Willow Wheelers Mission Trip to Zambia, February 2025

The annual Willow Wheelers Mission Trip is a unique experience, one that offers a deep insight into the lives of communities in the developing world. The first trip took place in 1996, when the late Christy McDaid organised a visit to The Gambia to help students gain a better understanding of life in less privileged parts of the world, and to see the positive impact of the funds raised through the 100-Mile Cycle. Since then, the Wheelers have travelled to many African countries, as well as Brazil and Vietnam.

This year marked the group’s first visit to Zambia. The country was chosen after Christy received an invitation from Fr Michael Walsh C.S.Sp, founder of the Orphans and Vulnerable Organisation (OVO Zambia), to visit Pemba and observe the organisation’s work. Planning such a trip is always a major undertaking, particularly when travelling to a developing country. However, by February 2025, all arrangements were in place and a group of 31 participants, including nine students, set off for Zambia.

Lusaka

Fr Cycus C.S.Sp, Spiritan Provincial, and Fr Malambo C.S.Sp welcomed us at the airport before we boarded a bus to our accommodation. As with many previous trips, loading the bus with our luggage proved a challenge due to the sheer number of suitcases.

It would be a mistake to assume these were packed with outfits for our stay. In fact, the cases were filled with donations from Willow Park pupils, their families, and the Wheelerettes. Before the trip, volunteers packed each suitcase with school supplies, sports and educational equipment, clothing, shoes, musical instruments, and much-needed sanitary products for girls. Even the suitcases themselves had been donated, allowing us to leave them behind at each project we visited.

The first recipient of a donated suitcase was the newly opened James Corboy Secondary School in Mazabuka, run by the Sisters of the Holy Spirit. When we arrived, Sr Marianne explained that the school had been established to meet the needs of students finishing at the nearby primary school, which had opened in 2012.

Alongside the core curriculum, the school places a strong emphasis on agriculture and promotes self-sufficiency. This ethos extends into the wider community, where residents are given pigs or goats with the understanding that the animals’ offspring will be passed on to others. Our tour of the school and farm clearly demonstrated the sisters’ innovative and practical approach.

Although we would have loved to spend more time there, our schedule was tight, and we moved on to our next destination: Pemba.

Pemba

Fr Michael Walsh CSSp, originally from County Offaly, began his missionary work in 1966. It is truly remarkable that he still devotes himself to improving the lives of those in need. Pemba, in Zambia’s Southern Province, is home to many vulnerable communities severely affected by drought and HIV/AIDS.

In 2001, Fr Michael founded OVO to provide food and educational support for orphans and other vulnerable people. Since then, the organisation has expanded significantly, with eight centres now operating across various districts and parishes. Last year, a new centre was opened in Habbongo Village, where Fr Michael now lives.

As we approached the centre, we were met by children and families who greeted us with singing and dancing. The sense of joy was overwhelming, making it hard to believe the daily challenges they face. Fr Michael later explained that up to a year ago, the area had suffered from widespread famine due to severe drought. Many children had been orphaned and had little chance of escaping poverty.

The nearest schools are often 4 to 8 kilometres away, and children must walk through dense forest, exposing them to the risk of wild animals, road traffic, and other dangers. Unsurprisingly, many were reluctant to attend school. In response, Fr Michael secured land closer to the village and established the Habbongo OVO Centre.

Buildings have now been constructed, but much remains to be done to secure the future of the school. That said, there is already a spacious playground, where students from Blackrock challenged local children to a football match. While we didn’t record the score, I would confidently say the Zambian children came out on top.

Respect

Speaking to people in Habbongo, it was clear that Fr Michael is held in the highest regard. More than that, he inspires good people to join him in his mission. Dr Macrina Lyaundi, a retired head teacher, now volunteers her time to support the school. Likewise, the headmaster, Hans, left a job in another district to lead the school on a fraction of his former salary. With no other accommodation available, he even sleeps in his office.

The centre also includes a women’s workshop, managed by Sr Josephine. Women there make and sell bags and purses, each tagged with the name of the person who made it, ensuring they receive the full price from the sale.

As we left Habbongo, there was a shared feeling among us that we had met a truly extraordinary individual in Fr Michael.

Livingstone

On the way to Livingstone, we stopped at a training centre in Zimba run by the Holy Rosary Sisters. Sr Bernadette explained that the centre was set up to support early school leavers. The area faces serious challenges, including domestic violence, hunger, and drought. Teenagers frequently marry young due to a lack of opportunities, continuing the cycle of poverty into the next generation.

