YCTC CENTRE

All of society’s major developments and transitions were generated by individuals, not the majority. Individuals all throughout the world are doing good things and sending powerful messages to everyone else. Most of us entrust others with the task of making the world a better and more humane place.

It is difficult to describe Sister Maureen. You have to experience her spirit, passion, friendliness, enthusiasm, and inspiration. She embodies genuine ideals that make this world a better place. She believes she has the capacity to change the world, and she does so every day by putting others first. Sister Maureen is the director of the YCTC Centre  (https://www.schoolandcollegelistings.com/ZM/Livingstone/759780907474767/Youth-Community-Training-Centre) which houses 300 poor Zambians who are educated there. She is the “capable wife” mentioned in the Holy Bible: “A capable wife who can find?… Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.” (Proverbs 31:10-12, 25)

At the Centre, young people are trained to become mechanics, caterers, bricklayers, tailors, electricians, etc. If they weren’t at the Centre, these young people would be lost on the streets of Livingstone. Sister Maureen is able to provide them with everything they need for a good education, including compensation for their teachers, thanks to the generosity of people all over the world. It takes a lot of effort and energy, especially now, during the Covid crisis. Last year was incredibly challenging due to hunger – it didn’t rain for 11 months, and the last time it rained this year was in March.

Heart for Zambia Foundation has collaborated with Sister Maureen and the YCTC Centre since day one. They built the furniture for our student residence “Croatian Heart for Zambia”, which was opened in Livingstone in February. Today, I placed an order for 50 beds and other furniture for our student residence in Nawinda. By purchasing their products, we are also helping the Centre continue its work…

The first house of our student residence, which will house 50 high school boys and provide them with education, will be finished soon. In this region, construction is difficult due to distance, transportation issues, and a lack of roads… Once the first house is completed, we will begin construction of the second house, which will house 50 girls. I recognize that the situation is complicated, particularly in light of the Covid crisis, but we are relying on the kindness and love of many. A lot can be accomplished with very little here.

Thank you to all of you who are helping us alleviate the suffering of these poor people.

Coronavirus, drought, malaria, and a lack of financial resources… As a result of the Covid crisis, the situation is dire. Everything came to a halt. Last year, people were dying of starvation in the villages; this year, they will be dying in the cities as well. I believe I am the only white person to have entered Zambia since March. People are terrified. As far as the Coronavirus problem goes, it is the same as in other countries: people get infected, some get better, some die (who knows of what exact causes). Testing is performed sporadically, and the number of infected people is being manipulated all the time… The more infected people there are, the more aid will be coming from somewhere… However, the people here have had prior experiences with such diseases… They are extremely disciplined and responsible, knowing they’ll be the last to get the vaccine and medications (if they get them at all).