Healing in the Heart of Rural Zambia: Sr. Constancia Lungu’s Journey
By Sr. Namasiku Mutonga In the midst of rural Zambia, where the huge green trees meet the clear blue skies, is a humble healthcare facility that has been a beacon of hope for generations. Makunka Mission Rural Health Centre, located in Kazungula District, 58 kilometers away from Livingstone town, is a testament to the tireless efforts of dedicated healthcare professionals like Sr. Constancia Lungu, of the Little Sisters of St. Francis (LSSF). Sr. Constancia is the first child in the family of four girls and two boys. At the age of 9, she joined her grandparents, who had retired from active employment in Lusaka to settle in Chipata, Eastern Province, where her grandfather was offered a contractual job. It is in Chipata that Sr. Constancia grew up, starting her education at Kanjala Basic Primary School and later attending Hillside Secondary School. While in Chipata she congregated at St. Anne’s Parish which became her home parish, where she became an active member of the Little Way Association. She later joined the Junior Franciscans. growing up, I had a deep desire to become a Sister, I wanted to serve the poor in my community. As such I enjoyed church activities such as reading the Bible, studying the lives of saints, visiting the sick and the Sisters at the convents. -Sr. Constancia. She explains that during her time in Chipata, she interacted closely with the Good Shepherd Sisters, who inspired her in many ways. However, she ultimately felt called to the Little Sisters of St. Francis in Livingstone, Southern Province. One holiday, while visiting my mother in Lusaka, I shared my desire to become a Sister. My mother took me to speak with a church elder, who provided me with addresses of several congregations. Among the addresses given, only one congregation—the Little Sisters of St. Francis in Livingstone—responded, inviting me to attend a workshop. -Sr. Constancia. Upon arriving in Livingstone, Sr. Constancia says she was warmly welcomed by the Sisters and felt inspired to join them. After completing her secondary education, she joined the Little Sisters of St. Francis in 1998. Sr. Constancia has been working at Makunka Mission for over twenty (20) years, serving the people of God. Her journey began in 2002 when she first joined Makunka Mission after her initial profession into Religious Life. In 2006, Sr. Constancia was sent for training at Livingstone School of Nursing. Upon completion of her training, she returned to Makunka Mission Rural Health Centre, where she has since dedicated herself to the healing ministry. Sr. Constancia says she finds immense joy in her work. I have a passion for the aged; interacting with them brings me joy. I feel fulfilled when I care for pregnant women and see them deliver their babies safely—what a joy that is! Working in a hospital is challenging due to the sheer number of sick people, but it brings me joy when I help critically ill patients recover or heal. -Sr. Constancia She recalls one particularly touching experience that she had in her work which involved a blind woman in Makunka who rely heavily on the Sisters for assistance. Even on Sundays—traditionally a day of rest for the Sisters—she would come to the convent seeking help right after Mass. On one such Sunday after Mass, I returned to the convent. As soon as I entered the house, I heard a knock at the door. I hesitated to open it and complained in my heart about the constant flow of beggars. Finally, I decided to open the door and found a blind woman standing there. I greeted her, and she asked me to remove an insect that had entered her eye. It was quite large, but I was able to help her. Afterward, she thanked me and left. -Sr. Constancia Sr. Constancia notes that the experience with the blind woman left her speechless and ashamed. I learned that I need to be present in the lives of the people. Not everyone who comes to us is begging; sometimes, they simply need our presence. -Sr. Constancia In 2010, Sr. Constancia, was appointed Facility-in-charge as a Registered Nurse. She states that under her leadership, the facility has grown significantly. She adds that the facility now offers a range of services including HIV/AIDS care, malaria prevention, general screening and treatment, school health services, health education, maternal and child health, nutritional services, laboratory services, cervical cancer screening, and male circumcision. Despite the achievements she made at the hospital Sr. Constancia says she still faces many challenges in her work. I’m the nurse in charge of this health center and I face a number of challenges such as inadequate funding, insufficient personnel, cultural differences, and poor road conditions. These issues are just a few of the hurdles I encounter daily. -Sr. Constancia Makunka Mission Rural Health Centre, owned by the Catholic Diocese of Livingstone, was established in 1967 and is a government-granted facility in partnership with Churches Health Association of Zambia (CHAZ), and has been managed by the Little Sisters of St. Francis since 1989. The facility has a 37-bed capacity and shares borders with four other health facilities, serving a catchment population of 6,843.
