The M Fest! Festival in Mkushi, Zambia, July 2011

Sara Drawwater
Archive
15 June 2011
It’s time to get ready for another M Fest. Mkushi town invites you join them on the 3rd and 4th of July for a weekend of sports, shopping and disco dancing. This years M Fest is in aid of the…

It’s time to get ready for another M Fest. Mkushi town invites you join them on the 3rd and 4th of July for a weekend of sports, shopping and disco dancing. This years M Fest is in aid of the Tusekelemo Community Medical Centre and will have live performances from the amazing electric violinist Caitlin Papier. The M Fest is a sporting and cultural festival that normally takes place over the closest weekend to Heroes’ Day and Unity Day (July 4th and 5th). Go along and watch the districts battle it out for the ‘Mushi Mkushi’ Sports Trophy!

The event will include:

  • Performances by the popular electric violinist Caitlin. Caitlin is both talented and beautiful. Best of all she is Zambian and always takes time to come back to events in Zambia — no matter how big or small they are.
  • Fireworks displays
  • Craft markets
  • Food stalls
  • Lots of entertainment for the whole family

Event information

  • 3rd and 4th July 2011
  • Mkushi Country Club
  • Register from 08:00 on the 3rd of July
  • Entrance fees are ZMK100,000 for adults, ZMK50,000 for under 16’s and free for under 5's
  • There will be plenty of food stalls available throughout the event
  • Contact Mark Hazelden on +260 (0) 966 610 to find out more

AccommodationThere will be a campsite at The Mkushi Country Club with hot showers and loos. There are also various lodges within the area such as Loza Guest House (+260 (0) 965 353 170) and Forest Inn (+260 (0) 215 353 003). You are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment.

Taking partIf you’re keen to join the sporting events which include golf ,cricket, tennis and squash, you need to contact your area representative. Contact Mark Hazelden on +260 (0) 966 610 to find out more.

About the M Fest — in support of Tusekelemo Community Medical Centre

Interestingly, the M Fest only started in 2010 but was very well received with 1000 people through the gates. This year 1,500 visitors are expected. The 2010 and 2011 M Fest funds are used in part to raise money for Tusekelemo Community Medical Centre which is a wonderful clinic started up by the Mkushi Farming Community in 2001. Tusekelemo is a resource for everyone living in the area. It now receives patients from a much wider area than just Mkushi, as it has established a great name for itself.

Before the clinic opened, the poor quality of care available, combined with shortages of resources, resulted in an inability to deal with common and easily treatable ailments. Prior to the existence of Tusekelemo Community Medical Centre Mkushi residents had to travel to either the Copperbelt (200 kilometres away), Lusaka (300 Kilometres away) or Kabwe (140 Kilometres away) for the nearest reputable pharmacy and medical care.

Tusekelemo is a charitable trust run by a wonderful Zambian doctor called Oliver Malokota. Tusekelemo provides first referral level health care in the following areas:

  • Outpatient care
  • Emergency
  • Maternity
  • Obstetrics
  • Gynaecology
  • Paediatrics
  • In-patient care for general surgery
  • Laboratory services with a range of diagnostic tests
  • X-ray room

There has been some outreach into the community with the aim of providing remote areas with health education and clinics away from the centre. The ethos of the clinic and the principles observed in its relationship with patients are commitment to quality, cost-effectiveness, Christian ideals, continuous learning, respect and a focus on the patient.

Stay informed about Tusekelemo Community Medical Centre by liking them on Facebook. Get tickets by calling Mark Hazelden on +260 (0) 966 610.

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