Mixing volunteering with adventure in Southern Africa

COUNTRY: Southern Africa (Swaziland, Mozambique & South Africa)
PROGRAM: GapBreak
PROJECT: Teaching & Care Work
WRITTEN BY: Elise Dean-Jones

It has come to the point where we are 2 months into our placement, and the final weeks are creeping up on us. I don't think any of us want to leave- Africa has treated us so well!

Once the weekend at the Bushfire festival ended we returned to Lidwala and commenced our final week of volunteering at our NCPs. It felt really strange that this would be our last week teaching in Swaziland, so we tried to take full advantage of our limited time. However, there was some sort of contagious cold going around the volunteers so we endured quite a struggle that week!

During the week we all had individual school sport days where volunteers and staff would conduct some games and exercises with the kids which we could all participate in. This also took the load off our shoulders, as the kids respond much better to the staff than us. For Rosie and I at Mlindazwe, our class was certainly more challenging than previously as we were informed that our teacher had her baby (who she had named the siSwati word for 'God's Plan'), so we were left on our own to manage the kids for the rest of the week. Some days we didn't have the keys unless a cooking lady arrived, so we had to spend the majority of our time outside playing educational games. Rosie and I had made some worksheets to put in exercises books, and bought stationary for the school, as well as a ball to play with outside.

Compared to our mischievous kids, the students at Laura's school in Ezulwini seemed very well behaved and got along very well with the volunteers, who found it much easier to teach them. They brought in some products for the school, like a broom, mop, floor cleaning products, toilet paper and stationary.

Lydia's school in Ekuzukekeni had 57 or so kids, so those volunteers found it very difficult to manage them. The volunteers brought a first aid kit, toiletries and some stationary. At Josh's school in Bethany, the kids were energetic and enthusiastic as always! He bought a first aid kit and some swings as the swings they previously had had broken off the set, so they were immensely happy with that. He also got them a few soccer balls, and instantly became massive supporters of Arsenal, although it may be a few more years before any of them make the team.

As Friday was our last day, we all brought in a few things to have a party for our schools, like cupcakes, biscuits, lollies (which in hindsight gave the kids way too much energy) and other treats they normally didn't get. We also brought things like balloons and bubbles, which brought with it a ton of laughter and fun for the kids. I don't think some of them even realised we were leaving - as they waved goodbye it was like we'd be back after the weekend. We really miss those kids! As naughty as some of them were, they will always remain in our hearts.

The week after, we went on a trip with some of the other volunteers to Victoria Falls. At first we were hesitant to go and miss out on a week of volunteering, but we realised that when in Africa, we have to go all-out and make the most of it! Rosie, Laura and one of the other volunteers went on a mad rush through Mbabane and ended up getting lost in Manzini attempting to get their last minute vaccinations before heading off on the trip.

We went with our guides Bob and Mpho, and it took about two days to drive there, going through South Africa and Botswana until we arrived in Zimbabwe. On the way we managed to see cows, goats, baboons, elephants and ostriches meandering near the side of the road. For the next few nights we stayed in Shoestrings Lodge in the town of Victoria Falls. We visited the Devils Pools in Zambia, where we got to swim right by the edge of the waterfall- an amazing experience. The next day the five of us all went on a Gorge Swing over the Zambezi River, where we jumped off the edge of a cliff, free fell for four seconds and swung over the water. Rosie, Lydia and I went in tandem jumps while Laura and Josh went on their own - Josh even did a handstand and went headfirst! No regrets. We're all glad we did this, as it would prepare us for bungee jumping later on in our trip! That afternoon we visited the falls, and thank god we hired some full-length rain jackets as the mist from the falls made us thoroughly drenched! It took a couple of days for our shoes to dry after that! On our last day in Vic Falls we went white water rafting in the Zambezi River. The hike down the steep mountain was enough to put us off considering how challenging it was not to fall, but we all had a great time going through the rapids. The boat that Rosie, Lydia and Josh was on managed to tip over in the waves, which actually looked like so much fun! We may have been a little envious. Until another boat decided to attack us and try to throw us into the water!

The next two days we drove back to Swaziland, stopping at the Blyde River Canyon in South Africa, the third largest Canyon in the world. Soon we arrived back in Swaziland and got ready for our next adventure down the coast to Cape Town. But we'll save that for the next blog entry!

Until next time,

Elise, Laura, Josh, Rosie and Lydia

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.

Learning the unplanned life in Zambia

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

Week three has seen a nice and steady pace as we have all got on with our duties and found things to do. There have been some issues with placements which has been upsetting. However we have all approached it with a very positive attitude as we continue to learn that plans are not something very easily kept here in Africa. The classroom doors are always open and the teachers are more than happy to have volunteers help them with controlling the large classes and helping to answer questions as well as occasionally teaching a new game!

We have continued our efforts in the kitchen and this has been hard work as we have taken turns cooking. However it is always exciting to see what types of meals we are able to serve with eggs, rice, spinach and pasta. We are doing surprisingly well.

There were plans to climb the big mountain again at sunrise. We had baked muffins and booked a taxi the night before that would pick us up at 4.15am. However, when awoken by our alarms the African Rain greeted us on our tin roofs. We decided against walking up the hill in the dark and pouring rain and enjoyed a nice lazy Saturday where we all caught up on our journal writing, spent time cooking and playing cards.

