Tutty’s in Zambia

August 2025

Muli shani!

Here is our monthly update blog for August – and our last one!

Top 5 Highlights (because there are so many more!)

1. We are delighted that after A LOT of hard work and many generous givers, the new upper primary school opened during the second week of August. The pupils were very excited to get in the doors (the secondary school students are coveting the new build). This has resulted in many more new pupils as classroom space expanded dramatically. 
2. We had our very own Matebeto! A Matebeto is a traditional celebration in Zambia whereby the wife’s side of the family cook for her husband and his family in order to say thank you for loving and caring for their daughter. Albeit with a slight irish twist, Rebekah and the boarder girls spent the sunday cooking traditional Zambian dishes, and then we spent the evening dining under the stars, listening to afro beats and watching some special performances from the boarders! 
3. We have so appreciated your ongoing prayers for our temperamental block machine, and we are delighted to tell you that it is back up and working and has since made all blocks required for the library building. 
4. A weekend in Nsobe! Before we left we got to spend a lovely evening away with the Simbeye family in Nsobe Game Park. A 25km cycle with some zebra spotting, followed by good food and a relaxing dip in the pool. 
5. As we prepared to say goodbye to our friends and colleagues, we were so touched by their generosity to us. We got to spend time eating lots of delicious food they had so kindly prepared for us (our favourite was Mama Hope’s fried fish) and reminiscing on all our memories throughout the year. 

Lowlights

1. A very tough day of goodbyes! Saying goodbye to the boarder boys and girls was extremely tough and we truly do miss our wonderful kids so much. 
2. Rebekah had been working alongside the primary school maths teacher but just before term was about to start he quit unexpectedly. This meant the school was left without a maths teacher. This is unfortunately the case in the school and results in stressful situations for Martin and Karolyn. 
3. Continued medical issues with many of the boarders. 
4. The borehole (supplies water to the building) that had been dug for the upper primary collapsed and we have subsequently heard that two further attempts to dig have been unsuccessful. This comes at a significant cost to the school and means that the primary school still doesn’t have a source of water flowing through the pipes, rather, buckets and bins are filled manually. 

Prayer Points

1. Planning permission for the library – it is nearly built but we need this to go through! 
2. The digging of another borehole would be successful. 
3. For us as we adjust back to life in Ireland. 

This is our final blog as we sign off from our Zambian adventure. We are so so thankful to all who prayed for us and financially supported us this year! We really look forward to catching up back in Dublin! 

From the bottom of our hearts we say twatotela!

Love from the Tutty’s 

July 2025

Muli shani!

Here is our monthly update blog for July. 

Top 5 Highlights (because there are so many more!)

1. Andrew’s sister Grace, his brother Stephen and sister-in-law Alannah came out to visit at the start of month. They were a great help for the last week of Term 3 in the school assisting with boarding duties, play preparation and putting furniture together for the new primary school building. We were fortunate to travel with them on the first week of the term holidays down to the southern end of Zambia. Memorable moments included an event with TD Neale Richmond and outgoing Irish Ambassador Bronagh Carr in Lusaka, Sunday service at Mazabuka Community Church, getting soaked at Victoria Falls and the elephants on the Zambezi!
2. The Prince of Egypt premiered in the middle of the month where around 60 students put on an absolutely incredible four performances on the bounce at the end of the term. The acting, singing, dancing and prop work was outstanding along with the energy the students gave every time they set foot on stage. News got around Kapiri fast and we hosted the District Commissioner and local councillors for the final showing. Director Mrs. Tutty put in a monumental amount of effort and was delighted to see all the hard work pay off!
3. We had the privilege of journeying down and across the border to Victoria Falls Town on the Zimbabwe side of the incredible falls at the start of the month to compete in the Victoria Falls Marathon. Despite the heat and the hills we thoroughly enjoyed the run, featuring an elephant trumpetting at us, a herd of buffalo and running across the famous Victoria Falls Bridge at sunrise – not a run we will soon forget!
4. Work continued on the library building with blocks laid almost up to roof level across the building until sadly the block machine broke down again. Once a few more blocks are made and a concrete ringbeam is poured the building will be ready for roofing. 
5. We had the pleasure of meeting Ralph and Katie Tidmarsh, and their children Remy and Mazy who are old friends of the Simbeyes. They were visiting from Paris where Ralph is a primary teacher and Katie has recently completed a PhD in Congolese literature. They helped raise a very large donation towards the new library building and helped out in so many ways in their few weeks at the school which has come on in leaps and bounds since they last saw it 9 years ago. 

