Goodbye Zambia........... :(

My time in Zambia has come to an end.  The journey was an absolutely life changing experience that I know will shape my path in life forever.  I have sadly had to leave some amazing new friends behind but at least I know I will see many of them again soon in the future.  It literally is a family that you gain out there.  This was ever apparent on the final night when we had a leaving party. That really brings it home how many faces quickly became real friends.

Reflecting on my time there is something that will develop and expand as I have more time to think and learn more which will allow me to really evaluate what I experienced there. 

As a starting observation the needs of a developing country are enourmous.  This can not be tackled by one or two sectors alone.  Education, technology, infrastructure, healthcare, business, economics and politics are a few of the starting blocks that, in my opionion, need to be worked on.  There needs to be communication between all of these so the country, the people and their policies can grow together.  This combined process will take decades but will eventually have a positive and permanent impact on the standards of living and on life quality for all Zambians. 

The work of NGOs, such as Sport in Action and EduSport, do contribute hugely to the situation of people and especially children at the present time.  That is not to say that they have no long term implications because I know they do.  But these are some times very hard to evaluate and see.  What is not hard to see is the happiness, engagement and development of children who attend their schools and sessions on a daily basis.  The relationship that is formed between students and peer leaders is fantastic.  The work and dedication from the NGOs is second to none; they live and breathe for their organistaions. 

The qualities that Zambians poses need to be spread across the globe.  You cannot walk to the shop without being greeted.  They are so inquisitive.  They spread smiles and happiness.  They are so helpful; they would go out of their way to assist you if you are in need. 

What is especially needed is opportunity.  Education and employment opportunities.  The University system is not strong and the best option for those that can afford it is to travel to South Africa.  Children need to have a reason to focus in school.  They are so bright, clever and confident and they should all be able to expect to practice their talents when they are older. 

Projects such as the WALLACE Group are vital so the lives of people in developing countries are known of in the western world.  The group I was luck enough to be part of was a mix of students of many ages, life experiences and family backgrounds.  The one thing we had in common was what we learnt and will carry with us forever.  I am sure that it not only helped us all not take our lives for granted but also to not let countries such as Zambia and their struggle be forgotten in out comfortable world.  REMEBER - you do not choose the country you were born into...but you can help to change other peoples lives who were not as lucky as you.  This is what the project has taught me.

I miss Zambia already!  My family, friends, house and work!  I hope to return one day! To see a country that is working together and growing stronegr.  Peace and Love Zam! xx

HIV Support Group

This week I attended a support group at Kalinglinga Clinic where approximately fourteen attendees who were all HIV positive discussed their current situation and answered questions for us.  To put into context the problem out here; 200 people a week are dying of AIDS, there are 710,000 AIDS orphans in Zambia and the average life expectancy is 40 years old. 

One patient described to us that there is still a large amount of stigma attached to people living with HIV/AIDS.  They explained that this can lead to people having to travel substantial distances to receive treatment and counselling at a clinic they feel comfortable at.  It is a sad fact that people still cannot confront the issues in their own community and feel they have to travel into an area where they are unknown. 

Also, although all clearly stated that ARV drugs were technically available, the group described the situation that many faced in reality due to economic restraints.  As the numbers of patients who require the drugs is huge it creates large queues at the hospital which some people cannot unfortunately afford to wait in.   Financial and social restrictions mean that there has to be priorities and regrettably these are not always the attainment of ARV’s.

The group also stressed the need for further education and then empowerment so women can adhere to the sexual and social practices they have been taught.  Many women still feel unable to refuse to unprotected sex with their partners.

Sport in Action (SIA), one of the NGO’s I’m working with, work with the clinic to try and provide counselling for people affected with the virus.  SIA also introduced exercise into the programme which has ‘helped to provide a distraction’ from the burdens of everyday life.  It also contributes to the prevention of one of the side affects of the ARV’s.  The patients described symptoms such as weight gain, visible veins, pain in their legs and itching.    The clinic also has the outreach programme where it goes door-to-door to provide testing for HIV and invites people to their clinic for treatment or counselling or they provide information on medical services which would be more appropriate for their needs.

These are all positive steps however there is still undoubtedly lots more to be done.  One gentleman who was attending informed us of the religious influence that falls upon the community.  He explained the harrowing message that some Catholic organisation are still spreading; that if you believe in the faith you will be cured.  The man fully understood that this was preventing contraception from being used as a rule of sexual relations.  His belief was that even Pastors needed re-educating so they can teach modern scientific knowledge alongside religious values. 

Men, Women and children need to be educated so they can make informed and safe decisions.  It is also imperative that the social and economic realities of the individual country are considered when planning programmes to educate on such issues.  There is no point in having numerous human rights laws there to protect people if the reality is that they cannot actually help themselves in their daily lives.   

*Every Cloud has a Purple Lining*

I have been lucky enough to participate in some fantastic programmes in the last week.  The ability to network out here is amazing.  Everybody is so welcoming and there is genuinely not enough hours in the day to attend every invite. 

