Students from Saint Anthony’s Tri-Parish School in Casper and children of St. Joseph’s Children’s Home in Torrington raised more than $13,000 recently to assist Catholic hospitals and missions in Zambia with health challenges and the added threat of COVID-19. These funds will be used to equip rural hospitals with surgical equipment, personal protection equipment, medications and supplies. Since 2016, Wyoming children have conducted fundraising activities and provided more than $20,000 to these community hospitals and missions.

One of the recipients of these funds is the Minga Community Health Center. This small facility is located about 120 kilometers from a larger full-service hospital and serves a rural population of more than 275,000 people. The mission provides health services and treats an overwhelming number of cases involving communicable diseases such as malaria, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis.

The Muzeyi Mission Zonal Rural Health Centre was constructed by local villagers under the guidance of Catholic organizations. It serves a very rural population of more than 37,000 people who otherwise would have to travel several hours to seek medical assistance. Funds raised by Wyoming students will enable them to purchase basic surgical supplies and equipment for a basic operating room.

The connection between Wyoming Catholic students and Zambia began when Fr. Lucas Kazimaro Simango shared stories about children and schools of his community in Zambia. Students have continued to raise money to support the work of these missions and continue to learn how they are making a difference in the lives of many people.