Lowlights

1. We are into our last few weeks of our time here and we still feel like there are so many ways we can be helpful but so limited by time!
2. Daily 12 hour power cuts are unfortunately still the norm for homes and businesses across Zambia as we head into the dry hot season lasting until October time. 

Prayer Points

1. For the exam grade students to return from the break refreshed and motivated following their mock exams at the end of the term.
2. For continued good health and energy as we push through the last month of our time here.
3. For the block machine to work again!
4. For the many boarders returning home to difficult situations for the school break.

As always we greatly appreciate your reading and supportive messages! 

Twatotela!

Love from the Tutty’s 

June 2025

Muli shani!

Here is our monthly update blog for June. 

Top 5 Highlights (because there are so many more!)

1. We successfully poured a beautiful foundation slab for the library building over the course of a week, finishing it with a power trowel that we purchased using some of the funds raised for the building. This will mean that we do not need to put a final floor like tiles or a screed at a later date and saves the school lots of money in the long term too. We also saw some of the first blocks laid towards the end of the month. 
2. June was a month filled with sports, as Vinjeru took part in the inter-schools ball games competitions. Firstly we competed against other local teams in our zone, coming out on top in junior and senior netball and basketball, as well as reaching all the football finals. Some of our students were then selected to represent the Kapiri town zone at the inter-district competition in Mulungushi where Rebekah spent an ‘interesting’ weekend sleeping on a classroom floor, eating questionable food and trying to keep track of all the Vinjeru athletes amongst hundreds of other students. Again we are delighted to say that the Vinjeru students both performed and behaved very well. 
3. The chairman of the Trust that set up the school, Ross Power, and his wife Bertie who also serves on the board came to visit and help out. They had an amazing impact in their short time by building the stage, making props and sewing costumes for the upcoming school play amongst many other things. It was great getting to know them and seeing how highly respected and loved they are by the staff of VTS. 
4. The month saw lots of progress for the primary school expansion project too, with the terrazzo flooring nearing completion and a borehole being successfully drilled with water found at 70 metres to supply the building with water. There is no mains water supply in the area so the school has drilled a number of boreholes over the years. It is an expensive and messy process and sometimes water is not found so we were delighted it worked out as planned. 
5. Additionally the furniture ordered for the primary building finally arrived from China to Lusaka, so we drove down to collect it and bring it back to the school. The shipment was delayed by a customs check in China and a few pieces were damaged but the majority were in good condition. Lots of Ikea-building skills required to put it all together now!

Lowlights

1. The hydraform block machine is still out of action, and although we have raised lots of funds in Europe we are struggling to get them sent to Zambia for various reasons. 
2. The organisation of inter-schools sports competitions was horrific. We saw cases of racism and bullying aimed at our students, and general lack of supervision led to all kinds of issues at Mulungushi – just one example is the organisers locking the female toilets for a whole day so over 500 girls had to use the bush to wash and use bathroom as a punishment for not keeping the area tidy even though there were no bins provided. 
3. We had a close call with a boarder called Miriam who was prescribed tablets to help with persistent hiccups that she regularly has sometimes lasting two to three days. Miriam had an allergic reaction to the medicine with her throat and tongue swelling making it difficult to breath. The medical staff we first presented her to gave her the incorrect medicine which actually worsened the situation before we finally got the correct treatment to bring the swelling down.

Prayer Points

1. That the construction projects will continue to progress, and particularly that primary school expansion will be ready for students at the start of Term 4. 
2. For Ross and Bertie as they lead the Trust and oversee all the great work that is being done in the school as well as working through the challenges the staff and students face
3. One of the other boarding parents, Mama Hope, is pregnant! Please be praying for a smooth and healthy pregnancy especially in a country with poor healthcare.

Crazy that we will only have to write a couple more blogs after this – thank you for reading, supporting and praying for us!

Twatotela!

Love from the Tutty’s 

May 2025

Muli shani!

Here is our monthly update blog for May. 

Top 5 Highlights (because there are so many more!)

