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Tusekwile Imiti Ikula Foundation was established in Isoka District, Zambia when the devastating effects economic hardships devastated the economy, health, and education of the community. Many children were unable to access basic education due to lack of resources, and access to schools.

The Foundation was established by Kelvin Nsekwila, a teacher who had a heart for his beloved community. Kelvin saw an opportunity to serve his people and community, and sought to bring life-changing education programs to children who had been long deprived of the chance. He opened the doors of the Foundation and welcomed the children in, providing them with the much-needed help and resources they desperately needed.

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The children entered the Foundation with much curiosity and hope, and soon they exhausted their fear and hesitation and began to learn and explore the wonders literacy had to offer. Kelvin put great effort into making sure his students had everything they needed. He taught his students the basics of reading, writing and basic mathematics, as well as introducing them to more creative skills and activities, fostering their curiosity and intelligence.

The children's lives began to change rapidly as the Foundation provided support and resources not only through books, but also through other means. The Foundation worked with Kathryn, Liz, Arturo, Alan, Audrey, Cultivate, Global Youth Mobilization, The Pollination Project and Global Fund for Children to provide assistance with basic needs such as school uniform, school infrastructure, and textbooks and supplies. The learning and recovery program also provided a safe and warm social environment; the students and their families participated in educational seminars, talks, and rallies, encouraging and motivating each other.

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The children's lives soon began to transform. The literacy learning and recovery program led to more ambition and self-confidence, allowing the students to dream bigger and strive for more. The children began to realize the power of knowledge and literacy, as they grew and evolved through learning, reading, and engaging in meaningful conversations with their class mates and teachers.

The Tusekwile Imiti Ikula Foundation transformed the lives of many children, providing them with the skills and resources to live with and confidence. It laid the foundation for the future, teaching them the importance of education, and giving them the opportunity to rise above the remnants of economic hardships and oppression, and create a better world for future generations.

Be part of this growing family today.

I am happy to announce that Clare and I have successfully written a SuperBetter Toolkit for educators. The sessions set out in the toolkit are designed to be implemented over the course of one year. It has three levels and each one has several sessions. Each level could be implemented during term as part of the school programme or as an after-school club.

Level One: focusses on social and emotional learning that will aid in developing self-awareness, developing a vocabulary to describe different feelings and emotions, and developing skills in identifying and discussing emotions as they relate to daily life.

Level two is an introduction to the ‘seven helpers’ of the Super Better model and introduces video game related ideas and vocabulary including: Epic Wins, Challenges, Power Ups, Quests, Allies, Battling Bad Guys, and adopting Heroic Identities. We have repurposed the seven helpers for our programme and linked the helpers to tackle real health challenges that affect children in many parts of Zambia.

Level three is the stage at which the children apply the Super Better model to examine and resolve problems and develop strategies for building their health, wellbeing, and resilience. They identify one or more everyday health issues that can be improved upon and then set about finding out more, making action plans, implementing actions plans, and reflecting on the results.

Our SuperBetter Toolkit for educators is finally published on Children for Health website.

SuperBetter Toolkit is a curriculum for young adolescents that can be integrated into a school’s curriculum or taught as an extracurricular activity. The curriculum has been co-created by Children for Health and Kelvin Nsekwila. The book is finally published on the Children for Health website https://www.childrenforhealth.org/news/superbetter-children-for-health-launch/

You can download this FANTASTIC book for FREE right now!

https://www.childrenforhealth.org/SuperBetterChildrenforHealth

Enjoy and pass it on to anyone who might also use it.

Seeding good deeds today is an annual tradition of doing good deeds. This tradition is practiced all over the world and on this particular day, hundreds of thousands choose to volunteer to help putting into practice the simple idea that every single person can do something good to improve the lives of others regardless of the quantity and by doing so we are positively and together changing the world.

This year, in Zambia particularly Mpangala village of Sansamwenje Community, the good deeds day was commemorated and the grand event took place at the newly built TIIF school with hundreds of community members in attendance.

This special event was courtesy of TIIF and was celebrated under the theme : moving from shaming to faming

The event was graced by men and women from all walks of life representing different clusters of our society.

These gallant men and women included those from Education, Health, Court, Social Welfare, Agriculture, Traditional leaders and the Media.

The event made the majority realize that the world could only change if we all walked the talk. Therefore, the event was meant to highlight the profound importance of being brother’s keeper.

