Shared stories, experiences and apple crumble with Zambian locals

COUNTRY: Maldives
PROGRAM: UniBreak
PROJECT: Teaching & Community Healthcare
WRITTEN BY: Andrea McDowell

Time is a funny thing and it continues to amaze me that the concept and the ticking hand on the clock can move at different speeds for different people.

Last Friday night we all spent out final night together. One that consisted of playing cards, appreciation letters and reflective and comedic discussions with one another about the past four weeks at the Tikondane community centre in Katete, Zambia.

The past four weeks as a whole have been so unbelievably incredible. They have consisted of tears of laughter, joy, frustration, sickness and challenges. However all of these together have made the experience what it was. We have learnt about the true and authentic Africa. One that is not always seen to obey the clock and one where different forms of communication can be lost like a feather in the wind.

Although at times this saw us upset with that fact that we may not have been in the hospital as much as we would have liked to have been or in the classroom writing on chalk boards every weekday morning. It sure did challenge in terms of a preconceived ideas about the controlled and organised society that we live in within Australia and New Zealand. Although difficult, it is also an extremely valid and vital lesson to learn due to the harsh reality that at least 80% of the world live this way. It is a lesson that has allowed us to grow in acceptance, realisation and for some a sparked a burning desire to keep confronting these challenges and to be the change that they want to see.

Our last week at Tikondane was very special. We were all able to spend time together with not only each other but also the many new friends who had become our family and neighbours over the past four weeks.
Blair, Andrea and Anna ventured to a nearby local village where they spent the night. This was an extremely culturally enriching experience and one that will stay within the hearts of them for many years to come.

The adventure started when were picked up by a cow cart. Carry bags consisted of the very basics- toothbrush, a change of clothes (if that) and a sheet. Arrival in the village saw greetings from the head chief followed by a traditional African ghost dance that was incredible and very spiritually and culturally enlightening. It gave a true portrayal of the traditional African culture through the music, dancing, attire and village atmosphere. It was an extremely humbling experience.

The African rains then decided that there had been enough dancing for the evening and we quickly headed back to the village where we were met with Bensons beautiful family and some delicious and customary dishes including shema and pumpkin leaves. Stories were then told as we sat in a circle o a woven mat with Benson and his eight children and were told stories that have been shared with within and amongst the village for countless years.

It was soon time to head to sleep and we lay out sheets onto out mats and then closed our eyes and opened our ears to the African rain on the tin roof above our heads. Early the next morning we woke to feed the animals and wash ourselves using some heated stove water. We were then walking towards the fields with shovel is one hand and a pickaxe in another. We spent the next few hours shovelling fields and weeding the overgrown plants that were beginning to strangle the maize and pumpkin plants.

We then picked some of our own pumpkin leaves and ventured back to Bensons village. We then chopped these leaves and other vegetables under the hot African sun. This was then cooked and demolished by us after of busy and very tiring morning.

That night we all cooked dinner for Benson and his family at the Tikondane Community village. It was a beautiful night and quite an experience to see Bensons family tasting apple crumble for the first time in their lives.

The next day was officially our last full day. It was jam packed with last lessons, farewells and the arrival of bikes that Blair had successfully raised money for to donate to the Tikondane community. This was a heart warming experience as the lives of certain individuals who often had to travel up to two hours to work of school were changed for the better thanks to a set of wheels.

The afternoon consisted of a concert in front of about 300 school aged student. We were forced to swallow our pride as we performed songs from the Lion King. There was music and dancing in on all of the volunteers behalf’s and we were even lucky enough to experience the voices of the beautiful school choir.

That night the kitchen prepared a beautiful meal for us and we were able to share this with many of the new friends that we had made. We ate and danced and enjoyed each others company until late into the night. There were a few speeches and presentations and it was a wonderful way to reflect and spend the last night.

The next morning we woke up early and ready to start our journey home. Ironically enough it was pouring down with rain despite the fact that we had planned to walk to the bus stop which was just over and kilometre and a half away. We made it in the end and the experience at Tikondane proved that it was going to continue to challenge our strength of character up until the very last minute of our stay.

We arrived on the bus and all had a relaxed and comfortable journey back to Lusaka. It was nice to arrive back to the backpackers where we had actually spent our first night in Africa over a month ago and to think about all that we have experienced since last being there.

After a day of recuperating and enjoying each others company it was time for a bed and accordingly time for goodbyes due to the early mornings departures the next morning.

All and all, the Zambian UniBreak program was one that truly did push us all outside of out comfort zone in one-way or another. It challenged us personally, how we saw the world and how we were able to interact with those around us when working with limited resources. There is no doubt that there were ups and downs. However Napoleon Hill once said “strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle”.

Just a quick thanks to all of those who helped to make this trip possible and the constant support that was always on hand when needed.

A big thanks and congratulations to Amy who took incredible photos. Anna who was always giving things a go. Blair who lit up the room undoubtedly. Emily who showed what the true meaning of determination. Rhoda who was always willing to help and brought such kind and humble presence to the group. Bianca who managed to make us laugh and was willing to get involved everyday and Adam who continued to amaze us all with his loving and peaceful self.