Update from Ndola - June 2017
Following the successful installation of a water bore and storage tank to ensure a fresh water supply to the orphanage conducted by ALMS in Ndola Zambia, the RC Karrinyup International Service Committee has moved into the design phase of the project.
The club recently sent a Pre-Vocational Training Team to Ndola to scope and progress the overall site plan. The team consisted of Nadine, qualified in Social Sciences and Environmental Design and Kate a social worker. In Africa, the two met up with Justin, a registered local architect, who can advise Nadine on local issues and processes.
The aim of the visit was to:
- Progress the site plan as a matter of priority.
- Develop relationships with the ALMS family of children, workers and supporters.
- Connect Nadine with local Architectural resources; from which will come the necessary Engineering and Survey support.
- Introduce Kate, to the social working aspects with Joyce, the director of the ALMS project.
Kate, who lives at North Beach, was initially connected to the Rotary Club of Karrinyup in 2012 as part of the John Curtin Leadership Academy Program. She graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work in 2013. Experiences in the degree included studying abroad in Denmark Europe with a focus on International Social Work and completing a practicum with Juvenile Justice. In this, Kate studied how to consult and create community projects in under developed countries. Kate has maintained her connection with our Rotary club and is currently utilising her skills in developing the Social Support and Education dimension of this project.
Kate reported that, from her point of view, the visit was successful. She was able to liaise with a Medical Social worker in Ndola to discuss her role, particularly with regards to child protection. She was also able to look into the scope of how Social Workers practice in Zambia and find out more on the existing welfare system. 
Kate spent considerable time in consultation with Joyce, building a relationship with her and looking into the curriculum. She commented that in comparison with children from similar circumstances in Perth, she was amazed to find the ALMS children to be regulated, calm and focussed.
During their visit, Kate, Justin and Nadine visited the Rotary Clubs of Ndola Mukuba and Ndola Kafubu. Nadine gave a brief overview of the project from inception to the current status. The presentation was well-received with the Ndola clubs stating they are looking forward to the partnership arising between our clubs for this project.
At the same time Peter met Members from both Rotary Clubs in Atlanta during the Rotary World Convention providing a truly diverse International element to the Project.