No. 9. March 2007
What is it all about?
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Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. James 1 vv 2-3 (NIV) |
Just before graduation this year I felt my emotional bank was empty. All I could focus on was my own self pity, the daily frustrations and challenges, and the frequent disappointments that we go through. On top of all that we were both physically very tired.
As I was running around town organising things for the graduation, I kept asking myself what is it all about? Is it worth it? Should my time not be spent in such ways that bring comfort, pleasure and rewards? Why do I have to go through all of this. The answers came loud and clear the following day when 12 of our former students marched into the assembly hall to take part in the graduation for which they had worked so hard for 2 years. As they were marching in to the sound of the Elim church choir African-style singing, their families and friends were all there, dressed up with their best outfits, clapping hands and taking photos. Altogether we had over 200 people.
You had to be there to appreciate it. It was so worth it, it was a good reminder to our hearts to see MFAZ’s vision becoming reality. We came here 5 years ago to bring hope to young Zambians and touch their lives; we came here to help people overcome poverty and suffering by giving them skills.
Most of our graduates have already secured jobs, mainly due to the fast development in the Zambian economy as copper is in big demand mostly from the east (China).
Graduation 2007
MFAZ graduates show off their certificates with staff & trustees and with the guest of honour, the District Commissioner of Ndola
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Last December (2006) 34 MFAZ students (first and second years) sat for their City & Guilds exams. A total of 92 papers where sent back to C&G in London to be marked. The following results came back:
One of our students, Jonathan Maluti, got a Distinction in every C&G exam he sat (6 distinctions)! |
As for the Watts
We are very much looking forward to being around family and friends in the UK during the month of April and the beginning of May. We feel that our short break is greatly needed and we pray that it will give us time to reflect on the work that we are part of here in Africa.
- Please pray for our journeys there and back, that all will go smoothly especially with two little ones.
- Pray for our Zambian staff & students that all will go well during our absence from college.
- Pray for our time in UK to be a refreshing time for our bodies and souls and that we will come back to Zambia full of enthusiasm and strength
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MFAZ second years at practical work. |
Hellen Mutenda. The first woman to graduate.
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Two weeks after Hellen started at MFAZ her father, who lives in South Africa, pulled her out of the course and asked her to come and live with him. She being a woman did not have much say in the decision. She came to us and explained that she could not continue her course. We asked to see her family and discuss the issue with them, as we felt it would be wrong for Hellen to leave college. After prolonged talks the family decided to allow Hellen to stay in Zambia and continue her studies.
Initially Hellen was not doing very well with her studies. We challenged her and enquired if there was anything that might be hindering her performance. She confided that she was not sleeping well at night and that she was suffering from nightmares. This was making her sleepy during the day and unable to concentrate on her studies. She was even frightened to go to sleep at night time. We called on Pastor Chibanda (college Pastor) to come and pray with us for Hellen. God’s faithfulness and mercy once again came through. Since that day Hellen sleeps well at night and her studies improved immensely.
Hellen now holds a full Diploma in C&G Motor Vehicle Engineering, having achieved 2 Distinctions and 2 Credits in her Diploma exams, she also passed her practical assessments with flying colours. During her industrial attachment (which is part of the course) she was seconded to work at Cummins (Zambia) Ltd. They were so impressed with her work and her humble and quiet character that they asked her to come back and work for them after she had finished her studies.
Hellen has a full time job, she loves her work and the freedom she has to be able to help her family and make choices for her life.
Charlie & Sharonne Watt. P.O. Box 250016, Ndola, Zambia.
Phone: 00 260 (0)2 681124 Mobile: 00 260 (0)966 878381
charlie@mfazambia.com or sharonne@mfazambia.com
Mechanics for Africa is a UK-registered charity (No. 1086333). Patron: Lady Virginia Bottomley.
Mechanics for Africa (Zambia) is a Zambian registered charitable trust.