That afternoon a large bus came to pick us up and a few other members of the Tikodane lodge. We journeyed deep into the heart of Africa on an hours drive in order to visit a nearby village. Here we were treated to some traditional dancing, which seems to be the custom when welcoming guests into a village. Some of the members from Tikondane then gave a short presentation regarding hermiculture and in particular the concept of companion planting between cowpeas and maize. This was very interesting and yet another great initiative that Tikondane has brought into the community. All these things are done in order to combat poverty and it is wonderful to see many of the locals taking the advice and making positive changes in their lives for themselves as well as their children and future generations. We have sat in on many management meetings and this has really helped us to understand the ways in which things run and the difficulties and strengths of the individuals and the community centre as a whole.

It has been great to work through all of our challenges and weaknesses as a group and we are all very aware of each others strengths and weaknesses and when someone is in need of a joke or a shoulder massage.

Australia day saw all of us reminiscing about our homes and what we were doing last Australia day. It was probably an Australia day unlike any other that we will experience again. We all woke up and had a big breakfast. We then took a mini van into a village about an hour out of Katete and had the privilege of watching the chief of the village make a drum from scratch. This involved chopping the large tree trunk to size (which we all had a go at). Amy represented the girls well and showed us all how it was done. It was great to see another beautifully authentic African village. We then came back and presented some news to many of the local children about Australia and all of the wild and wacky animals that live back home. There were then plans to watch the movie ‘Australia’ but like all things in Africa we found ourselves changing plans (these days with much grace and acceptance) and watching ice age, which the children absolutely loved.
Later that night we had a meal and then were treated by some home made lamingtons, which were kindly made by Emily and Amy.

Its hard to believe that we are entering into our last week. However it is very exciting to start to wrap everything up and plan celebrations with each other and many of the locals of whom we have formed wonderful friendships and bonds with.

Zambia - A Week of Thrills, Shrills & Spills

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

Week one began with a few logistical hiccups – some people missed their flight, others were cancelled but eventually, somehow we all made our way to Zambia for a wonderful first week together.

The first day in Lusaka began with ordering breakfast. We ordered toast and were told five minutes later that they had run out of bread so they would go and buy some more from the corner store, about half an hour passed, then an hour and then after waiting an hour and half for our toast we concluded that it was not going to arrive. Seeing the comedy in it allowed us to all really brace ourselves for the fluid concept of time that the next four weeks will involve.

We continued exploring the city, which is very developed and westernised. We were able to visit the local Museum and Art Gallery of Lusaka, which informed many of us about the colonisation and development of Zambia as a democratic society. We were also able to appreciate the beautifully talented and robust pieces of artwork that were very reflective of the African country, which is so rich in its culture and national pride.

Sunday morning saw all alarms going off at 4am for a 4:30 departure. As our bags were piled onto the bus we were able to see who had struggled to pack lightly and who had not. The winner was Misty with a 25kg bag. Every single seat was taken up however we were all kindly given a window seat so we could view the serene green and hilly landscape. About three hours into the trip we pulled over to the side of the road and men were pointed to one direction while women were pointed to the other - this was out toilet stop and it was up to everyone to find a piece of grass or shrub to do their business.

We all piled back onto the bus and continued on our trip. By midday we’d arrived at Tiko Lodge where we were warmly greeted by staff. We were shown our rooms, which we were all very impressed with and later met for lunch.

Lunch was a traditional spread of maize, pumpkin leaves, chicken and fruit. This was followed by us sitting in on a board meeting, which gave us a greater insight into the organisation as a whole and how the management system worked.

We were all very tired after our big day of traveling and meetings and found ourselves in bed around 7.30pm.

After such an early night however we managed to surface quite early and helped ourselves to some delicious homemade bread and fresh fruit salad. Ebony and Lucy (from Antipodeans Abroad) arrived today to see how we were settling in and Blair, who’d been living a logistical nightmare for the past few days, was finally united with the group.

We all explored Tiko together under the guidance of one of the locals named Musa who showed us the different farming projects, classrooms and community centre.

On Wednesday we all had our thinking caps on from the get go. While some went to work to learn more about vermiculture, others did lesson plans, testing scaffolds and some arts and crafts in preparation for the kids. Blair and Emily (the two teaching students in the group) went to sit in on the local schools staff meeting, which they found very informative.

That night the group split into two. Rhoda, Anna, Lucy, Ebony, Blair and Andrea all headed off on a cart that was pulled by two cows to a local village about half an hour away where they met with the locals, had some dinner and watched a traditional Zambian dance. Funnily enough it started pouring down rain and the group got back to the Tiko Lodge soaking wet.

Emily, Amy, Bianca, Adam and Misty spent the night with Elke, hearing about her inspirational stories and how she has been able to get to where she is today.

The week continued with everyone continuing to bond and get to know each other and share plans, ideas and goals for the coming weeks. We are a group of nine with a wide range of personalities and people from all over Australia and of course one representative from New Zealand so we all had plenty of stories and experiences to share with each other. The group is working well as a team as many of us have been pushed outside our comfort zones with the occasional mice sighting, gastro bug and leaking roof or uncertainty about the food that is placed before us. The weekend will see us all venturing to South Uganda National Park where we will spend one night and one day on Safari.

Next week will mark the beginning of the school year here at Tikondale so it will be very busy, as over 600 students will fill the fields and yards. The health students will start exploring St Francis Hospital and there is no doubt that we will all continue to have many good, exciting and adventurous times.