Fundraising evening in Scout Institute

Wednesday evening was one of those moments that reminded us exactly why we do what we do. We would like to send a heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us and filled every single seat at the Scout Institute (Skautský institut). The energy in the room, shared over cups of Zambian coffee and tea, was truly incredible.

The evening was opened by Anežka, followed by Václav, who walked us through the project's history—from the very first shovel struck into Zambian soil to our latest beekeeping workshop. He reminded us of a vital truth: our work isn't just about bricks and mortar; it's about people. We saw this firsthand during a live video call to Zambia, where our local colleagues joined us remotely.

Thanks to your support, people like Bornface, Emanuel (our accountant), Estha (our seamstress), and many others are gaining skills that will stay within the community forever. By teaching masonry, carpentry, and financial management, we are ensuring that the school in Kashitu will one day operate entirely independently of outside aid.

The Path to Self-Sufficiency

Igor spoke about the unconventional paths leading to this self-sufficiency. He presented a vision where, instead of relying solely on large donations, we invest in local entrepreneurship. In just three weeks in Zambia, 75 new beehives were built through the combined efforts of trained beekeepers and carpenters.

Our goal is to achieve certification for the local honey, which could increase its market value nearly tenfold. It's a perfect circle of cooperation:

• Carpenters build the hives.

• Seamstresses sew the protective suits.

• Beekeepers produce the "liquid gold."

Lessons from the African Bush

Our beekeeper Radek brought the biggest smiles to the room with his practical insights. Beekeeping in the Zambian bush is a true adventure where, in the absence of electricity, common sense must prevail. We learned that without electric honey extractors, honey is harvested using natural biochemical processes and settling (clarification), resulting in a beautifully pure product even in field conditions.

We also learned about the fight against unexpected foes. To stop termites from invading the hives, the support structures are wrapped in oil-soaked rags at the base of all four legs. To protect against the formidable honey badgers, hives are hung high in the treetops. And a final fun fact? While Czech beekeepers might use tinder fungus in their smokers, in Zambia, dried cow dung works perfectly—just as it did for our ancestors years ago.

Join Us on the Journey

Thank you for stopping by our stall, taking a piece of Zambia home with you, and showing such genuine interest in the school's progress. A huge thank you also goes to our partners and every single one of you who supports us.

If you missed Wednesday's event, you can still join our mission remotely through our website. Every bit of help makes a difference.

Thank you for being in this with us!