The weather in Kawalazi has been hot and dry during the month. Rainfall has been less than expected; especially since it was to begin earlier this year.

The crop levels, however, have been healthy due to the heavy rains received at the end of October.

The main operation for the month was harvesting, and the crop levels showed healthy development. Weeding was conducted to prepare for fertilizers, which are applied in the month of December. Meanwhile, land preparation for the new field was also completed and is due for planting in January 2008. The nursery preparation for tea for new season has also started.

On the other hand, honey production continued this month, and the total harvest till date is 2100 kgs.

Mr Peter Banda is the current Asst Manager (Irrigation and Forestry). He joined the company in 1990 as a Coffee Supervisor and since moved up the ranks over the years. We selected Peter this month for a very special and proud moment in the Banda family.

It is not easy by any means to raise 6 children (3 boys and 3 girls), especially with their educational needs. After many years of struggling to pay the school fees for the children through their secondary education, two of his sons have now been selected to join university. They intend to major in Education and Social Science.

The period was an immense struggle for the Banda family. Peter is the only earning member of the family and as such bears all the responsibilities. However, he managed to save funds through his salary and company assistance (through an education loan). Peter has now managed to build a bright future for his boys.

This is a very proud moment for the Banda family. Peter in his own modest way will always give the credit of his own achievements to another party. In this case, he recognizes company’s active involvement as pillar for his family’s success. We at Kawalazi are not only honored but also very grateful to have a man of Peter’s strength and determination amongst us. He is a role model to us all.