1. A major highlight from May was the visit of Andrews’ parents Edwin & Elizabeth from Limerick who spent the first week getting stuck into school activities. They helped set up solar lights for the boarders for when there is no power in the evening, got a new sink put in for the cooks, completed food hygiene and first aid training and helped us out a lot too with runs to town and some nice treats from Ireland!
2. On the same note we went on a great road trip with Ed & Liz during the mid-term break and saw lots of stunning nature in all parts of Zambia with the highlights being spotting a leopard in Mushingashi Conservancy and taking a flight over Victoria Falls – a birthday gift for Liz from family and friends – I won’t mention what age she turned! 😉 Zambia is a truly beautiful country and we were glad Ed & Liz got to see so much of it!
3. Before the students started their mid-term break, the annual House Athletics Sports Day was held, pitting the ‘V’,’J’, ‘R’ and ‘N’ houses against one another in all the classic events of running, long jump, high jump, throws, etc. Some money came available for the school to clear some bush to create sports pitches and an athletics track so we hope the current dirt patch can soon be planted and irrigated to become a lovely grass pitch. 
4. Excavation and footings for the foundation of the library building were completed meaning we would be able to pour the concrete floor slab in early June! It is amazing to see the building start to take shape. 
5. At the end of the month the windows for the primary school expansion also arrived on a less-than-functional truck! Somehow they were not damaged and will be installed sometime in June once the dusty work of flooring is completed. 

Lowlights

1. After getting the hydraform machine back up and running to make the blocks for the library building, another part has become damaged and led to a stoppage in work. 
2. The school car, an old Toyota Land Cruiser, has unfortunately developed a few problems recently with the suspension, steering and brakes. It has done many a mile to collect food for boarders, to bring students to clinics, to Lusaka for materials for building, but the Zambian roads are beginning to take their toll!
3. Although most in Ireland and the U.K. will find it hard to believe, the ‘cold season’ has arrived in Zambia. Although day time temperatures are still pretty high, at night the temperature drops down towards single digits – not ideal when buildings have no insulation, heating and are very draughty. We especially feel for the many students who get up around 5am to have a bucket-bath with cold water. 

Prayer Points

1. We are thankful that funds have continued to be raised for the library building and we are well over 60% there – praise God!
2. We would appreciate prayer for the first ever school play – particularly that it will all come together and be a special day for students and parents in Vinjeru. 
3. Please pray for us as we continue to set up systems to be handed over to other staff as our time here draws to a close. 

As always we are filled with gratitude when we write this blog as we think of all of you who have helped us so far!

Twatotela!

Love from the Tutty’s

April 2025

Muli shani!

Here is our monthly update blog for April. 

Top 5 Highlights (because there are so many more!)

1. A big moment came at the end of the month as ground was broken on the library project as well as production of the first of 25,000 hydraform blocks made from earth on the school grounds. We have enough funds to complete the foundation, build the walls and put a roof on so we are firing away with that while we continue fundraising for the remainder.
2. April saw a couple of public holidays and we had the privilege of looking after the boarders on Kenneth Kaunda (1st Zambian President) Day. The day started with some local fritters still warm from the early morning baking, followed by a mixed sports day in the afternoon and a movie night to end – most of the kids had never seen ‘Cool Runnings’ so it went down an absolute treat. 
3. The Easter weekend provided more treats for the boarders as they had the chance to take the short bus ride to the hills and dam of Mushimbili to the north of Kapiri. Snakes were spotted, impromptu swimming lessons took place and some hills were conquered too.
4. Weekly swimming lessons were arranged for the primary school students from Grade 3-7 this term, meaning every Tuesday and Thursday there were lots of smiles and splashes. As almost none of the children can swim, we went back to basics with blowing bubbles, learning to kick and paddle. Some of the students really picked it up and could swim a length all by themselves by the end of the term. 
5. We have enjoyed getting out for runs in the countryside around the school and seen some incredible sights along the way. We get lots of shouts of ‘Muzungu!’ from kids in the area and often have them join for a short stint which is always a joy. 

Lowlights

1. Lots of trips to the hospital including poor Luyando in boarding who fractured his tibia playing football. The district hospital for the whole of Kapiri (about 400,000 people) had no POP for casts or crutches to provide to patients. 
2. The hydraform block machine has now broken down after making about 6,000 blocks so we are trying to get it repaired as soon as possible to complete the rest of the blocks we need. 
3. We continue to learn more about the heartbreaking backgrounds of many of the boarders in our 1-2-1 catch ups with them. From deaths of parents to the complications of polygamist marriages and the intense pressure to perform academically to support their whole family in the future; some of them really have it tough. 

Prayer Points

1. For continued good health as we have so far avoided malaria and other major illnesses. 
2. To give thanks for what appears to be a ‘bumper’ harvest of maize according to the local newspapers after the drought in 2024. The rains came late but enough fell for a decent harvest. As reservoir levels are still low there is still electricity load-shedding throughout the country on a daily basis. 
3. That we finish well here as we begin to look at handing over responsibilities and processes to other staff and plan our return home. 

With only a third of our time left we deeply appreciate your ongoing support and frequent messages – we hope to make as positive an impact as possible over the next four months. 

Twatotela!

Love from the Tutty’s

March 2025

Muli shani!

Here is our monthly update blog for March. 

