We are back:

We have been overwhelmed with work and have not been posting updates. A lot has happened since 2013 and hopefully we now have volunteers to help us with reporting back. We always need your help. Thank you for your patience. A few details of projects since 2013 will be listed for updates. We are now asking you to join in as a friend of the charity starting in January 2021. You can can send an Email to helpinternational03@yahoo.co.uk and let us know you would like to become a friend. Just let us know a little about yourself and how yu can help. We apprecate it. If you would like to participates in any of the projects in any way, let us know and we put you in touch with the relevant group of friends working on that. Wishing you all a very merry Christmas and happy new year 2021.

Our Tenth Anniversary

We are planning to celebrate our tenth anniversary this year in September. We are hoping that all our friends can join us to mark this milestone. We will post details of the location and dates here and we encourage all of you not to miss it. Its been an interesting ten years and most of you have walked with us all the way. Keep track of us here and on Twitter.

In Southern Africa the rainy season was poor this year. As a result the harvest is poor and there will be a grain supply problem before the next harvest. H.E.L.P. International has been advised to make contingency plans for sustaining the health of the people at risk of malnutrition in the areas that we operate. The normal method for us is to work together with our associates in South Africa to get a supply of special foods. This superfood, (called E-pap ) is so good that a child only required one tablespoonful per day, and an adult requires two tablespoonfuls per day to maintains good health. We normally order about two hundred kg which last till the next harvest. We also take account of the fact that the number of people at risk increases as the next harvest nears. This time round, the company which has helped us with transportation in the past no longer operates as a transport company. For that reason, we are asking anyone who regularly travels between Johannesburg and Masvingo to please help us with transport of the superfood, which we expect by about late August 2013. Please Email us at our email address helpinternationa03@yahoo.co.uk

Well Digging season has started

In Zimbabwe the well digging season has just started. We normally wait till the water table is very low before digging water wells. This is so that the wells can supply water even during the dry seasons.

The last rains are normally in March. The first rains are in later October. The best time to dig is in September and October when the water table is at its lowest. However, we start a bit early, in July, to fit in as many wells as possible. We also try hard to dig at least two metres below the water table.

This year we have had a new Rock drill supplied from a well wishing company in China. We have paid only a third of the total cost. It will be ut to use next week. We will monitor its safety since it is a Petrol drill and gives off Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and other toxic gases. For this reason, it will be used with a lot of care and attention.

We are thankful for the machine as it will help the digging team to go through rock strata. Meantime we home to train one of them to use explosives. A company in Harare has offered to help in that regard. This does not immediately solve our problems because the transportation of explosives is under strict instructions and we do not yet have suitable vehicles. Explosives are not allowed on public buses.

Look at why this machine was required.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGT3oyi1pZw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rp8Ca5O4Fzo

Kenya Loss

The director of our sister charity in Kenya has recently died after a short illness. He leaves an orphanage with 31 young children who were under his charge. After working tirelessly to create a home for disadvantaged children, and to campaign and fund-raise for their well-fare, Peter has died leaving behind a much better situation for the children than he found in his life time. We have all been asked to help improve and train these children till they are adults. We are thankful for Peter's efforts and for his tirelessness and the time he devoted to this project. If you would like to help in any way please Email us at helpinternational03@yahoo.co.uk.

Shipments arrive in Zimbabwe

Very good news. The authorities in Zimbabwe have cleared our two shipments from UK and from China to be duty exempt. The two shipments have arrived in Zimbabwe. The one from China was by DHL and DHL are claiming charges for things that they have already been paid for in China. They are adamant that we need to ay. It is very sad when people do business this way. Will try to avoid DHL for next shipment. The other big shipment has not yet been opened. We think it will be Thursday, but it has already been cleared. ___________________________________________________________________________ )1/08/2012. There have been problems and the shipment is still not released in Harare. We are doing everything we can to have it released. It is costing a fortune in calls and updates. Will let you know if it is released and if everything sent is safe. This is the time when things are looted.

Shipment due in Harare on 14th June

All being well, the long awaited shipment to Zimbabwe is due in Harare soon. The contents on the last shipment were unfortunately looted at Customs depot. We sincerely home that this shipment will arrive at destination intact. the effect would be a lot more than if the items were stolen and put in individual ownership.

There will also be a follow up shipment of items that can be used for training. We believe that a well trained individual will be able to train others in his/her area of specialism. We also believe that good training materials and equipment breed well trained individuals.

We are asking for help from those with time, expertise and are willing to lend a hand. This charity only works with volunteers who can visit our projects and focus on improvements for a few weeks, then leave locals to carry on. The more locals do things for themselves the more they develop skills to do more. We like to simply give them a wide range of options.