One of the main highlights was UTH Special Education School visit.  Nathan (a good friend and a St Andrews volunteer who is now living with us) invited me and some of the students to the school.  We were expecting to take a P.E and English class but it happened to be an important ceremony that day with the British High Commission there handing over new funds!  It was an absolute pleasure to meet some of the charismatic, friendly and confident children.  One who quickly became a favourite was little ‘John Wayne’ who is a young boy with Downs Syndrome.  He was SO happy and cute and was very engaging…constant tickles were the order of the day for him!  The morning was a great way to dismiss the common and pessimistic view that aid and charitable donations do not really help people in third world countries.  What I witnessed there was an unequivocal indication that the hard work of fundraisers and donations of aid do change lives.  It is indeed hard to draw on any criticisms from the school itself.  Thought should be given though to the thousands of handicapped children who are not fortunate enough to attend such a wonderful school and therefore miss out on the vital support and education which stimulates these children’s minds so much.

Darren, a fellow Northumbria student, held a sensory workshop at his placement this week which can only be described as extremely messy fun!  He brought along cans of shaving foam and the kids and I basically had to squirt it all over the class room and ourselves!!  Enjoyable does not adequately describe the vibe in a room full of children with learning disabilities, students and teachers all covered in the stuff laughing and messing around! 

Yesterday I observed a ‘Life Skills’ class held by Pearson, who is one of the peer leaders for the NGO I’m working with.  It was a truly inspiring experience.  The aim was to discuss ‘self awareness’ and encourage the girls to live their lives in an honest and honourable manner.   Pearson explored issues such as how they could be confident, successful, peaceful, curious, strong, inspirational, structured, economical and talented.  I took detailed notes so at my next interview I can articulately and creatively market myself!  It was heartening to observe such important issues being discussed.  This is a clear example about what I have discussed previously regarding the importance of education on responsibility and development.  Pearson’s lesson was an outstanding example of how children can be inspired to live a better life for themselves.  We have a lot to learn from this type of education.  Children in the UK could benefit greatly from such life skills which would allow them to develop with a clearer goal and focus into future life.

This also reminds me of another positive educational tool I have witnessed this week.  I was reading a Zambian text book for children aged around 14 years old and was pleasantly surprised by the contents page!  The topics discussed were; a brief Zambian history, their constitution, government format, how to manage yourself economically and so on.  I have personally always stated that we in the UK are not educated enough on politics and economics which thus leads us into adulthood unequipped to deal with everyday life and ignorant to the politics of our world.  It is just a shame that the children in Zambia do not have as many opportunities as us when they leave school so they can put into practice some of the practical information they have learned.  Hopefully, with education such as that which Pearson provides, the next generation will be empowered to lead their country into a prosperous, democratic and sustainable society. 

International Development…Societal Change Not Just Pumped Funds.

This week is the first where being on the ground has actually shown first had some of the problems a developing country such as Zambia faces.  The frustration that arises when one is trying to make progress stems from a variety of sources, which are all, contributing to a slow recovery from a deep pit. 

The irritation is not one of anger but is of annoyance at the lack of centralised and coherent programmes that will elevate the children into a brighter future. 

The laisse faire attitude of certain teachers is disappointing when you have travelled around the world to volunteer to improve the standard of educating.  In a class that myself and a fellow student attend last week, the teach was too quick to disappear when we arrived, leaving us with a large class of students.  Luckily Matt studies maths at Uni otherwise the class would have not continued.  It is not that I would protest about leading a class on our own but when you turn around for a second and the teach has gone it does not instil the hope in you that it is a combined effort to make a lasting effect for the children.  This was meant to be the first day back at school after the summer break and the school was near empty.  Many students and teachers had not returned and the peer leaders were also absent on arrival.

It must be stated this is not the case in every placement and there are many students and teachers who are eager to learn and participate in academic activities.  However it is also not uncommon for schools to be lacking in coherent structure and concrete programmes. 

It is vital that permanent arrangements are in place for Zambia to begin to become self sufficient and enable better prospects to become the norm for all.  There are of course the conflicting issues of maintaining Zambian ways and not stamping a westernised foot on the African country.   Nevertheless if Zambia wishes to climb the poverty ladder it will have to begin to form a structure it can stick to and preserve so it can begin to be deemed as a responsible and reliable country. 

These are issues that money alone cannot change.  Teachers, peer leaders and influential community members needed to stress the importance of issues such as time-keeping, commitment and consistency.  I am not arguing for Zambia to turn into the ‘rat-race’ society that we have become but people here must remember that they are liable for their own futures and how they develop. 

These types of change will take a long time to implement successfully and without destruction of national values.  They are however fundamental elements to a developed country who are self sustained and not vulnerable to economic uncertainty.   I want to see a Zambia that can stand on its own two feet and not need the support of numerous international organisations.  These types of issues are just some of the attributes I believe it will need to adopt before it is able to do this.