Top 6 Highlights (because there are so many more!)

1. It was amazing to catch up and work with the team that flew out from our home church in Dublin, Christ City Church to serve in Kapiri. Vanessa, Rachel, Adeola, Kate, Caitlin and Josh did tremendous work in the two weeks that they spent here. There was a young ladies weekend away in Nsobe Game Camp, a football match played against a local team as well as plenty of activities with the students and boarders in the school including career workshops, sports sessions, art clubs and some mechanical work on the school vehicles. For more details check out here. 
2. Following on from above we have the privilege of having Vanessa (who actually updates this blog!) stay with us for the next few weeks as part of her well-earned sabbatical. She has liked it so much she has even pushed back her flights a few weeks. Vanessa has been a great help to us and the Simbeyes and has cooked some delicious dinners!
3. We were honoured to be invited to our first Zambian wedding. Barbara, a teacher in the primary school and member of our church, was married in Lusaka to a great guy named Chipo. Although in many ways it was similar to an Irish wedding, there were a lot more rehearsed dances from the bridal party which we enjoyed despite the peer-pressure to join in and attempt to emulate the Zambian dance style (Andrew’s hips are unfortunately not that flexible!)
4. Rebekah enjoyed going back to basics to teach Grades 4-7 in the primary section mathematics as cover for a few weeks until a new teacher arrived. While the new primary building is finished the kids are temporarily in large classes of about 60, so she had her hands full showing them all how to convert fractions into percentages! 
5. On that note, roofing on both the new school building and open-air hall are complete! Plumbing, electrical work, plastering and ceiling installation are all well under way as we aim for a mid-May opening! Funds for the project are running low so we have come up with some creative ways to make the numbers work! 
6. We took advantage of the first mid-term break at the start of the month to make the long drive north to Lake Tanganyika, stopping off at the famous Kapishya Hot Springs and Shiwa Ngandu where Sir Stewart Gore-Browne build an English-style country house in the middle of nowhere – you can read all about it in the famous book ‘Africa House’. The lake is the world’s second-largest freshwater lake by volume, the second deepest and is surrounded by stunning scenery and lots of little fishing villages. 

Lowlights

1. The last month has brought lots of sickness, especially in the boarding houses. There has been lots of malaria, coughs and colds, as well as a few nasty fungal infections. Fortunately we have personally escaped with just a cold each – turns out you don’t just get sick from the Irish winter!
2. On top of illnesses, there have also been some relational issues between the boarders. So many come from complicated and broken homes, so we have to be gracious but also firm when behaviour becomes unacceptable and damaging to other students. 
3. The last few weeks have revealed a major case of corruption in the local council where government money was being siphoned away. Several of those involved have appeared before an enquiry in Lusaka. Sadly this is all too common across government and industry in Zambia. 

Prayer Points

1. As the rainy season comes to an end we thank God that so much has fallen – but a little more would be great!
2. We are planning to start building the foundation of the library building this month so please pray that funds continue to be raised (we are over 33% there) and that the work goes smoothly. 
3. For healthy minds, bodies and relationships in the boarding department. 

As always we truly appreciate the support you have shown to use over the last 7 months and we are glad to have you all behind us in the next 5! 

Twatotela!

Love from the Tutty’s 

February 2025

Muli shani!

Here is our monthly update blog for February. 

Top 6 Highlights (because there are so many more!)

1. The church where Andrew grew up in, Limerick Baptist Church, kindly ran a fundraiser to purchase a cement mixer for the school. The fundraiser raised more than enough funds for the purchase. We are so thankful for the generosity of the church and look forward to seeing the cement mixer arrive soon in all its glory. On the note of fundraising…
2. We are excited to announce that we have begun fundraising to build a library for the school, hoping to kick-off construction sometime in April. We will be sending out some videos and other information as the year progresses, but for now you can read all about it here. It’s ambitious but we are trusting in God to provide what we need. 
3. Regarding the new primary school extension, roof sheets as well as steel rafters and purlins were collected last week in Lusaka as we begin to construct the roof. The truck delivering the equipment arrived at the school at 2am, and we offloaded all the material until the sun came up, finishing at around 6.30am! 
4. A number of our weekend boarding duties have fallen on the days that Ireland have been playing in the 6 Nations, so we were only too glad to show them what a masterclass in the sport looks like! We’re not sure how much they understand about the actual rules, but they certainly got behind the boys in green as much as anyone at home. The boarder boys have been playing for an hour weekly on a Monday. So far they have learnt how to pass, kick, tackle and even tried some rucking!
5. Rebekah accompanied the energetic Grade 3’s on a religious education trip to the local mosque and Roman Catholic Church in Kapiri Mposhi. We think it is fair to say the Imam and Priest were badgered with interesting questions.
6. Finally, on one of our weekends off duty we made a trip to Mkushi where we were warmly welcomed and well fed by the Wallis family and the North family. We even managed a morning run in the rain up the notorious big hill. A cross has been placed at the top of the hill which serves as a wonderful reminder that though our flesh and our hearts may fail, God is the strength of our heart and our portion forever! (Psalm 73:26).

