Ayinde talks with Bethar
from David Kaunda

Mwabukabuti! This word means “Good Morning” in Tonga, one of the 77 language groups here in Zambia. We learned several Tonga words and phrases today to prepare for an upcoming trip to Monze. During our lesson, most of us struggled; however, our counterparts at the David Kaunda National Technical School were helpful with phonetic spellings and pronunciations. Bertha, my patient and sweet student counterpart (and my grandmother’s namesake), helped me distinguish the formal from informal phrases. We still need a lot of work, though.

Day two at DK was long but exciting. Prior to our Tonga lesson, five LearnServe instructors taught lessons to Zambian students. The entire group shadowed students and teachers for the remainder of the morning. We had varied experiences during our classroom visits that emphasized the diversity of teaching and learning styles at DC metropolitan area schools and at DK. Many of us are viewing our home schools with new eyes—some with appreciation and some with apprehension. Taking tea and painting blackboards were also a part of the day’s activities.

I felt at home all day. I know I am not at School Without Walls right now, but boy do I feel like I’m with my own students watching the LearnServe kids giggle and gossip with the DK kids. And when the DK Dance Team challenged our kids to a dance off this afternoon, complete with all the Michael Jackson moves we could handle, the feeling of being at home only intensified. The video may be coming to you soon on YouTube. We only spent two days at the David Kaunda school, but both students and teachers made our experiences amazing ones. We cannot wait to see them once more on Friday.

Twalumba Kapati DK! (Thank you DK!)
Ginea Briggs, teacher at School Without Walls

Elizabeth talks to Oscar at DKHS

I talked with an 18 year old girl, Isabel, who is in her last year at David Kaunda. Polite and soft-spoken, she humbly explained her goals after she finishes high school. She’s strong in her English classes, and hopes to be a journalist (a goal we share). She told me about winning an essay contest, where the prize is a trip to the United States, but then the scholarship money fell through and she was unable to go. It was frustrating to see such a talented writer lose out on an opportunity she wanted so badly. I wasn’t expecting to connect so strongly with Isabel — enough to promise myself to find a way for her to come visit America and pursue her dream as a journalist there.

Alphius and Marshall
talk with Puta at DKHS

In addition to discussing the different publications in the US and Zambia, I got a brief explanation of the rules at David Kaunda. I think this sums it up: you can get expelled for having a boyfriend. Isabel was shocked to learn that some American girls take their boyfriends home to meet the parents. In short, the school is clearly stricter than any American school I can think of. However, one phenomenon is definitely the same in Zambia: seniors are superior to all underclassmen. All students, except for seniors, do chores around the school.

I’ve been hearing our group leaders say that we will get more out of this trip than we give, and I didn’t really understand that at first. When I pictured this trip, I just pictured various community service projects throughout the country- but I neglected to picture what I might take away from it. After seeing a group of motivated, intelligent, and friendly students seeking to better themselves with whatever opportunities and resources they are given, I’m starting to rethink wasting opportunities at home—opportunities Isabel and her friends would kill for. I’m beginning to realize the magnitude of the appreciation for opportunities at home that I’ll gain from my time here. And it was nice to know that two girls living in completely different parts of the world, with different schooling and living situations, have similar goals for their futures.

~Margot, a student at National Cathedral School

After a long day of building bikes for the World Bicycle Relief, we came home to relax. We were unaware that we were having company and were truly excited to see the van pull up with our new friends that we never thought we would see again. Once they arrived we went outside to greet them. Afterwards we came inside and talked about how much we missed each other. Four days away from them felt like years apart.

At David Kaunda

They welcomed us to their school with open arms, so it was important for us to do the same. Since pizza is an American delicacy we decided to share it with them. We all had our favorites and Wezi was mine. He taught me how to play crazy eights and we talked for a while. After eating we gave the females from DK a tour of the female house.

The night went well and we all had a lovely time. I really wanted to give my partner Kunda a gift but I had nothing to give. This experience here in Africa is truly one to remember and I hope they remember us. I would like to sign off with the name my African friend gave me,

Sincerely,

Tokzile

By Reneka, a student at SEED Public Charter School

David Kaunda Students

Similarities were discovered right and left as we all spent more time together discussing questions we had for each other. At one point after I walked into one of the classrooms, exchanged names, and started to interact with the students it felt as if I were back at home in one of my own classrooms but, of course with new people. When we first entered the campus grounds I looked around and observed others as their facial expressions indicated that some were nervous, some didn’t know what expect but, myself, as we entered the open gates I did the same with a open mind (as I do with all new experiences).

Phenomenal could describe this day. These students left such of a strong impression simply by demonstrating their talents and ability to be so welcoming/friendly. I’m strongly encouraged to participate in many extracurricular activities, such as the drama club, and to demonstrate, myself, how welcoming I can be. Also, come fall I will become an entirely different student. Seeing and observing how focused and serious these students are about how I strive to be as a student encourages to become better because to them education is a privilege.

by Luria, student at Wilson Senior High School

After we all arrived back to the conference room from our tour the drama club put on a performance about HIV, recited a poem, rapped, and sent us off with a dance. The performance about HIV was brief but powerful. The students proved that with little to no props, words partnered with emotion and conviction can grab the attention of an audience one or many.

Carmen and Gideon

After the performances we were given the opportunity to ask the drama club members’ questions. One of the LearnServe participants asked the students if they went to different locations to spread their HIV awareness message. Before the students responded to the question the majority of them put their head down. I am not sure why they put their head down, but their responses were as such, “If we had the opportunity, we would,” said the young man who played the drum during the rap. The female student who displayed one of her many talents through rap said, “If we were given the chance.” These two short responses struck a core in me that sent all kinds of emotions. I wanted to ask right then and there, “What can we do to create the opportunity? What do you need?” Rather than ask the questions to the entire drama club I patiently waited to ask the Head Boy, Gideon. When Gideon was sitting by himself I simply asked him the two questions mentioned above. He told me that they needed transportation, finances, and something to leave the people in the community after they inform them about HIV. We always hear that it takes a village to raise a child, but the child that is raised can change the community or the world. Maybe we can implement a plan of action to help support the students at David Kaunda reach their community and spread their HIV awareness message.

By Carmen Brown, Life Skills Counselor at The SEED Public Charter School

By Ellie