<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" xmlns:georss="http://www.georss.org/georss" xmlns:geo="http://www.w3.org/2003/01/geo/wgs84_pos#" > <channel> <title>Zambia '14 Archives - LearnServe International</title> <atom:link href="https://learn-serve.org/category/learnserve-abroad/zambia/zambia-14/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://learn-serve.org/category/learnserve-abroad/zambia/zambia-14/</link> <description>The world is small. Think Big.</description> <lastBuildDate>Sun, 29 Apr 2018 22:47:38 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1</generator> <site xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">145852576</site> <item> <title>Zambia 2014, Day 13 – “All it takes is one person”</title> <link>https://learn-serve.org/2014/07/15/zambia-2014-day-13-all-it-takes-is-one-person-2/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=zambia-2014-day-13-all-it-takes-is-one-person-2</link> <comments>https://learn-serve.org/2014/07/15/zambia-2014-day-13-all-it-takes-is-one-person-2/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[learnserve]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 15 Jul 2014 20:58:04 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[LearnServe Abroad]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Zambia]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Zambia '14]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://learn-serve.org/?p=4589</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Today we left the Greenpop camp site. We left behind some new friends from the South African school, but before we left I had the […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://learn-serve.org/2014/07/15/zambia-2014-day-13-all-it-takes-is-one-person-2/">Zambia 2014, Day 13 – “All it takes is one person”</a> appeared first on <a href="https://learn-serve.org">LearnServe International</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-4590" style="margin: 10px;" alt="Rawon" src="http://learn-serve.org/site/assets/2014/07/DSC05645.jpg" width="272" height="228" />Today we left the Greenpop camp site. We left behind some new friends from the South African school, but before we left I had the chance to help the DJ on stage get the morning party going as they prepared for their biggest plant day. They are planting 1,000 trees today. We also, for the first time in forever, were able to have a somewhat American lunch. We went to Olga’s which is a pizza place.</p> <p> </p> <p>From Greenpop, we drove to our next sleeping spot, Wasawange Lodge. I was happy we didn’t come here first because the way it was set up was like we had never left the US. My room had a full kitchen, 2 bedrooms with full sized beds, a dinning area, and a nice sized bathroom. There was a spider problem, but it was still the nicest place we’ve stayed.</p> <p> </p> <p>To explain a little about Greenpop, it is a camp that helps the environment. They plant different types of trees that will help support the local community. They also inform the youth about deforestation. I thought it was interesting how they reached out to the youth. They started young so that when the youth takes over, they can be aware of the situation. This inspired me to want to start my own project in the United States.</p> <p> </p> <p>In the evening, we had a reflection in which we were supposed to think about a program that would help a problem that we saw or are worried about. My idea was to use social media, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Tumbler, to bring awareness to the lack of education, gun violence, and teenage drinking to the youth. My plan was to use photography to show these things. Much like Greenpop, I will make a difference.</p> <p> </p> <p>I saw how Greenpop started with one person who saw a problem and took the right steps that was necessary to fix it. From this I’ve learned that all it takes is one person, one idea, and one action to make a difference.</p> <p> </p> <p>Rakwon, 15, Washington Latin Public Charter School</p> <p> </p> <p><em>[Due to technical difficulties, this post arrived late. We hope you enjoy it regardless!]</em></p> <p> </p> <p>The post <a href="https://learn-serve.org/2014/07/15/zambia-2014-day-13-all-it-takes-is-one-person-2/">Zambia 2014, Day 13 – “All it takes is one person”</a> appeared first on <a href="https://learn-serve.org">LearnServe International</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://learn-serve.org/2014/07/15/zambia-2014-day-13-all-it-takes-is-one-person-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">8235</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Zambia 2014, Day 12 – Permaculture</title> <link>https://learn-serve.org/2014/07/15/zambia-2014-day-12-permaculture-2/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=zambia-2014-day-12-permaculture-2</link> <comments>https://learn-serve.org/2014/07/15/zambia-2014-day-12-permaculture-2/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[learnserve]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 15 Jul 2014 20:41:57 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[LearnServe Abroad]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Zambia]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Zambia '14]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://learn-serve.org/?p=4586</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Today at Green Pop I set in the permaculture workshop. I learned a lot about gardening and different animals. I learned that the octopus has […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://learn-serve.org/2014/07/15/zambia-2014-day-12-permaculture-2/">Zambia 2014, Day 12 – Permaculture</a> appeared first on <a href="https://learn-serve.org">LearnServe International</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-4587" style="margin: 10px;" alt="Briana" src="http://learn-serve.org/site/assets/2014/07/DSC05941.jpg" width="346" height="211" />Today at Green Pop I set in the permaculture workshop. I learned a lot about gardening and different animals. I learned that the octopus has three hearts and it breaths through its gills. Another thing I learned is that the octopus can practically squeeze anywhere. As long as the eyes can fit the rest of the body will.</p> <p> </p> <p>I learned so much about gardening that I would like to start my own garden when I get back home, but I don’t know where I would do that. There are different zones to which you plant. Zone 1 would be by your house and zones 4 or 5 would be where a food forest would grown. A food forest is a semi forest where everything that is grown in it is edible.