Lowlights

1. Term 1 finishes at the end of February for a two week break. During this time many of the boarders will be returning to challenging home dynamics. 
2. Although there has been plenty of rain (praise God!) there have been some serious storms in Kapiri (not unlike Ireland!), with lightning strikes knocking out power and damaging electrical equipment in the school (including poor Mr. Simbeye’s laptop) and blowing roof sheets off some of the local houses around the area. 
3. On a visit to Lusaka recently to collect materials for the school, we witnessed within the space of a few hours the police corruption that is part and parcel of living in Zambia. We were pulled in not once but twice for ‘breaching’ some traffic laws – thankfully Barrister Rebekah was well able to argue our case and avoid any penalties. Still, it is sad to see how often police demand and accept bribes across the country. 

Prayer Points

1. It has rained a lot! Keep praying it continues to do so for the next few months.
2. A service team from Christ City Church is coming to visit and serve the school in March, so pray for safe travel and for their time to be effective and beneficial. 
3. Please pray for us as we are now into our second half of our time here and feel there is so much to do with time running out. Pray that we can prioritise, work hard, and continue to be free from health issues.  

To close, as always writing these blogs, when we reflect we see there is so much to be thankful to God for, including our support from you all who we miss and hold dearly in our hearts and minds. 

Natotela!

Love from the Tutty’s 

January 2025

Muli shani!

Here is our monthly update blog for January.

Top 5 Highlights (because there are so many more!)

1. Lots of rain! Since the new year there has been plenty of rain, in fact it rained every day for a week after we sent out our latest blog update – so thank you for your prayers! Crops are growing, reservoirs are filling and the countryside around the school looks fertile and green!
2. Welcoming the new cohort of boarders. The education system in Zambia is transitioning to something similar to the UK A-Levels, and as such the newest students are now Form 1s. These youngsters bring plenty of energy, fun and questions to the boarding department so we have been busy learning names, showing them the ropes and getting them integrated into school life. 
3. The primary school extension continues to progress at a steady rate. After a couple of trips to Lusaka windows have now been ordered, and we are in the process of ordering a shipment of administration and classroom furniture and solar equipment.
4. We have started a young adult group in the church, where we host about a dozen or so people for some food, fun and a short bible study. After eating plenty of it, we cooked the famous nshima, the staple food of lots of Southern African countries, for the first time. Our arms were tired from all the stirring but the locals were satisfied with our attempt! We’re working through the book of Jonah which has lead to good discussions on how we apply the book to our lives. 
5. Auditions are now completed for the schools first musical, directed by Mrs. Tutty. There are certainly no shortages of good dancers, singers or actors in Vinjeru. Tickets available for The Prince of Egypt – Kapiri Edition from ticketmaster soon 😉

Lowlights

1. Unfortunately there have been a number of illnesses in the boarding section, with five trips to the medical clinic or hospital in the first three weeks. Injuries and illnesses have ranged from a dislocated shoulder, to 24 hours of hiccups, to malaria, to regular fainting episodes. 
2. There have also been deaths of a number of close family members of students in the school from disease and road accidents over the month. The school is running bereavement and loss seminars across the classes to help those most impacted. 
3. The heavy rains often lead to flooding and blockages of the water supply system, and in the past has led to major cholera outbreaks in the country, most notably this time last year. There have been a small number of cases reported in the country, and we hope they do not spread any further. 

Prayer Points

1. As always, keep praying that this season will indeed be a very rainy season!
2. For medical issues with the boarders to lessen or even cease.
3. That all orders for the new primary school arrive in time for opening in a couple of months. 

As always, we greatly appreciate your prayers and help to make all this possible. We are so grateful to our God who remains and sustains us through the highs and lows of every month. 

Natotela!

Love from the Tutty’s 

December 2024

Muli shani!

Here is our monthly update blog for December last year.

Top 5 Highlights (because there are so many more!)

