearsome disease. I've been in hospital and heard the anguished wail of a young mother whose infant just succumbed, a heartbreaking sound that lingers within me. Malaria is responsible for up to 40% of under 5 years and 20% of maternal mortality.

Zambia VentureWendy BourgonSeptember 28, 2012Contributions, Health, Mbayi, Zambia Comments

Part of the (im)Possible Featured in The Sachem

Check out the article here: Haldimand moms supporting moms in Mbayi village, Africa. Thanks again to The Caledonia Presbyterian Church Moms’ Group for all their contributions!

Zambia VentureWendy BourgonSeptember 27, 2012Coverage, Mbayi, ZambiaComment

Presley

Many of you have commented that it must take great courage to relocate to a land where one knows not a soul and very little about the culture and lifestyle. Let me share with you how my 'leap of faith' has been blessed with a young man called Presley. From the outset Presley, a young (early 30s) Zambian visionary and born leader, has been by my side, initially helping me in practical ways—like setting up my cell phone and during the early months, over many a cold coke (fanta grape for him), patiently answering my questions about culture, correct procedures and how to best work within a Zambian community.

Zambia VentureWendy BourgonSeptember 13, 2012Connections, Profiles, Zambia Comments

Football & Hope

Many in Zambia are worried about the plight of youth. First Lady Dr. Christine Kaseba has recently expressed her concerns regarding this young demographic. From the street children of the towns and cities to those in remote villages, youth are idle, not by choice but because of circumstances. Sixty percent of Zambians live in poverty, many young people cannot afford to go to school, and sadly there are no jobs for them to turn to. In Mbayi we have many youths with next to nothing to do. They are bright, motivated and anxious to be productive—but how? Football (soccer) is very popular in this country and most boys dream of the opportunity to play. So when I was asked to supply a ball so a team could be formed, an idea began to develop

Zambia VentureWendy BourgonAugust 27, 2012Initiative, Youth, ZambiaComment

Hope Continues . . .

Two years—it's been two years this month since I first met with the villagers in Mbayi. And two years also that I'd been away from Canada. Recently back in Zambia, out of jet lag and somewhat caught up with things here, it's time to pause and remember . . . I had six (which became seven) wonderful weeks in Canada with my incredible mother who will turn 85 this September, my son Malo—the great blessing in my life, my two sisters who are so “there” for me (thanks Sheri for gathering support in London, ON!) and so many warm reunions with the most amazing friends one could imagine.

Zambia VentureWendy BourgonJuly 31, 2012Connections, Contributions, Update, Zambia, Event Comments

Article in the Mississauga News!

The Mississauga News has published an article on Wendy's work in their Friday (today) edition. An online version of the article can be found here: Mississauga Social Worker Finds Her Calling in Zambia

Zambia VentureMalo BourgonJuly 6, 2012Coverage, Mbayi, ZambiaComment

Project Report: The Mill

“. . . people spoke of how long they had suffered, lugging sacks heavy with maize while hungry and tired, a days trip to get the grinding done and then finally—nshima for dinner. Freed from this drudgery and launching a business to serve the surrounding area, these people, once resigned to ongoing poverty are elated!”

Zambia VentureMalo BourgonJune 26, 2012Administrative Business, Mbayi, Mill Project, ZambiaComment

Project Report: Maize Crop