The day the copper mines changed hands was a huge blow for the people of Kitwe in Zambia. The government gave the huge local mines over to the private sector and, quickly, our partners tell us, ‘approx. 70% -80%’ of the employees were made redundant. As the mines had provided the major employment for the area, and many men were then out of work, their wives tried to become the breadwinners by selling vegetables. That brought in little income, however, and depression, even suicide, soon took hold in the community. The toll of the massive unemployment was compounded as HIV/AIDS wrought the area a further deadly blow. Children were left without parents and many had to fend for themselves by sleeping on the streets and trying to find a living through simple jobs, drug selling or prostitution.
Education, in the midst of this was beyond the reach of many. Our partners in Kitwe decided to open a school and computer training centre which they asked us to equip. The students enrolling have constantly increased such that, today, they are needing to open another school. A typical student was Brian, a young man in his twenties who, every day, sold homemade scones and cupcakes from a basket he took from office to office. He earned very little money, but saw no alternative. He enrolled in the computer training centre and learned quickly (pictured). After graduation, he was employed by the local government for a short term project and earned an astonishing US$2,500, more money than he had ever dreamed possible. “My life begins now,” he said. He bought a photocopy machine and a computer and began a tiny business. Today he has his own centre (pictured) and four employees. He has taught xxxxx students and given them the chance to cross the digital divide and find a different future.
We love the multiplication in stories like this. We call it ‘the Crossroads Equation’. Computers sent from Hong Kong can literally re-start people’s lives and they, in turn, can then multiply many, many more. It’s why we love this work and why we love your help. If you are upgrading your computer, please don’t throw them out. Please email donategoods@crossorads.org.hk
Louis’ parents were very worried when, at 14 years old, his special school closed its doors and he was left with nowhere that could cater for his special needs. Louis, who has autism and cannot talk, has attended special schools since he was 3 years old. Most of the schools his parents could find would only take young children, rather than teenagers or adults. They worried Louis would never learn the life skills he needed to be independent, or even hope to find a job. Thankfully, they discovered our partner’s school and now at 20 years old, Louis is thriving. 
When Fabrice (above) was just a little boy, every member of his family was killed in Burundi’s civil violence. Left alone in the world, Fabrice was driven out of his home and on to the streets. Like many young Burundian boys in his situation, Fabrice was drawn into the conflict and became a combat soldier, but he always longed to return to school for the education that he had missed out on. Thankfully, Crossroads’ partner was working in his area and met Fabrice. They enrolled him into school and covered the costs of his education. Fabrice graduated form 6 just last year!