To break this cycle, the school offers training in carpentry, IT, food production, tailoring, and construction, with the aim of equipping students with the tools to build a better future. During our visit, we met bright and engaging students who spoke confidently about their goals and ambitions. Lunch was prepared by students from the catering course – not only was it delicious, but the pride they took in their work was evident. We left Zimba feeling inspired and hopeful.

In Livingstone, we visited two more schools: Maria Regina School in Linda and the Spiritan Academy in Maloni. Both face financial hardship, as many of their pupils come from disadvantaged backgrounds. Often, parents cannot afford school fees, putting additional pressure on already limited resources.

To our amazement, teachers work for as little as €2,000 per year to keep the schools running. The Spiritan Academy receives no government support and depends entirely on donations. Fr Daniel Nagi CSSp explained that the school has many needs and is in a vulnerable position. “It’s hard for children to feel a sense of self-respect when they have no desks or chairs,” he told us. The school’s motto, displayed beneath its crest, reads “Touching Lives Forever” – a sentiment clearly embodied by Fr Dan and his team. We were deeply moved by the dedication and sacrifice of those working to improve the lives of others.

Incredible Experiences

This mission trip was full of memorable moments. We visited the Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River, explored Zambia’s natural wildlife, and even toured a local radio station, where students spoke about their experience of the trip.

We were also honoured to be hosted by Her Excellency Bronagh Carr at her residence in Lusaka. She spoke about her role and the work of the Irish Embassy in Zambia. For example, a pilot programme of mobile courts is being launched with support from the Embassy and Irish Rule of Law International to reduce overcrowding in prisons and improve access to justice. That evening, we relaxed, shared stories, and watched the sun set over the ambassador’s beautiful garden.

It was a privilege to be welcomed by the ambassador, and it is thanks to Christy that this visit happened – he had arranged it before the trip. We had all looked forward to telling him about it, and everything we had seen and learned in Zambia, upon our return. Sadly, this was not to be, as Christy passed away shortly after we arrived home. As a result, our memories of this incredible journey are tinged with sadness.

The Impact of the Willow Wheelers Mission Trips and the Role of Christy

The Willow Wheelers trip is unlike any other. People often assume the group is travelling to build houses or volunteer in schools. While these are worthwhile pursuits, the Willow Wheelers Mission Trip is something else entirely. Its main purpose is to reach out to the poorest of the poor and to help in any way possible.

Thanks to Christy’s network of contacts, the Wheelers have visited some of the most remote and disadvantaged communities in the world – places few have ever heard of. Spending time with these communities provides a real understanding of what life is like on the margins, and of the root causes of poverty and injustice.

In turn, the trip offers a form of education that cannot be replicated in any classroom. Perhaps the most extraordinary aspect of the Willow Wheelers Mission Trip is Christy’s bravery in leading groups into some of the world’s most forsaken places. Again and again, I have been humbled by the gratitude shown to us by people who have so little, simply because our presence reassured them that they were not forgotten.

The Willow Wheelers Mission Trips have had a profound impact on the lives of those who participate, offering transformative experiences and a deep understanding of global humanitarian work. Central to the success and ethos of these missions is the tireless dedication of Christy, to whom many participants owe a significant debt of gratitude.

Feedback from past participants consistently highlights the life-changing nature of these trips. One of the most reassuring aspects is the transparency with which funds are handled—every cent raised by the Willow Wheelers is directed precisely to where it is most needed, ensuring maximum impact.

During a first-hand experience in Kenya, the scale and authenticity of the Wheelers’ projects were striking. One notable initiative included feeding programmes in shanty towns—just one example among many of their extensive work. This exposure raised an important question: despite the magnitude and value of these efforts, why is there so little awareness of them across the school campus?

In conversation with Christy about this, I asked whether he took pride in the positive difference he was making in so many lives. His response was telling of his character: “I don’t bother telling people…you just do what you can.” This simple yet powerful statement reflects the essence of Christy’s approach—marked not by the desire for recognition but by a quiet humility and unwavering commitment.

Behind Christy’s wit, sharp insight, and occasionally grumpiness lay a deeply humble and generous spirit. His example continues to inspire all who are fortunate enough to witness or take part in the work of the Willow Wheelers.

Author: Áine O’Donoghue