We are very grateful for the contribution we have had from China for some of the equipment in this shipment.

Make a real difference

In the developed world are many hand tools that are no longer used but could make a huge difference in income to someone, somewhere on earth. These range from hammers, chisels, sewing machines, old computers, old musical instruments, old mobile phones, wood lathes, bread rollers, to name a few.

In 2005 one of our trustees visited Zimbabwe. Just before he went he bought two spoke keys for aligning bicycle wheels. He gave these to an unemployed man who can asking for gifts of cash to help his family. He also showed him how to use them and gave an idea how much to charge people. On our trustee's next visit in 2008, he found the same man working at about 8 bicycles per week and getting USD40-50 per week for his new skill. Each spoke key had cost our man USD 0.60.

A range of old woodwork tools you good people donated helped us to cut together a wood workshop in 2009, which now employs four young people.

We ask for your help in sourcing any tools you no longer need. We have a team of advisers who can formulate income generating projects from very small tool. Income only needs to be a trickle for it to bring significant change to the beneficiary's family life.

Email us on helpinternational03@yahoo.co.uk if you can help in any way or you have a question on whether something you have can be used.

Thank you.

Clothes for Tanzanian children

The community of Dorridge, near Birmingham have recently shipped 4 boxes of children's clothes to Tanzania through HELP International. The clothes will be distributed by friends of the charity to street children. I will keep in touch with the lady to find out other needs in the area and report back. So watch this space!

Lots of books from Derby College to Zimbabwe

Derby College library has contributed a large number of books towards the libraries in Zimbabwe, including a large collection of Encyclopedia Brittanica. The books, which were carried in three car loads, have joined the shipment on its way to Zimbabwe by sea, a journey which will take 8 -9 weeks. In the shipment is an assortment of things including, woodworking tools, children's musical instruments, sewing machines, poultry incubators, Jam making kits, school chemistry sets, crayons, pencils, and so on, all donated by someone near you in the UK. The jack hammer for helping in well digging is shipped directly from China. The oil expellers are shipped directly from India.

These simple items will train young school leavers as well as our cared for children, to be self reliant and prepared for independence.

We thank all those who have taken part in this shipment. Pictures will be available later in the year 2012.

Recent Trip to Zambia

H.E.L.P International Trustee, Grace Walsh, has just returned from Zambia. We will be posting her report soon.

Shipment to Zimbabwe in two weeks.

A planned shipment to Zimbabwe is due to leave the UK, China, and India soon. We would like to than all those who have helped with this collection of tools and other equipment. A Chinese company has helped in sourcing and shipping a petrol powered jack-hammer to help with hand well digging in Zimbabwe. This will speed up the process and help to provide clean water for many. The digging team, trained in 2009 can dig to 20 metres depths, using basic digging tools. The machine from China was half paid for by the supplier.

Two small seed oil extractors were sourced from India at a reduced cost than normal. We are very thankful for the help. These will be used to train youth to extract oils from a variety of seeds, as a self help project.

We thank schools and colleges in the UK Midlands for donating books from their libraries, for rural libraries in Zimbabwe. In particular, St Josephs High School, Endon High School, St Margret Ward High School, in Stoke on Trent and Derby College, have taken an active role in preparing this shipment.

We thank The Women's Institute (Blithe Bridge) for their collective donation of sewing machines ad books. These will be added to the Dress making project used by different rural schools in the areas near Chatsworth, Zimbabwe.

We thank all others who have donated a wide range of tools, particularly long awaited Woodwork Tools for our flagship community project.

Where ever you are, we appreciate your contribution.

Zimbabwe News

In Zimbabwe H.E.L.P. Zimbabwe has had a few positive developments as follows:
New school: We were offered a complete but disused school at Chirima near Maraire, 20km south of Chatsworth, by the community leaders. The location has classrooms, staff houses, a borehole and a mains supply of electricity. We are very excited about the prospect and after several consultations, the general view is that the school should be used for training school leavers on vocational courses. We are already moving some of our projects to the new school .

Of particular interest is the woodwork project. Our project partner has started moving some of the operations to the school and we anticipated that the whole project will be based at Chirima by September 2010. In January 2011 the first trainees will start the course. We are looking for volunteers who can teach any aspect of woodwork at adult level. We are also appealing for any woodworking tools of any description. If you would like to have a list of the required tools, please Email us and we will send it to you.

