After a long absence we're back on track with Mpame Village Projects. Or must I say, back in the country? It's been a busy summer (in SA) and winter (in Switzerland). Aidan has spent 3 months in Europe and came back to run the high season, welcoming campers to Manzamnyama and carrying on fixing up the place. Meanwhile I was in Swizerland working impossible hours to get some cash together. A few project presentations brought in some more funding, which was paid into the swiss bank account by me in Switzerland and drawn only days later by Aidan in South Africa, to finance some more tools, materials, and lots and lots of pig wire for fencing.
The big news is: the project has a new asset. Aidan and Rahel have bought a house in the neighbouring village Lubanzi which they will now turn into a backpackers that will sustain themselves as well as support the project. From now on time will be divided between Lubanzi and Manzamnyama - some days in the first place to fix up the house and get it ready for guests, some days in Manzamnyama to continue building up the project and the volunteer lodge.
The big event is: Manzamnyama welcomes the Couch Sufers! For Easter we invite Couch Surfers and other Volunteer to spend their holiday in Manzamnyama and help out with the project. We expect a cheerful crowd to hang out with us and the villagers, help build the lodge, fix up streets, make bricks etc. The hilltop is open for guests from the 23rd of March until 14th of April. Volunteers are welcome to stay any length of days during this time period. If you do wish to volunteer this would be a great opportunity as there will be other people around and we're going to have a blast!
More news to follow soon, hopefully on of our Easter Couch Surf volunteers will agree to write a blog entry to keep everyone posted!
Cheers, Rahel