1. Prize and Speech Day in the secondary school. This day was a showcase of all that is great about Vinjeru. The staff and non-exam grades put together a superb event for parents to come and see with lots of singing, dancing, acting, presentations and of course prizes! We crowned the Read-a-thon Champion too – well done to Nancy in Grade 10. 
2. The last week of school presented the chance to teach the students some skills that would not form part of the normal curriculum. The Grade 8s got to visit Nsobe Park a few hours drive away to see some native animals and the famous reptile house, whilst the Grade 10s & 11s remained in Kapiri and took part in a variety of workshops including a mock trial with Mrs. Justice Tutty and Dragons Den hosted by Mr. Tutty. It was a joy to see many of the students take to these activities with lots of dramatics and creativity. 
3. After school closed for the summer break (yes – summer here in the southern hemisphere) we packed up our little red car and hit the road, driving down all the way through Zambia and Botswana to meet Rebekah’s parents and sister in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Once reunited, we travelled along the Garden Route, before saying goodbye in Cape Town after a memorable two weeks and heading back to Zambia via Namibia. Through the roughly 8,000km journey we saw amazing animals and landscapes, sampled some great food and coffee, but what we enjoyed most of course was spending Christmas with family and friends as Patrick & Emma Maloney from CCC visited a few days with us too. We were fortunate to get to see James & Luke Kelly, Zambian brothers from Mazabuka who both studied in UCD and live in Dublin. We were glad to get our hands on the notorious Veranda Padel Trophy after a tough match. 
4. Returning to Zambia at the start of the new year was a highlight in itself as we saw the difference a few days of heavy rain makes! Zambia, which was many shades of brown and beige when we arrived, has transformed to a very green country. The reservoirs still need a lot more rain to supply enough electricity to stop load-shedding, but we are so thankful for the improvement so far. We also loved seeing the colourful chitenge fabrics and fruit and vegetables stalls again. 
5. The new primary school construction project kept on moving in our absence, with the foundation completed and blockwork coming along nicely. We are hoping to begin constructing the roof in early February. The new lead builder James who has come all the way from Zimbabwe is doing a stellar job. 

Lowlights

1. Saying goodbye to Rebekah’s family for the next 8 months.
2. Having to part ways with the lead builder of the construction project after increasing difficulties with trust, funds and quality of work. 
3. Due to low rains many early planters of maize saw their plants fail, so will have to try and replant in the new year. 
4. Hearing that grandmother Simbeye has been quite ill over Christmas and continues to struggle with her health. 

Prayer Points

We have so much planned for the next 8 months and cannot wait to bring you along the journey. 

Natotela!

Love from the Tutty’s 

November 2024

Muli shani!

Here is our monthly update blog for November. 

Top 5 Highlights (because there are so many more!)

1. We’ve had a super month getting to know the boarders better during our evening and weekend duties. They are full of fun and energy, and always keen to play sports and try something new. The girls have been taught how to Irish dance in a Ceile, and the boys have become self proclaimed experts in four-square and spikeball. We organised a murder mystery evening and as the photo below shows they really dived into it! 
2. On a weekend off from duties we made the short trip down to Kabwe, the capital of the Central Province, to stay with Karolyn’s mother, Liz Power, who works with her husband David for GLO (https://glozambia.org/). We ran a 12km race and enjoyed the fact that the organisers labelled it an ‘ultra-marathon’ event. No prize for being the first ‘muzungu’s’ over the line was a little disappointing 🙁
3. It is mango season at the moment, with trees full of this delicious fruit everywhere you look. They cost a mere 7 cent to buy, or are free if plucked when ripe! We’ve both eaten our body weight so far – long may it last!
4. As the last school term comes to a close, we’ve had the chance to have some fun ‘Staff vs. Student’ matches. The female students took a narrow win in netball (they are regional champions to be fair!) and the male staff evened the score with a win over the students in football. 
5. We have initiated a school Read-a-thon, where each form class is challenged to read more books over this month than us, with the individual and class winners taking home a prize at the end of term. The competition has really taken off, and we see students reading all the time – even walking between classes. The goal of this challenge is to encourage a wider culture of reading for pleasure in the school to improve literacy skills. We have a much larger project in the works in this same area which will require some of your support so watch this space!

Lowlights

1. Both of our grandmothers, Beth in Holywood and Edith in Sligo, have been unwell and admitted to hospital over the last few weeks. Thankfully they have both stabilised. 
2. Some of the students have been disappointed with their end-of-year exam results, and as such will have to repeat the year, sadly not an uncommon situation in Zambia. 
3. Josh, who has been living with us for the last three months is heading back home to England this week. Josh is part of a church pastored by Karolyn’s brother, and has been working hard tutoring in the primary school, coaching basketball and labouring on the construction site as part of his gap year. We will be sad to see him go.
4. We’ve experienced some frustrating delays and communication issues with the labourers building the foundations of the new primary school, and are working to resolve these as soon as possible. 