Other projects include Jam making, well digging, dress making, Market gardening, bakery, etc.
How you can help:
Sourcing tools
Volunteer to teach
Source or compile learning materials

Sparrow Logistics lose vehicle

One of Sparrow Logistics vehicle was snatched from the driver by robbers. Fortunately no harm was done to the driver. The loss of the vehicle has not affected the flow of food to Zimbabwe. Sparrow Logistics are able to carry on at the same rate.

Fun Zim ride details

Theis charity ride is on. Plans are at an advanced stage. There are other people involved now. We have The MP for stoke on Trent Mark Fisher, The MP for Oxford Andrew Smith, and many who find out about it. "We are very grateful to all of you for your help." said Asher and Richard.

Please drop us a pound or two on the fund raising pages. Also do not miss our fund raising events. Check the website for dates and tickets.


The Fun Zimbabwe Ride for fund raising is detailed at these addresses.

http://www.justgiving.com/funzimbabweride600

http://www.funzimride.co.uk/

Food supplies to Zimbabwe from South Africa

Good News. Sparrow Logistics of http://sparrow.gets-it.net/sparrow/ have stepped in to help us transport food stuffs to Zimbabwe when they have a trip to Zimbabwe. They normally go twice per week and vist both Bulawayo and Masvingo at least once per week. Several shipments have already been delivered and all seems well. They also allow us a good delivery charge discount copared to their normal customers. the challenge now remains with the transport from Masvingo into the rural area but this is a much smaller task than sourcing food.

We continue to ask for donations through this difficult time. We have 34 children around Chatsworth placed with families, and 13 children in a children's home in Bulawayo. The supply to Bulawayo is directly to the home.

Many thanks to all including Sparrow Logistics.

Zimbabwe update

The situation in Zimbabwe is given in many different versions in the international press. H.E.L.P. International is only concerned with the welfare of the children regarding food supplies, schooling, and personal safety. Of these, the most challenging at present is food supplies to families who look after the children under our care. This is because of transport limitations. We are looking into all options including assisting with grain from South Africa. In the mean time, there are charities helping with food supplies. We only cater for specific urgent situations to those looking after children under our programme.

I Want To Participate

I spent a few hours today helping to outline the The Zimbabwe Fun Ride. 600 miles plus of fund raising fun on push bikes acroos Zimbabwe. I am really keen to take part in this ride if I can get time off work to do it. I have only ever been to Matopos Hills (the place where Cecil John Rhodes, the guy who let the first official group of colonialists in what he later called Rhodesia, is buried. His grave is almost an intrusion into this very tranquil but vast place. If you cannot be moved by your own presence at such a place, then you are either already dead or you are very close. The fact that this ride starts at Matopos is great news for the participants.

In Bulawayo they visit the first orphanage, with 13 children some of whom need special medical attention. It’s a chance to see why they are fun raising. Then through Bulawayo and onto the famous Selbourne avenue out towards Masvingo over 300 km away. Selbourne is as straight as straight can be for 15 km. Its as if they use laser technology to line it up. Bulawayo has the widest streets and avenues on earth. They are lined by the sweet smelling jacaranda trees which flower in the spring.

A variety of topologies bring you to Zvishavane. I have an affinity for this little town. It is the first real life place you see on this otherwise natural landscape from Bulawayo. Stop and have a good look.

From here its downhill to Masvingo, a city built among the best province of Zimbabwe, Masvingo. Zimbabwe gets its name from a monument a few kilometres south east of the city. The monument is unique and anyone passing within 14000 km of it ought to take a detour to go and look and perhaps take some photographs. The riders will visit the place. There is a dame or mane made lake not too far and it would be good to see it because it is built at a very interesting location.

From Masvingo the rders head north along the Harare Road.. 70 km on, they take a 10 km detour to Chatsworth, the best town in the whole world. (my birth place) to go and visit the second orphanage. This, when complete, will take up to 20 orphans from any age to 14 initially. Over thirty of these are currently supported in placement in the community, supported by H.E.L.P. International. Again the riders will se in person why fund raising is needed, in this community where the average income is less than GBP 5 per month, yet the number of orphans is increasing year on year.
Back on the road the riders head for Harare 290km away. It is uphill on a bike but it is interesting terrain all the way there. Stop at Spider Web for a drink, at Fairfield for a dance to high pitched local music, at Mvuma to look at the artwork by locals, at Chivhu to watch the country buses come in or leave with everything except live cattle on their roof racks. Check the tread on their tyres and ask yourself whether it is not a lot safer on your nice bike.