MAZZARELLO SKILLS TRAINING CENTRE: STITCH AND SUSTAIN
By Sr. Godelieve Ruvugo Kayobera Mazzarello Skills Training Centre has obtained the TEVETA Fund to train 40 students in Tailoring. Mazzarello Skills Training Centre Administrator Sr. Godelieve Ruvugo Kayobera says in accordance with the 8th National Development Plan and17 Sustainable Development Goals, TEVETA has committed itself to reach out to as many students as possible in skills training and developing, which contributes to the development of Zambian citizens. She adds that the funds help students to overcome the challenges of paying school fees and buying sewing materials. Sr. Godelieve explains that the skill training Centre was established in response to the problems of poverty and lack of education of the young girls in Mansa. In light of the problems of poverty and lack of education, the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco opened Mazzarello Skills Training Centre in 2005, in order to empower with skills all those who needed to be trained so that they could become self-reliant and provide for the needs of their families. Sr. Godelieve She adds that reaching out to the poor and abandoned young girls is in according with their charism of education and evangelization of young people, especially those who are poor and abandoned. The Salesian Sisters became aware of the number of girls and women who needed a space for training because they dropped out from schools after they failed to pass Grade 7 or Grade 9 exams. Some of them who are married or single mothers bring their children to Don Bosco community school expressed their need of going back to school and finding means to raise up their children. Sr. Godelieve She says for the past years, Mazzarello Skills Training Centre has offered skills of sewing, typing, cooking even carpentry, for short term and long term. She adds that the mission of the institution is based on the awareness that “Education is the key to success. Mazzarello Skills Training Centre is committed to empowering the students with skills in fashion design and textile technology so that they overcome poverty and gender inequalities as well as participate to the development of the country through income generating activities. We are certain that our students once empowered with skills, vested as good Christians and honest citizens they will be able to promote activities for sustainable development. Sr. Godelieve The Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco officially called Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA) came to Zambia in 1984. They have established their presence in Lusaka, Mazabuka, Mansa, Luwingu and Kasama.
FIRST AND FINAL PROFESSION
By Sr. Abigail Mwaka The Handmaids of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Archdiocese of Lusaka recently celebrated a significant event. Two devoted Religious women, Novice Mutambwa Adorable Senti and Sr. Agness Bwalya Zulu, expressed their lifelong commitment to the service of humanity, particularly women and children, by making their first and perpetual vows respectively. The ceremony was held at Mary Immaculate parish in Lusaka and mass was presided over by the Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Lusaka Fr. Andrew Simpasa SJ. The inspiring homily was delivered by Fr. Gilbert Banda SJ who used the occasion to remind the congregants about the importance of listening and reasoning before reacting to any situation. Fr. Banda drew lessons from the life of Peter, a disciple of Jesus Christ, who was known for his impulsive responses to his master Jesus. He further encouraged the congregants to channel any destructive energy into love, following in the footsteps of St. Paul who is known for his persecution of God’s people and his initial rejection of God and later transformed that same energy into spreading the word of God and showing love to His people. Meanwhile, in the same week leading up to the profession day, the Congregation of the Handmaids of the Blessed Virgin Mary received 5 Novices and 10 Postulants on 27th July 2024. Behold the Handmaid of the Lord Luke1:26-38.
The Inspiring Story of Ethane Musonda at Dagama Special School
By Sr. Aretha Ngoma External forces may hinder us, but staying focused on our dreams is key. Dagama Special School transforms dreams of physically challenged pupils into a reality. This is a story of an 8 year old boy Ethane Musonda from Kawama compound in Kitwe who was born with a condition called Arthrogryposis which entails congenital deformity and less development to some limbs. In his case the arms were not developed. Ethane’s mother, Ethel Musonda, had lost hope of her child ever going to school because of his condition. I thought my child would never go to school because I thought no school would accept him because of his undeveloped arms. Ethel. But her hope was renewed when one of the sympathizers advised her to take Ethane to Dagama special school in Luanshya. After one of the sympathizers told me about the school, I visited the school and enquired if my child could be enrolled. They said yes and that’s how my child started school at Dagama. Ethel Meanwhile, Ethane says with him being at Dagama special school, he can now achieve his dreams. Despite his limitations with his hands, Ethane is now able to write and play like any other child. Indeed, disability is not inability.
MALAIKA: HOPE FOR A SICKLE CELL CHILD
Marriage, a sacred union instituted by God for procreation, often brings the joy of parenthood. Yet, families in Malaika Village and beyond, face the harsh reality when their newborns are diagnosed with severe health conditions like sickle cell anemia. Sadly, many are unaware of their child’s condition until medical aid is sought. Follow the heartwarming journey of hope for children with sickle cell anemia in Malaika Village.