It was altogether colorful and Incorporated in the program were life lessons that came from passionate agents of change.

The people of Sansamwenje village especially traditional leaders hailed the initiative of the TIIF Director, Mr Nsekwila Kelvin saying this was the first time the community was seeing an occasion of this kind, so unique and beneficial!

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They further said humanity is key to building any nation and the doing good deeds day is one tradition that we should add to our calendar because by doing so, we are weeding our virgin plants from which we shall pluck fruits when we are old.

“ Tusekwile imiti iikula.”

The village headman, Mr Siame Leonard later on asked parents to refrain from marrying off their children at a tender age infringing their rights as they are future leaders.

Many lessons were offered and the community received them with much gratitude some of which included "the need to be good and continue doing good" contributed by the TIIF Director, emphasising on the need to cultivate humanity in the today's generation.

Mr Kabaghe Richard, who is the village secretary, also reminded the community about the child protection policy, adding on that there was need to protect and support children children's Rights if we are to have a responsible and bright generation.

The head teacher from Sansamwenje secondary school, Mr. Chilongo Henley was not left out, and getting the chance to address people of Sansamwenje he urged parents and children to see the Importance of Education pointing to officials that attended the event.

The health wing took advantage of the event and preached Child Nutrition through the Community Health Assistant, Ms. Mwansa Modesta, and other lessons were: the Importance of Physical Activities by the Physical Education teacher Mr. Nkhoma Cletus and Child Development by Mr Peter Zimba who represented the media.
TIIF believes doing good deeds allows young people to learn and practice important skills, such as social awareness, perspective taking, empathy, and in some cases, organizational skills. For most people, helping others is intrinsically rewarding; we feel good when we know that we have made other people feel good.
“Remember, young people will be more likely to do what they see you doing. If we want our generation to begin to make a practice of doing good deeds for others, let's make sure we are doing good deeds ourselves.”

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How to Cope (and sometimes thrive!) During These Tumultuous Times

Throughout the world, millions of individuals and families are fearful of disease, death, financial troubles, and future uncertainties. So many things are out of our control. However, what we can control is our reaction to what’s happening in the world today.

Our job as parents and as leaders is to be part of the solution – to be the calm in the storm – safe harbors with solutions and positive attitudes – great examples of strength and courage.

Now is the time to walk the talk.

Let’s ask ourselves, “How can I be part of the solution? How can I help my family and friends get through this in the very best ways?” Most parents understand that children and youth ages 0-25 are extremely sensitive to fear energy--especially the kind that is swirling around right now. Of course, we need to be concerned and prepared, but we also need to avoid giving in to the fear that could be paralyzing to us and harmful to our family.

Here are 10 ways to cope – and even thrive – during these tumultuous times…

1. Comfort one another. What can we do to comfort ourselves and our children? Here are a few ideas: prepare and serve comfort foods, keep busy, exercise, pray, have fun together, play games, laugh! Just being together is sometimes the biggest comfort of all. Go outside and enjoy the Spring. Feed the birds, notice that the trees and flowers are waking up. Take a walk and just enjoy being alive!
2. Check your face in the mirror (and keep rechecking!). Your face and body language are telling your family a lot. Fear is real, but it doesn't have to consume you. You can show your children what faith looks like. Be careful how much news you allow in your home. After the tragedy of 9/11, children commented in schools about what they thought happened. Many children thought that hundreds of planes were crashing into buildings. They didn't know it was a video played over and over. Watch your energy and see if you are contributing to the fear your family already feels. Remember that your children look to you as their rock – their strength during times of turmoil.
3. Turn on the music. Music has the power to change people’s moods very quickly. Fun, upbeat music can help us maintain a positive outlook. Hey – for some people spontaneously dancing or singing does the trick! If you or a member of your family are feeling frightened, use music to create a calm atmosphere in your home. Perhaps you may want to play soothing music in the background as you go throughout your day at work and at home.
4. Find someone to serve. As we all know, serving others is a key to happiness at all times; not just in times of crisis. Look around… there are countless opportunities to serve those who are less fortunate than you.
5. Shift your focus from fear to gratitude. Count your blessings. Especially during times of uncertainty, tapping into the power of gratitude – focusing on what we do have rather than what we don’t have – is something we can all do for our mental and emotional well-being. Let’s be thankful for everything good in our lives, every day.
6. Maintain a routine. Remember that routine is a child's best friend. Routine means safe. To a child, routine means, “I know what to expect; I know what’s going to happen next.” Try to keep your family’s routines intact during this tumultuous time. Have family meals together. Talk about each family member’s feelings, if they want to share. Communicate openly, honestly, and frequently. Strong family connections usually result in emotionally strong children.
7. Create a family “Wish Statement.” This is a statement, in the present tense, that your children can think about when they (and you!) feel anxious. It could be, "The (………family name) is healthy and safe." "The (name) get through tough times on TOP!" "The (name) trust in God." Whatever it is, create a statement that can help keep your family armored against fear. Say it together, often.
8. Explain “why.” Tell your children why your family is doing what you’re doing right now, like buying more food and supplies; washing hands more often; staying home from school and church. If you explain to young children in simple terms, without scaring them, they will understand “why” in the context of their different developmental levels. For example, washing hands so often can seem obsessive if you don't explain to children why they need to do this.
9. Spend quality time together. This is a great time for you and your children to enjoy spending more quality time together. I believe there’s no substitute for spending unhurried time with your loved ones.
10. Reach out to the lonely. It has been said that love conquers fear. Fighting fear alone is terrifying for some people, especially older folks. If you know someone in your neighborhood or at your work who lives alone - reach out to them with loving kindness. We need one another, especially now.

