Reflections From Cranleigh Students

As an introduction to Kawama Community School, we observed a Grade 5 class, taught by Barbara. The children were learning irregular verbs in English, and they were very enthusiastic. Every child participated and thoroughly engaged in the lesson. They showed great respect towards Barbara, and impressive determination. One girl achieved 10/10 on the verbs exercise, and it was inspiring to see her pride in this. We moved on to Grade 1 for their printing class, which is part of their national curriculum. Their energy was great, whilst also being rather chaotic! The teacher, Doreen, kept control of the situation, and remained a calm presence in the room. After lunch, we had the opportunity to interview the school director, Pastor Cephas, and two of the school cooks. We learnt more about them individually, in addition to Zambian life in general. Cephas explained that people’s approach towards education has been improving over the past few years and the Kawama community are beginning to appreciate the work the school is doing.

On Saturday, we went to “Mechanics for Africa”, an organisation that trains mechanics over a 2 year course, at the end of which they achieve a City & Guilds accredited Diploma. We met Jason, who runs the charity, and he helped us understand the aims and objectives of the project. After a short safety briefing we learnt the basic principles of how to service a car and the excellent tuition by MFA mechanics meant that everyone was confident on how to change a tyre, check and replace the oil, clean the air filter and check battery voltage. We found it interesting to speak with the mechanics as they all had aspirations of opening their own garage in the future. 

A statement from Jason stayed with many of us: “Africa doesn’t need help, it needs opportunities.” This really made us reflect on sustainability and how ‘charity’ is more about giving people the opportunity to earn their own source of reliable income.

Getting It...

After a trip to Zambia, I often get asked what was the highlight of the trip?

There were the obvious moments; being with friends and colleagues again after a few months away from them, meeting our newest addition to the team family (baby Charlie Isaiah Whitcombe!), seeing the teachers at our partner schools continuing to flourish in the classroom. And of course, there’s always the opportunity for bean sorting!

But often for me, when we have visiting teams, the highlight is always the same. And never was it more so than on this recent trip with Cranleigh School.

My highlight is journeying with people as they start to “get it”.

By that we mean…getting to grips with the big issues, the big questions that are part of the everyday when you are involved in development and not-for-profit life.

There is something so special to me about walking with people, especially young people, as they begin to grapple with the injustice in our world, the inequality, the pain and struggle and yet at the same time witness them be surprised and inspired by the hope, the faith, the development, the possibilities for the future.

To see them start to unpick what they had previously been told was true, what the media has shown them to be true and challenge it head on. To truly understand the land, its culture and its people.

To realise that we don’t have the answers, that we aren’t the ‘saviours’ coming to bestow all our knowledge and goodness on those who are less fortunate than ourselves. That in fact, historically ‘we’ have got it so wrong and caused more damage than good, creating dependency and not offering empowerment and sustainability at all.

It’s the main reason we do trips, we aren’t a tour company. If people want to go to a developing nation and feel good about ‘helping the poor’ then we’re not the organisation for them!

My heart for the students (and anyone) we have visit Zambia with us is that they might be challenged and changed. That they might take all that they taste, see, hear, smell and touch, and have it stay with them. So that, as people of influence and affluence they might make choices that impact others well.

That they might be part of the generation that truly makes a difference.

Forms And Fundraising!

Just a little summary of what has been happening in the Beyond Ourselves UK office this past 2 weeks.

FORMS

As many of you know, we are changing our bank account – no mean feat! So all our dear supporters have been emailed asking them to cancel their standing order, and restart it with a different bank. I pressed the ‘send’ button with fear and trepidation. However, I need not have worried – our lovely friends have been very rapid in taking action. In life there are those who act straight away, and those who procrastinate (I fully admit to being in the latter camp with things that aren’t straightforward!). So we’ve had the first wave, and the procrastinators I am sure will follow shortly. But a big THANK YOU to you all for continuing to partner with us. It’s a journey we’re on together, whether you see the day to day running or not.

FUNDRAISING

· This month one of my dear friends had a ‘significant’ birthday, and rather than have presents he very kindly asked for donations to Beyond Ourselves. I am delighted to report that, along with his generosity, we received £1000 which amounts to one teacher’s salary for the year. Thank you Dave!

· Jodie and Andy Kelman (from Big & Red Storage) went to speak about Beyond Ourselves at the Rotary Club in Edmonton. They generously donated a 2KG Easter Egg which I have raffled at Stephen James BMW today. We raised £283.00 which is a fantastic sum. Congratulations to Phoebe Clarke in our Enfield MINI Aftersales! And thank you to the Edmonton Rotary Club.

Congratulations to the winner Phoebe

· Yesterday, we had two runners in the Brighton Marathon! Philip Miles and Eve Makombera. Whilst I love the hot weather, I expect it was a bit hot for them! Well done and a big thank you to both.

Eve Makombera

Philip Miles

· And finally we have our annual Golf Day on Friday 16th June at Bush Hill Park Golf Club followed by a BBQ and Party. If you are interested in playing, do get in touch by email to Karen@beyondourselves.co.uk. Tickets for the evening party will also be on sale soon. A great day/evening not to be missed.

So thank you for your forms and your fundraising. If you think of any ways of raising funds this Spring, then please go ahead. We very much depend upon your generosity to keep the work in Zambia going.

By Karen