AFRICA ENTERPRISE TRUST
July 2026 Newsletter
Since the last newsletter, the power situation in Zambia has changed dramatically. Before Christmas there was often only 3 hours of power a day, now it is usually 24/7. There are a number of factors contributing to this, including another season of good rain and the upcoming general & presidential elections in August this year. Whatever the reasons, it makes a big difference to people's lives to have a reliable source of power available.
Chimwemwe Home
Elias sat his grade 7 national exams at the end of last year. Unfortunately, he didn't pass, but only missed out by 3 marks, which actually was much better than had been expected due to his difficulties with reading. The small shortfall has therefore not prevented him from moving into grade 8 in a junior secondary school.
At the same time, Rachel sat her end-of-schooling grade 12 exams which she passed, her best results being in English and Maths. She has applied for and been accepted at the University of Zambia to study for a degree in Public Health. Many congratulations to her on winning a place at the most prestigious university in Zambia. At the beginning of this year, she completed all the courses in the computer school, as is the norm for children graduating from the Home who have done grade 12 exams. She is currently living with some relatives.
Rachel and Elias are pictured above at the annual swimming outing. This time, as last, it took place at a local restaurant which has 2 pools. By going on a Monday morning, the AET group has the place to themselves, and the restaurant is happy to give a discount on the cost of swimming there. Some drinks and simple food were provided as well.
Computer School
The computer school continues to provide computer courses, both for those who have recently left school, as well as those who are looking to advance at work, or move into more skilled jobs.
Hubert is an example of the former. He is 20 years old and completed high school in the last year or so. He reports that he came to Enterprise College with no idea of anything to do with computers, and thinking that he wouldn't be able to manage to use them. But he was pleasantly surprised to find that he could learn the skills he was being taught, and that now "it's easy for me to research and document things and keep important documents on my Google drive".
Mike is a former student of the computer school. After completing his studies there, he trained to be a teacher, majoring in Computer Studies. After his first teaching job, he returned to the computer school as the trainer for about 3 years. Subsequently he returned to teaching, in a government school. The current government has recently increased the number of teaching posts in their schools, and he was offered one in a rural area. He has recently informed AETZ that he has just been awarded a BSc in Secondary Education (Information and Communication Technology) which he studied for by distance learning. Congratulations Mike!
London Marathon
This year again we are very grateful to those who ran the London marathon in aid of AET. Training and fundraising together involve quite a large commitment. Such sponsorship provides a significant amount of funding for us.
There will be places available again next year — do get in contact if you or someone you know would be interested in considering running for us and further details can be provided.
Life & Activities at Chimwemwe
Contact Details
If you wish to contact AETUK or donate to its work in Zambia, please use the info below:
- E-mail: aetgifts@gmail.com
- Website: www.aetuk.org
- Postal address: 26-42 Railway Terrace, Rugby CV21 3LJ, UK
- Bank account: Africa Enterprise Trust, Barclays Bank | Sort Code: 20-67-37 | Account number: 10974684