I send you my love………….

Courtesy of Paula

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AS A SCHOOL WE ARE RUNNING TOWARDS QUALITY EDUCATION.

A couple of years ago I was privileged to chat with DR. David Baine, Professor Emeritus, Educational Psychology, University of Alberta Canada and Author of educational text/reference books.

Our chat was on the true meaning of Quality Education.

In his response he made it crystal clear that Quality Education prepares students for life, blends teaching of academics with teaching knowledge, skills and attitudes students require to live effectively in their current and future communities.

He introduced me to a Community-Referenced Curriculum which is based on the analysis of the unique communities students actually live in. For example, students living in communities like African refugee camps and rural areas have a different life experience and they deserve an education preparing them for their daily future lives in those communities.

The purpose of a community-referenced analysis is to identify the knowledge, skills and attitudes students require to live effectively in those communities. For a example, in one community, in addition to teaching academics, the curriculum might teach: entrepreneurial and vocational skills, avoiding substance, sexual and physical abuse, learning basic health care, avoiding gangs and criminal activities, managing personal, family and community life, learning parenting skills and developing a resilient personal and cultural identity.

David Baine, Ph. D. has published a book titled "Developing Community-Referenced Curricula.."
The book describes step by step how to develop a community-referenced curricula for students living in any community environment.

My colleagues who maybe interested in reviewing the book please don't hesitate to visit vectorbaine.com

As Tusekwile Imiti Ikula Foundation we are committed to promote true quality education for the children we are committed to serve.

We do not only prepare our children academically, we also prepares them to cope up with life's pressing issues.

I present to you TIIF Resilience Dance Crew.

“This dance is called the Resilience Dance.

Resilience is something we have and that we develop when we overcome difcilties and problems.
The more we have the better we are at coping with problems – learn how we can help each other develop it.”

1. What could it mean in life to ‘Fall Down’ – think of examples EG a friend or relative saying or doing something you did not like…doing something wrong in a lesson…taking something that did not belong
   to you and getting into trouble…dealing with a difcult time like school closing and lockdown because of Covid-19 etc
2. What could it mean in life to ‘Get Up’ when you have ‘fallen down’? EG getting the courage to talk to a friend or relative who has said something you did not like and telling them how you feel…finding ways to keep happy and busy during the lockdown etc
3. Why might you ‘Feel Strong’ once you have ‘got up’ EG – feeling good that you have tried what you can to solve a problem between yourself and a friend or a relative – even if it did not work–you tried! Etc
4. ‘Why do you think we also stepped back one step after moving forward?’ We move three paces forward when we show resilience bit often there is an obstacle in our way pushing us back –this might be ourselves or other people or other challenges that come up.

Developing and showing resilience is not an easy movement forward. Sometimes we might feel we move more than ‘one step back. When children can fall down and get up in life and not just in dance you are Superbetter Children! Falling down can be called a Challenge. When we fall over, the thing we need most at this moment is to get up and keep trying.

Love you all.

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I have realized that for the past years that I have been running TIIF and teaching, I have been working too hard and pushing myself too much, thinking that I have to do so much. I am now learning that it's not my responsibility to do more than I can, or to hurt myself in the process. We all have limitations and we must honor them. We must also trust that God cares for others infinitely more than we do, and He will care for them even if we can't.

