. Lungu

By CHUSA SICHONE –
THE Esther Lungu Foundation Trust (ELFT) has pledged to contribute K50,000 towards the construction of a modern children’s eye hospital in Kafue District.
The Melvin Jones Children’s Referral Eye Clinic, named after the Lions Clubs founder, is currently under construction by the Lions District 413 at an estimated cost of K6 million.
ELFT chairperson Esther Lungu, who announced the pledge during a dinner hosted in honour of Lions Clubs International president Robert Corlew on Thursday evening, was hopeful that the children’s eye hospital would give hope for a healthy future for the coming generation.
“Being a Lion myself, it is this vein of ‘climbing new mountains’ that I reiterate my decision for the Esther Lungu Foundation to partner with Lions District 413 Zambia in the construction of the Melvin Jones Children’s Referral Eye Clinic.
“I believe this partnership will benefit both the current and future generation through the restoration and preservation of eyesight in our children,” she said.
Ms Lungu, who is the First Lady, observed that the Lions District 413 managed to construct eye hospitals in Kitwe and Senanga at approximately K2.5 million while another eye hospital would be built in Kabwe at about K9 million.
The Lions District 413 was also managing the Ndola School for the Blind which enrols up to 400 students.
Ms Lungu said Government appreciated the Lions Clubs for supplementing its development programmes.
She noted that Lions Clubs in Zambia had distinguished themselves in their service to local communities and thus saluted the Lions District 413 for partnering with the Government in providing medical, educational and social facilities to the underprivileged in society.
Ms Lungu also challenged the Lions District 413 Zambia to, among other things, deliver the candidature of past governor Hastings Chiti as International Director as he would be an ambassador for Zambia and Africa.
Chancellor Corlew said the Lions Clubs were growing faster than other organisations as they helped to make the world a better place to live in by fighting hard to help the down-trodden, poor and tackling disease outbreaks, among other humanitarian activities.
“In fact, specifically with measles and rubella, we the Lions have pledged that we are going to give another US $10 million just during the next year,” he said.
Mr Justice Corlew said the Lions as they commemorated their centennial year pledged over a year ago that they would better the lives of 100 million people globally by June, 2018, but that feat had already been achieved.
The Lions Clubs International president went on to induct 32 new members, whom he and Ms Lungu commended and challenged to adhere to the ideals of the organisation.