The Butterfly Effect
Last updated 3/16/2008 4:43:09 PM
Jane Kaye-Bailey with a resident of the Kamwi village
The face of travel industry slowly, but surely, changing from total consumerism to a more responsible industry. Jane Kaye-Bailey has proved this by setting up The Butterfly Tree Project in aid of rural communities affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Zambia.
The journey started when Jane and her husband, Lawrence, went on a business incentive trip to Zambia. They stayed at the beautiful Royal Livingstone Hotel in Victoria Falls, being wined, dined and entertained in sheer luxury.
On their 'day off ' they chose to go to Mukuni Village, and came away totally disturbed having learned that out of 1000 pupils, 450 were orphans.
Jane was deeply touched by what she saw and determined to do something to help them. She mentioned it to the other members of party. By the time they left, Jane had raised over $10,000.
Jane and her son, David, returned to Zambia to ensure that the money goes directly to the village. Three weeks later armed with medical supplies, educational material and clothing for the orphans they returned to Livingstone.
They spent a week getting to know the school and health center staff. They learned of their hardships and what would be the best projects to raise money for. Their dedicated Head Teacher explained that the only way to overcome their problems was though education. Top of the list was to raise money for a three-bay classroom to enable the school be upgraded to a high school as many children had to leave before time.