Next port of call is Beatrice (pronounced Beatrice) Every time I pass by this place, I go to the local police station and ask the whatever silly question I can think of. It just breaks the journey a little bit. I suggest the riders do the same. It will make someone’s day. They will want to know how Liverpool FC is doing.
You can smell Harare from Beatrice. You know you are close when you see an endless cemetery on your right. Each time I have passed there, there are countless groups of people, each adding another grave to the place, as if it does not have enough already. If the riders stop here for more than ten seconds in silence, they will fully understand the meaning of the word ORPHAN in Zimbabwe. Just after that, there is a turning on the left, which goes to a large children’s home about a quarter of a mile away. The rider will visit this place, and may be well advised to put up there for the night. It is not a good idea to ask the chap in charge of the place to tell you any stories about any of the children present. I have seen grown men reduced to a tear or two from listening to this guy., and all he does is tell you the true children stories. Americans are supporting this place whole heartedly.

Next port of call, Harare International Airport and before long London, UK. Breathe good air before you leave Africa. The African bug bites many. The Zimbabwean bug bites even more. One you have been, you will always want to go. Maybe next time without your bike.

This was Richard Pantlin’s idea. After the ride, if you have lost a bit of weight from your ten days with him, go back to your friends and workmates, and enjoy the compliments. Tell them its not all good news because there is a constant amount of weight on this earth, so that each time someone loses weight, someone else gains the same amount. Hopefully the guys in Zim have gained some. They need it.

600 miles of The Fun Ride is my idea of participation in fund raising. This one is scheduled just after I get back from Banjul. Question is Can I do both? What do you think? Should we take Charity bets on it?

If you would like to participate in this really interesting venture, please contact helpinternational03@yahoo.co.uk

Momentum is gathering, now and the group so far has FIVE people eager to ride. Progress chart will be posted on our website http://www.helpinternational0co.uk (Asher C Mupasi)

Naomi trekking Day 1 Brief

19/02/08
We reached safely and have been travelling all the time. We reached Pokhara from Kathmandu this afternoon, got our trekking permits and looked around Pokhara all afternoon.
Pretty tired now but thought I will send a quick email before we start trekking tomorrow. We will be away for 7 nights, 8 days trekking. we have got a porter for helping with carrying my pack and a guide. The weather is good, sunny and warm during the day but gets pretty chilly in the evenings.
Got a glimpse of 'fish tail' mountain (6990 mtrs) from ;where we were this afternoon. looked beautiful... but a lot of haze around.

The guide has a nokia so I will be able to charge the phone and try and text you.

The food is very similar to Indian food. the villages we passed also reminded me of the villages in India. More similarities than I thought! Kahtmandu is about 1600metres, Pokhara is 900metres. I think we start our climb upto about 3000 mts on our trip. My left knee is paining (probably already worried about the amount of walking!)

There are a lot of shops selling all that one might need for the various activities here... china not too far so - 'the North face,Gore tex' and other brands are well represented -flleeces, packs, sleeping bags etc etc... at much cheaper prices ofcourse!
Because of 'power loadsheding' there isnt electricity at all times. so this morning no shower... we had tobe out by 6.30 am. Veg food no problem.
NW

Naomi aims high into the Himalayas

Naomi Watson leaves for India and the Himalayas, where she will be trekking for ten days in support of the Salapur project and others. She writes:

________________________________

As some of you know I am going to Nepal trekking in the Himalayas. I will be away for 3 weeks – 2 weeks trekking. I am raising funds for the charity - HELP (Health, Education and Literacy Programme) International. Our target is to raise #10k to build an orphanage. I am looking for sponsors and would be delighted if you would like to sponsor me. Have a look at our website http://www.helpinternational.co.uk You can contribute a small amount, large amount, or make monthly contributions..... every little helps to make a difference in the lives of children. Over the last 5 years since we started this project in India we have seen lives change. It has brought hope and a vision of change in the slums of Solapur (India). We support 70 children with their Health, Education and one meal a day programme. We also work with young women with basic literacy and skills training. We would love to expand and take in more children but we are limited by space and the fear of having to move at a months notice. Hence our desire to build a basic building which will serve as a school in the day time and a home for the children in the evenings.

If you would like to help with the skills and expertise that you have, then give us a call or email us. We would love to hear from you and share our vision for projects in India, Zimbabwe and Zambia. Or if you would like to take an adventure like trekking in the Himalayas …. Well that can be arranged as well. Let us know and we can put your name down for the next trip later in the year. We will keep you informed.

If you are a business (big or small- in the UK or overseas) and would like to support us you can advertise your company for free on our website as supporters of the charity.

If you have seen a need and have a passion to help make a difference then work with us and see if we can together make a difference.

Thank you for your time and look forward to hearing from you.
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If you wish to make a donation, please do so via Paypal on our website http://www.helpinternational.co.uk under Donations. Thank you for your support.