Prayer Points

1. Keep praying for rain – we’ve had some heavy downpours with lots of thunder and lightning but the land is still parched! 
2. That we can keep to schedule on the new primary school construction project meaning more students on the waiting list can attend in the new year. 
3. Grace Baptist is planning several youth and adult outreach initiatives over the Christmas season so pray that the gospel will be preached clearly through these events. 
4. As the end of the academic year comes to a close pray that we can finish well knowing that a rest is coming!

We reminisce fondly on our church family and friends at home and are delighted that both Rory and Mark got baptised on Sunday – what joy that brings us! 

We are thankful that amidst the business of life in Ireland, you take time to read our blog and to think and pray for us – it is so appreciated! 

Natotela!

Love from the Tutty’s

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October 2024

Muli shani!

Here is our monthly update blog for October. 

Top 6 Highlights (because there are so many more!)

1. We’ll kick off by praising God and thanking you all for praying for rain for Zambia! We have had some of the heaviest rain we have ever seen fall over the last few days. The country still needs a lot more as farmers begin to plant maize (the staple food of most of the country) and to refill hydroelectric reservoirs, but it has been an amazing answer to prayer. The rains have also brought lots of beautiful birds and hoards of strange insects! 
2. At the start of the month there was a week of mid-term for the school, so we made the long journey down to the Zambezi River to camp for a few days, seeing incredible wildlife such as elephants, hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, lots of antelope and stunning birds like the Malachite Kingfisher and White-Fronted Bee Eater. We also went Tiger fishing (I’ll let you decide by the featured photo which one of the two of us caught the bigger fish). We also got to catch up with Sean and Jo Kelly, whose sons James and Luke are good friends of ours in Dublin. It was a very refreshing couple of days learning about the church Sean pastors (Mazabuka Community Church) and the school Jo teaches in (Musikili Primary School).  
3. The academic year in Zambia runs from January to December, so final exams are beginning for Grades 7, 9 & 12 in this last term. We have taken up additional duties in the school as boarding parents. This involves overseeing prep and bedtime two evenings a week, as well as taking the students for a full day on a weekend rota. We’ve enjoyed the time getting to know the boarders better through tutoring, sports, meals and free time. 
4. The new primary school build has commenced over the last month too. Trenches for the foundation have been dug (all by hand) and we’re now about to start the strip footings. It has been a real insight to how difficult it is to build here, machines and tools we take for granted such as diggers, cement mixers, compactors, etc. are so much harder to source, especially in a smaller town like Kapiri. Everyday presents new problems but we rejoice in the progress that has been made so far and are thankful for the hard work of the local labourers. 
5. Another blessing this month has been Patrick and Faye Tice visiting us for the week. Patrick and Faye spent the year of 2023 as teachers and boarding parents in the school, and their help and advice has without doubt given us a very soft landing and aided our adjustment to life here in Zambia. The students were delighted to see them, and encouraged to remember two big Christian principles; where JOY (Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last) is found and how SIN (Shove off God, I’m in charge, not you) seeks to steal joy away from us. Lots of sport was played (even in the lashing rain that they brought from Belfast) and lots of steaks were enjoyed on the braai. 
6. One final highlight was that Ninza and Safila Simbeye got baptised yesterday. It gave us such great joy to see them decide to put their trust in Jesus and we pray that they would continue to follow him faithfully for the rest of their lives. 

Lowlights

1. Hearing of the challenging circumstances so many of the young people face at home
2. Hearing of how the fruit and vegetables grown by Lameck on the school grounds are regularly stolen during the night.
3. Load shedding and water shortages continue to present daily challenges

Prayer Points

1. Thanks for the rain that has fallen so far, and prayer for even more. 
2. For the students writing final exams over the next month, especially with revising during frequent power cuts. 
3. 7 people in Grace Baptist are getting baptised at the start of November, so please pray that they continue to follow Jesus even when the going gets tough. 
4. For planning new initiatives for the school year kicking off next January as we seek to serve the students academically, physically and spiritually. 
5. For the young adults bible study we are starting in Grace Baptist this month.

Again we pray for you often and thank God that even on the far side of the globe His right arm guides you and holds you fast always. 

Natotela!
Love from the Tutty’s 

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September 2024

Muli shani!

Welcome to our monthly update blog for our time in Kapiri Mposhi, Zambia. 

We have just finished our first month living on the grounds of Vinjeru Trust School and are both finding our feet as we navigate a new culture, new people and a new way of life.

Each month we will provide our family and friends with highlights, lowlights and prayer points as you continue to support us from Ireland, the UK and further afield. 

