Christmas Appeal - APTERS Project

The ZST Trustees have decided this year to make a Christmas Appeal for APTERS, a most worthwhile project and for which we are the main regular funder. During our recent AGM, we had a very moving presentation about APTERS. For those of you who are not familiar with it, APTERS produces mobility aids for children with disabilities. Sturdy chairs with tables, walking frames and standing supports are made from waste paper and cardboard, using a papier mâché technique pioneered for use in Africa. The aids transform the lives of children who would not otherwise receive any such help. They are made to measure and are extended or replaced as the child grows. The children helped are among the most underprivileged in Zambia, often living in single parent families.

APTERS is the only centre of its kind in Zambia and is located in the grounds of the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka. It costs £20 to produce each aid. Parents are asked to make a donation, however small, but many can afford only a token amount. As a result, APTERS is always in need of funds. It receives no state aid. To generate income, the team makes items to order or to be sold at craft markets: file boxes, nursery furniture, toys and jewellery. We aim to have some of them available for purchase from our website.

Another important aspect is that most of the staff at APTERS have disabilities themselves. The project provides them with employment which they would otherwise find very difficult to get.

We very much appreciate the help you already provide but would be most grateful if you would consider making an extra donation to support APTERS’ very important work with children through JustGiving

Christmas Appeal - APTERS Project - JustGiving

Best wishes
John Barnard – retired Chair    Tim Legge – current Chair