Olga's project

Olga’s project started in 2003. It was the idea of a private donor (the family of Olga Diappi in her memory), Giovanni, a volunteer of CeLIM (an Italian NGO running development projects in Zambia since the ‘60s), and YCTC (a training centre for orphans and vulnerable youth based in Livingstone -Libuyu Compound- built up by Livingstone Diocese in partnership with CeLIM). The Diappi Family wished that Olga's inheritance could be shared with the community and for the community by helping YCTC to become economically sustainable. Hence the idea of building a guest house and showroom to cover the costs of the school and allow the greater number of youth in need to access to the training. Many friends also supported Olga's through a wedding list of a member of the family. If you want to become a supporter of Olga’s and YCTC please go to How you are helping us. From 2006 to 2009, Olga’s project has been followed by Ilaria and Michele (CeLIM Volunteers based at YCTC for 3 years) who have turned the project into reality, also with the help of the current project supervisor, Giuseppe.

« Michele and Ilaria (picture to the left); Gerard, pizza chef and Brandina, main chef (picture to the right)»


2003	Money is donated to CeLIM with the idea of using it for Olga’s. A plot next to the main road is found and bought by the Diocese.
2005	CeLIM sends the first volunteer (Stefania, an architect) to start the planning for the renovation of an existing structure.
2006	Ilaria and Michele join the project in support of Stefania. Due to the poor condition of the foundation, it is decided to demolish the existing building. Stefania leaves after delivering the complete set of drawings for the new building and is replaced by Maria (another architect sent by CeLIM).
2007	Maria adjusts the drawings and starts the construction of the external fence. In August, a contractor is chosen and the project can start. Maria leaves and is replaced by Giuseppe chosen to run the restaurant and most of all the “Pizza Oven”.
2008	The building is complete. Ilaria, Michele and Giuseppe are proud to be in charge and to start running the activity!
2010	In the two years since its inauguration, Olga's has become one of Livingstone's landmarks and its local staff has achieved remarkable managerial and professional skills, and it is the staff taking the reins of the restaurant from Giuseppe.
2011	Building on Olga's success, CeLIM and Politecnico di Milano are starting the construction of Olga's accomodation complex, thanks to the support of the Cariplo Foundation and donations from the Diappi family and friends. This will help Olga's and YCTC to shape a future of full managerial and financial self sufficiency.

So, as you can see, it has been a long process but we hope that the long wait has been worthwhile! And it's just the beginning...

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