On that note, can we say a collective thank you to all those who have supported us both financially and in prayer thus far, it has enabled so much already, as you can see below:

Top 5 Highlights (because there are so many more!)

1. How welcoming the Simbeyes and the wider family at the school and Grace Baptist Church has been to us since we’ve arrived.
2. Bringing pickleball to the school hall where several competitive tournaments have been played out.
3. Helping organise and lead the first weekend away for the Grade 7, 9 and 12 students who are working hard to prepare for National Exams in the next few weeks. We put together an action-packed program with study skills and exam workshops, devotionals on biblical work and rest, as well as some fun wide games with lots of critical thinking involved. For many this was their first time ever away at a campsite and their first time toasting marshmallows over a fire too! See some pictures below.
4. Purchasing a car to use for the year with the help of a wonderful and very practical missionary called Toby who lives in Chengelo, a few hours north of Kapiri. We’ve already seen the blessing of having it for the school weekend away, giving people lifts to church and running general errands for the school. The car is actually in much better nick than the one we left behind to Iain A in CCC so sorry about that!
5. Helping Mr. Paul, the school Sports Coordinator plan and run the Primary School Sports Day as well the Secondary School House Sport competitions. We witnessed history as the J House overcame the V’s and the N’s for the first time since the school opened. There was plenty of blood, sweat and tears on display!

Lowlights

1. Witnessing the impact of the biggest drought in over 100 years on the country. Zambia is highly reliant on the heavy rains from November through to March to supply water for agriculture and hydroelectricity plants, which make up around 85% of its national grid. Due to low water levels, the whole country is subject to heavy load shedding. With no power, it is difficult to keep food refrigerated, pump water, run businesses and have a shower! 
2. Probably related to the point above, Becks suffered a bout of food poisoning a few weeks ago which wiped her out for about a week. She has made a full recovery thankfully. 
3. Seeing the widespread need across Kapiri Mposhi. Whenever we are in town to buy groceries, we are regularly approached by children and teenagers begging for money for food and drink. Many of these children only have one set of clothes and survive off one meal a day.  

Prayer Points

1. Wisdom for us as we decide how best to allocate our time and money while here as there is so much need!
2. For building relationships with staff, pupils, church members and some locals too (accidentally discovered Kapiri Fitness Club so pray for opportunities there).
3. Discernment for how best to support Pastor Mannaseh in Grace Baptist Church.
4. For continued health as we head into the hottest month of the year.
5. For the rains to come! (First time we have said that as Irish people!)

The thing we miss most about Ireland is you guys – our friends and family (and a decent flat white for Becks). We pray for you often and thank God that even on the far side of the globe His right arm guides you and holds you fast always.

We look forward to hosting our first visitors at the end of the month too!

Natotela!
Love from the Tutty’s 

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August 2024

As most of you may know we are off at the end of August to Kapiri Mposhi for the year to work with Vinjeru School.

How can you support us?

1. Prayer – we would love if people would commit to praying for us for the year. We are hoping to do an updates letter, which will include prayer points, so please let us know if you would like to receive these.
2. ⁠Financially (more to follow below).

Background
You may or may not have heard that we are moving to Kapiri Mposhi, a small town a few hours drive north of the capital city Lusaka.

We, along with a team from our local church in Dublin, Christ City Church, visited Vinjeru School (https://vinjeruschooltrust.org/) and Grace Baptist Church (https://g.co/kgs/M61LYkU) last Easter on a service trip.

We enjoyed it so much, and together with the clear need and plenty of prayer, we have decided to take a year out from our work in Dublin to help the school and church further.

Roles
Having had some initial discussions with the school leadership, we hope to serve in a variety of ways.

Rebekah will spearhead career guidance for the older students, support the teaching of English and Civic Education, facilitate extracurriculars like sport, music and debating, give pastoral care to the female boarders, and help out with young women’s ministry in the church.

Andrew will support the school’s maintenance team, especially as the school looks to build an extension to increase primary school capacity, help out with teaching Maths and Science, get involved with extracurriculars (sport), provide pastoral care for the male boarders and young men of the church.

Where will the money go?
The school have kindly offered to house us on the campus for free, so our main costs would be groceries and transport. We hope to purchase a second hand car that can be blessing to both the school and the church in their respective ministries.

If you would like to help… Thank you! Let us know and we can go from there. We are so grateful for all the love, wisdom and prayers we have already received in making this decision to go, so thank you for the part you have already played in supporting us!

IBAN: IE80REVO99036044373013

Revolut Tag: @tuttystozambia

Love,
Andrew and Rebekah