Kalomo Heath Partnership

Introduction

The partnership between Haywards Heath Methodist Church and St Paul’s Church in Kalomo, Zambia began in 2007, following a period of reflection on how the church might engage in an outward‑looking project with a developing country. The aim was not simply to raise funds and support a partnership financially but to build a relationship that would “benefit both churches” through shared learning and Christian fellowship. Early correspondence between ministers and church leaders helped establish a strong foundation for mutual understanding and encouragement.

Our Early Visits

We felt in the early stages that the best way to bring the partnership to life would be to have some direct contact in the form of a visit. In 2008, a small team from Haywards Heath travelled to Kalomo. They experienced generous hospitality and witnessed a vibrant church life centred on youth work, fellowship groups, and community engagement. A return visit followed in 2010, though only three of the four intended visitors were granted visas. Their time in Haywards Heath brought the partnership “to life with the advent of these joyous, involved Christian people.” A second Haywards Heath visit took place in 2014, and another group from Kalomo visited in 2016, strengthening friendships and deepening understanding on both sides.

Follow these link to our gallery to see more of the highlights of our visits:
Visit to Kalomo 2008
Receiving friends from Kalomo in 2010
Visit to Kalomo 2014
Receiving friends from Kalomo in 2016

Our Projects

Over the years, the partnership has supported several practical initiatives. Haywards Heath contributed to completing the new church building and constructing the first manse for St Paul’s. Our fundraising for Kalomo which has always been separate from general church funds was achieved through concerts, bookstalls, fairs, and the generosity of individual members. More recently, the churches jointly developed a bursary scheme enabling ten vulnerable primary‑age children to attend school with the necessary uniforms, books, and fees. When the Zambian government made education freely available in 2022 we focused our bursary scheme on ensuring vulnerable children had the food they needed because of the severe drought conditions in the last few years. We also supported a young person with his pharmacy studies and are pleased that he is now fully qualified.

Current Activities

Both groups which visited Kalomo were struck by the challenges faced by some of the rural communities which form part of the broader St Paul’s consistory – particularly the Rural Resettlement (RR) where the village drew water from an uncovered well. Through our fundraising we are working in partnership with our friends in Kalomo to deliver a covered bore hole which will provide safe drinking water for a whole community.

Hopes for the Future

It is more than 10 years since our last direct contact through a shared visit and we are keen to explore the potential of a further visit to Kalomo over the next two to three years and continue to introduce members of our congregation old and new to our friends in Zambia and deepen our relationship further.

If you’d like to know more
Or if you’d like to join our working group, please contact Carol – Click HERE

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