APTERS (Appropriate Paper Technology) Group Footballs and Netballs – Project Updates

APTERS Zambia are based in Lusaka and produce mobility aids with recycled paper and cardboard to assist physically challenged children while empowering physically challenged adults.

Kenneth Habaalu in his recent report to the Trust reported that they are continuing to face increased demand for mobility aids. They are inundated with referred children from the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka. With the assistance of the Japanese Embassy, who donated cutting machines, production of mobility aids has trebled in the ten months to 31 October 2022 to approximately 1,500 devices, resulting in more children receiving mobility aids. This has been made possible by the Trust’s annual grant.

The Trust’s funding directly helps vulnerable patients who do not have the financial means to pay for mobility aids. APTERS funding is limited and consequently is able to fund only one mobility aid per child or adult.  The adverse exchange rate movement has also reduced the value of our grant. The reality is that some children need both a chair and a and this requires additional funding.  

The Trust have been providing footballs and netballs for schools in Zambia for a number of years. We continue to have a good working relationship with the Zambia Open Community Schools (‘ZOCS’).  The Director, Petronella Sibeene, sends us regular reports on the distribution of balls with the emphasis on rural areas in the more remote parts of the country.

ZOCS has a central office in Lusaka and in June we received their 2021 Annual Report, including their financial statement.  This is detailed and comprehensive.

The balls are manufactured by Alive and Kicking.  This organisation has manufacturing facilities in Lusaka and also in Kenya and Ghana.  They have a Head Office in London and the funds are sent to the London office who then transfer the money directly to A&K in Lusaka.  The funds provided ZOCS with 57 footballs and 50 netballs.  The balls are hard wearing and suitable for hard surfaces.  The balls are kept for special occasions, such as cup matches.

In addition to ZOCS we also provided balls to Katete Hospital – six footballs and six netballs – and six netballs to Katete Girls Secondary School.

This project works well because of the co-operation with ZOCS, Katete and Alive and Kicking.