A playwright's trip to Zambia
Tuesday, 2 October 2007
Belfast author and playwright Lucy Caldwell has recently returned from a visit to Zambia to see Concern projects in action.
The week-long trip took in a number of projects in the south western province of Mongo, beginning with a meeting with Concern-funded HIV support groups. Here Lucy met with a number of people living with HIV and AIDS and heard how livelihood support, training and advocacy work is having a huge impact on people’s daily lives, and on the wider community. Lucy was able to speak with a number of people in the groups and to learn about innovative techniques that are improving nutrition and agricultural yields in the area.
Lucy also visited the district farmers association, which is supported by Concern. The association helps small farmers to develop skills, share knowledge and have their voices heard by decision makers, such as local government bodies.
Disaster risk reduction and adapting to climate change are key priorities for Concern Zambia. Lucy was taken to see an extensive canal clearing project – this work is vital in order to minimise the effects of flooding. It forms part of a programme on which Concern is co-operating with the local government authorities, strengthening their ability to deal with problems such as flooding.
A former columnist with the London Independent, Lucy was writing for a number of local newspapers and had radio interviews with Radio Ulster during and after the trip.
