The Freeplay Foundation provides Lifeline self-powered radios that need no batteries or electricity to provide daily access to radio school programmes and to provide vital health and life skills information. Through education, children and young people gain the self-esteem and confidence that expands their horizons.

Since 2003 Rotary has been supporting a project in Zambia called Learning At Taonga Market. 5800 Lifeline radios have been distributed helping around 400,000 children to obtain quality primary education.

Woodhall Spa Rotary Club members have played an active role in encouraging Clubs in District 1270, Rotary Inner Wheel and other organisations to support the project and many thousands of pounds have been raised. Each radio costs £35 and can transform the life of a child head of household or educate a class of 40 children for four years.

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Nelson Mandela

"The Lifeline radio can change the world -- one person, one house, one village at a time" Tom Hanks

In November 2007 Woodhall Spa Rotarian Ian Ramsay visited Zambia to see the radios in action. Ian has given many talks and presentations to a variety of organisations not only on the Lifeline radio project but also sharing his in-depth knowledge of the nineteenth century Zulu wars in Southern Africa. Ian has used all fees and donations from these talks to buy Lifeline radios for the Zambian project. His visit to Zambia provided a wonderful experience, showing him how the efforts of everyone involved have made, and are continuing to make, a difference to so many young lives.

If you would like to hear one of Ian's presentations please contact him via this website.

Sample presentations

Introduction to Freeplay Foundation - 25 minutes
Learning at Taonga Market - how one radio can change lives - 15 minutes
Rorke’s Drift - What was it really like? - 40 minutes

 Ian requires no payment for himself for these talks - simply a contribution to purchasing more Lifeline Radios.