Academic Work visit

Response Network partner, Academic Work has sent over some of its employees to come view some of the areas where their assistance has helped better the lives of the Zambian people, a long held tradition. The group arrived at RN offices early Wednesday morning in preparation for a trip to view Chilubwa community school, which is about a four hour drive from Zambia’s Tourism capital of Livingstone.

Everyone remained in great spirits as we made the journey even though the road was not great in a lot of the areas. We broke for lunch at Kasikili and the whole group enjoyed a somewhat traditional African meal consisting of rice, nshima or pap, rape, chicken, goat meat and okra. Everyone seemed to enjoy it with many going back for seconds and even thirds. We then proceeded to Chilubwa where we arrived before 5 o’ Clock to cheering children. The children were so excited and happily singing and dancing and couldn’t wait to greet the visitors. The Academic Work crew were all smiles and eagerly danced along with the children while snapping pictures and filming some short videos.

After greetings and more dancing, it was time to pitch up tents for the night. The Academic Work visitors were introduced to their host families and they broke off in groups to talk to their respective host families and ask them a few questions. After the pitching of the tents, it was time for dinner which was another traditionally Zambian meal that everyone again seemed to relish. Everyone gathered around a cozy fire and exchanged stories and questions which lasted well into the little hours of the morning when everyone meandered to their assigned tents.

Morning came with a sense of excitement as our friends from Academic Work were led to the homes of their respective host families, one group made up of Thomas and Carlos from Academic Work went to the home of one Phineas who lives with his two wives and their children and was happy to talk to Thomas and Carlos with the help of his son who acted as interpreter. They asked questions back and forth and were shown around the homestead and down to the river where they collect water. They communicated the challenges they have living in that area and also managed to teach them a few words in the local language of Tonga. Thomas and Carlos were presented with a couple of baskets that the wives had weaved earlier that day, a gesture which touched them greatly. They also showed the host family pictures of Sweden including the capital city of Stockholm and also some of the activities that people participate in such as skiing, which amused the host family immensely as they have never seen snow before. Lunch and a lively game of catch later, we departed for the school once more where the official handover of the school commenced.

After the ceremony was concluded and everyone fed, it was time to board the vehicles and depart for Livingstone. As a last gesture, the Academic Work crew handed out lollipops to the excited children who were so happy to receive them, it warms the heart to see that such a small gesture or token can give someone such joy. All in all the trip was a resounding success and everyone was happy with everything that had been achieved.