Llanfairfechan teachers inspiring visit to Zambian school

Jun 10 2010 by Rayyan Parry, North Wales Weekly News

A TEACHER has returned from a visit to a school that is transforming the lives of thousands of orphans in Africa.

Rebecca Roberts, 29 from Llanfairfechan recently visited a community school in Zambia that provides free education to orphans who can’t afford state school.

“I just saw how different they are, how they have so little, but they’re so grateful for everything. They are so happy to go to school. They love it,” said Rebecca.

“Going to the school was a real eye opener. They are very deprived. You appreciate what you’ve got here. You value a lot more what you have. Coming back was such a shock to the system.”

During her stay, Rebecca, who has a background in music, was able to teach some of the children traditional Welsh songs.

Hoping to be out there for two weeks, recent volcanic ash granted the visitors an extra week to see some of Africa’s finest sights, including Victoria Falls.

Head of Itala School Albert Mwansa visited local schools recently, including Pant-y-Rhedyn in Llanfairfechan, to give presentations on his school.

The teacher told how he gave up his job in a state school to give his services to orphans in a roofless school in a small village.

Pupils were shocked as Albert shared some of the realities of the lives of his pupils in Zambia.

Some of the children are lucky to have even one meal a day.

Later, Ysgol Pant-y-Rhedyn pledged to help the school.

The Itala School started in 2001 after a visit from ex-teacher Tony Forster.

After meeting Albert Mwansa a friendship was formed and the Itala Foundation charity too.

They noticed that children who have been made orphans due to Aids are unable to go to school.

Today, the charity employs 10 teachers and works with over 1,400 pupils.

Recent results have shown that pupils have achieved a 100% pass rate.

Thanks to fundraising efforts from local schools, Rotary International, Soroptimists International and the WCVA, over £100,000 has been raised for the school.

The vital funds help to pay for the teachers as well two classrooms which now have electricity as well as school materials for the children.

But the school is still desperately short of materials and welcomes any contributions via www.italafoundation.com