Our first full day in Zambia was pretty successful (except for the jetlag). A highlight of the day was visiting the David Kaunda Technical School in Lusaka. Meeting all the bright, driven students was definitely an indicator of all Zambia has to offer.
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