Through the ten years since Lubasi Home opened, generous donors have provided all the needs and we have usually had reserve funds to cover several months. But in the last year, the flow of funds has slowed, resulting in a serious shortage and we now have less than one month's running costs in the bank.
We have reduced staffing and economised wherever possible. The number of permanent resident children is down to 31, with another 12 who have been reintegrated with families while we pay for their education.
But we have had 26 Congolese children with us for various periods and last week we were given 10 Zambian children who were found in an illegal boarding house in Livingstone in very unsatisfactory conditions. They have families, but had to be accommodated while the case is processed. The government department responsible has no funds to assist with these cases so we depend on our donors.
Another problem is that the grant for education from the Global Fund was halved in the second quarter this year and there is no news of the third quarter grant. We are committed to paying school fees and buying uniforms and books for 43 children, 3 of whom are in boarding school.
We thank all those who have continued to support us in cash or in kind and appeal to everyone for more help to keep Lubasi Home caring for children in need.
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