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Sophie Meleif: volunteered with Students Partnership
Worldwide in Zambia 2005
"Mulishani! Yes, I'm starting with Bemba,
the most common local language in this area. But
in our training group alone, there are over a
dozen different ethnic groups, and our fellow
Zambian volunteers speak an average of four each.
It makes one somewhat jealous.
We
arrived finally, our first glimpses of an open
wide Africa below us, as the sun was rising. We
were met at the airport by an ex volunteer who
never left! The greatest thing about being in
public as a tourist is being the attraction. People
are curious, smile at you with all teeth from
dark faces. Kids look at you with amazement and
try to touch you out of curiosity.
Things
are simple here, people walk everywhere and are
listless, taking there time to do everything.
We learned to eat what they served us, nsima -
a porridge of cornmeal that you roll in your hand
to eat with vegetables or meat or beans. I think
we've almost mastered the technique!
I've
made friends, my roommate Lengue and others with
names I can't spell just yet. It's great talking
to them: we have sessions on HIV/AIDs and SPW
all day, as well as cultural lessons and practical
skills. In the evenings we have self-created entertainment,
with songs, skits, and whatever you can think
of."
Further
Information
SPW is a non-profit organisation working in Africa
and Asia. We are looking for volunteers (aged
18-28) to work at grassroots level. Living and
working in partnership with young African and
Asian volunteers, you will share knowledge, experience
& ideas to support rural communities in their
response to health and environmental issues affecting
their lives. It isn't about teaching overseas
in your GAP year. It IS about making a difference;
empowering youth in developing countries to take
control of their own lives and destiny.
Students
Partnership Worldwide
17 Dean's Yard
London SW1P 3PB
0207 222 0138
spwuk@gn.apc.org
www.spw.org |
