Teaching At Kawama School

On the 20th October 2015, 19 eager Cranleigh students departed for Zambia, a journey which they had been anticipating for months. Many of us were unsure of what to expect visiting a country 7,000 miles away from home in a continent many of us had never visited before. However after surviving 3 flights and several hours of waiting at airports we were immediately struck by the beauty of Zambia when witnessing an incredible sunset.

Whilst in Kawama we engaged in a wide variety of activities. We all taught Maths, English and Science – whilst it was hard at times to overcome the language barrier, the children all engaged with our teaching and it was incredible to see how enthusiastic they were to learn. We also painted the inside of the toilet blocks and helped create resources for a new library initiative that ‘Beyond Ourselves’ is starting. Furthermore, we visited local homes in the Kawama community to help with the chores; this was particularly eye-opening as we saw first-hand the conditions that the families live in, and this made us realise how much we take for granted back home.

One of the things that struck me the most out in Zambia was the similarities our communities have, despite the stark differences which range from GDP, to living conditions and technology. Kawama, just like Cranleigh, is an enormous community and this was evident from the second we were welcomed – how we were able to feel so at home is a real testament to the people in Kawama.

It made me realise that there are many things we can learn from the Zambians; their pride in who they are and where they come from astounded me – in the recent weeks of attacks worldwide it has been special to see everyone unite - however it is disappointing that Western society seems to only unite in times of adversity, whereas in Zambia they come from a culture of full unity every day.
These children are no different to us, we were so impressed and moved when we heard of their aims for the future: they wanted to be teachers, doctors, nurses, accountants, miners and many other ambitious professions.

They have the exact same potential as all of us at Cranleigh and they are only being held back due to the environment in which they are raised. This is not right. But with Beyond Ourselves support and the children’s determination to learn – amazing results are being seen, and there is no reason why these children’s aspirations can’t come true; just like ours.

The trip was truly a life-changing experience which we will never forget, and on behalf of all the Cranleigh staff and pupils I would like to thank; the children for being so amazing all round, the amazing teachers at Kawama School who welcomed us into their classrooms to help teach with open arms (I don’t think any of us could be the jobs they do – they are incredible!), and last but not least – Dan, Melissa and Jodie – all who dedicate their lives to ‘Beyond Ourselves’ and without them this amazing charity would not be able to achieve what it currently is.

By Christian, one of the students at Cranleigh School who visited Zambia