My vision for TIIF is big. And I'm confident that we will reach it someday. It's just not now. And I have to accept that. So it is the same with you. You might wish that you could do more, but learn to accept the circumstances and the limitations that you have and be happy today. Knowing that you are doing meaningful and wonderful work and that you are making this world a better place for all. The value of our work is not based on the numbers of people we helped, or any other metrics. The value comes from giving of ourselves and giving our best.

I have decided to change things so that I am more balanced and that I can continue to have the health, energy and passion for this work to continue into the long term future.

I have used much of my time to think, pray and plan and there are a few things that I have determined.

I am thankful for the support my organization is receiving from men and women of good faith and good will.

Please pray for me so that I can get good health soon and that I may continue to learn to rest.

I am wishing you a prosperous 2021 and may the Almighty God grant you your deepest heart desires.

I love you all

Nsekwila Kelvin
Executive Director
Tusekwile Imiti Ikula Foundation

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Christmas is just around the corner and on this special day family and friends exchange different gifts with lots of love.

Have you thought about sending a gift to a vulnerable child but you don't know where to start From?

Well, do not fret or waste time because only a few days are remaining to celebrate Christmas.

Make a donation through TIIF and put a smile on a vulnerable child's face.

There is nothing as touching as knowing you made someone smile on the day considered special and sacred.

Help those who are underprivileged by making a special donation . This donation could be in your name or someone very close to you.

How to make your donation.

It is very simple and not time consuming, to make a donation to our Christmas plea, click on the link below https://www.peoplesfundraising.com/donation/tiif

Thanking you in advance for your generosity.

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Many countries globally have stratified populations , that is, socially, economically, politically and more.
Zambia is not exceptional. The majority of the Zambian populace have settled in unplanned settlements colloquially referred to as 'Shanty compounds” at times 'Ghettos'.
The people living in such settlements are prejudiced as they are considered crummy and
uncivilized.
Children in Shanty compounds are stigmatized at school and play grounds, young men looked upon as thieves even when innocent. The shanty compound is not always the den of thieves, sometimes it innocently creates space for the underprivileged to live.
TIIF has come to appreciate the importance of grooming up children in a good environment regardless of social stratifications.
A good environment allows children to grow with self-esteem and confidence. Thus, we shall continue striving to better the livelihood of children in such settlements through supplementing the government’s efforts in the promotion of education.
Isoka is one district that has not seen much development until Muchinga district was upgraded into a province.
Isoka is near the borders with Tanzania and Malawi. In 2010 (census) it recorded a population of 99,319 people.
Sansamwenje is a small village in Isoka . Many children in this settlement lack access to up to standard education mainly because of sponsorship and distance.
Imagine a child growing up in an environment where decent breakfast is presented in form of derogatory remarks, parents fighting every day because of unresolved marital disputes.

No opportunity to go to good schools or even step into class because their parents feel and fear the mere mention of school fees, a direct consequence of extreme poverty.
Where could such a child get any inspiration?

The majority of these kids run into the streets after completing primary school mainly because of lack of sponsorship.
This inescapable fact as driven TIIF to start building a community school with the help of well wishers and partners. The objective of the move is to accommodate those children who are underprivileged.
Shanty compounds are known for thuggery behaviors and rural areas for early marriages, to some extent this is a bare fact but there are many attributes to this kind of behavior.
The settlements in question have no recreational facilities and active programs to keep young people occupied. Therefore, after school many children lapse into early marriages and mischievous behavior since that is what the environment has to offer.
Can you really compare such an experience with that of the minister's child who knows nothing about poverty and has never seen his parents fight carelessly.
We all believe that everyone has an opportunity to do well in life but in practical terms 3 out of10 make it big from the ghetto.
This is the reason why TIIF will never tire advocating for education and equity.
Ghettos or unplanned settlements and rural setups in the eyes of the elite are synonymous with a prison. They believe nothing good can come out of such places.
“This is a conception which should be washed away from every reasonable and humane mind.”

Because of this notion, many children are born dead to many privileges life has to offer. This is a repercussion of finding themselves in an unfavorable environment.

Community leaders and organizations should work hard to better Ghetto and village communities, they should step into these 'prisons' here referred to as ‘uncivilized settlements' and show a new beam of light to these poor children.
Motivate and mentor them, diamond is mainly in the mud.

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