</p> <p> </p> <p>I thought doing the permaculture workshop would mean no planting trees for the day, but no. I planted five trees! It was really fun. I loved everything about Green Pop. The camping, the food, and the tree planting. Everyone that works there made me feel like I belonged. I would love to go Green Pop every year.</p> <p> </p> <p>Briana, 17, Perry Street Preparatory</p> <p> </p> <p><em>[Due to technical difficulties, this post arrived late. We hope you enjoy it regardless!]</em></p> <p> </p> <p>The post <a href="https://learn-serve.org/2014/07/15/zambia-2014-day-12-permaculture-2/">Zambia 2014, Day 12 – Permaculture</a> appeared first on <a href="https://learn-serve.org">LearnServe International</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://learn-serve.org/2014/07/15/zambia-2014-day-12-permaculture-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">8234</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Zambia 2014, Day 14 – Getting people involved</title> <link>https://learn-serve.org/2014/07/09/zambia-2014-day-14-getting-people-involved-2/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=zambia-2014-day-14-getting-people-involved-2</link> <comments>https://learn-serve.org/2014/07/09/zambia-2014-day-14-getting-people-involved-2/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[learnserve]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 09 Jul 2014 19:15:35 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[LearnServe Abroad]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Zambia]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Zambia '14]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://learn-serve.org/?p=4578</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>This trip has made me grow in so many ways from leaving Washington, DC. It was my first time going on a plane and to […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://learn-serve.org/2014/07/09/zambia-2014-day-14-getting-people-involved-2/">Zambia 2014, Day 14 – Getting people involved</a> appeared first on <a href="https://learn-serve.org">LearnServe International</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-4579" style="margin: 10px;" alt="Precious" src="http://learn-serve.org/site/assets/2014/07/DSC05948.jpg" width="377" height="296" />This trip has made me grow in so many ways from leaving Washington, DC. It was my first time going on a plane and to a place across the world leaving my family and friends. I was nervous for so many things- of never being alone, not being able to pick up my phone and just call my family to talk. There were days when I was overwhelmed. There were days when I cried and wished I could talk to my mom.</p> <p> </p> <p>Coming on this trip I knew there would be bumps along the road and I would have to deal with them in my own ways, so I did. It took a lot because I’m used to going to my mom or friends when something is hard for me, but what I didn’t expect is how much I would grow in the little time I’ve been here. Since being here, I have been exposed to so many new things. I met friends, planted trees with local farmers, taught orphans in an impoverished community in Zambia, met inspirational teenagers who lost parents to AIDS, camped out under the stars and tasted different foods.</p> <p> </p> <p>This trip has impacted my future a lot. I have a need to help people who are in need with clothes, food and other things if I can. I also have been thinking about making my own group and getting people involved at my school to help these communities. I’m grateful I have had a chance to come on this trip. Not a lot of people can say that they went across the world to Africa. This trip changed me. I look at things different now and I’m so thankful for everything I have learned and everything I’m going to work for in the future.</p> <p> </p> <p>Precious, 18, Friendship Tech Prep Academy</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>The post <a href="https://learn-serve.org/2014/07/09/zambia-2014-day-14-getting-people-involved-2/">Zambia 2014, Day 14 – Getting people involved</a> appeared first on <a href="https://learn-serve.org">LearnServe International</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://learn-serve.org/2014/07/09/zambia-2014-day-14-getting-people-involved-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">8233</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Zambia 2014, Day 11 – The Weight of Water</title> <link>https://learn-serve.org/2014/07/08/zambia-2014-day-11-the-weight-of-water-2/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=zambia-2014-day-11-the-weight-of-water-2</link> <comments>https://learn-serve.org/2014/07/08/zambia-2014-day-11-the-weight-of-water-2/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[learnserve]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 08 Jul 2014 18:07:48 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[LearnServe Abroad]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Zambia]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Zambia '14]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://learn-serve.org/?p=4553</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>On this trip I have learned how grateful I am to have clean water to use and I don’t have to walk two miles to […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://learn-serve.org/2014/07/08/zambia-2014-day-11-the-weight-of-water-2/">Zambia 2014, Day 11 – The Weight of Water</a> appeared first on <a href="https://learn-serve.org">LearnServe International</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>On this trip I have learned how grateful I am to have clean water to use and I don’t have to walk two miles to get it. Water is heavy, up to five gallons, and some were carrying it on their head. It showed me how the little kids were going crazy over a penny. It showed me to stop taking stuff for granted. The school learning system is way different from us because they have free learning til the 7<sup>th</sup> grade and some people’s parents don’t have the funds to see their child move on to the 8<sup>th</sup> but for the U.S. some schools are free until we go to college.</p> <p> </p> <p>It made me realize how lucky we are to have a free school system. This experience has shown me how grateful I am to have different food and a pair of shoes. I say different food because the kids here eat the same thing over and over again which is nshima, which is sad because some kids have no choice but to eat it or don’t eat at all. I say a pair of shoes because some kids have to walk bare foot on the sand and rocks. For me I cry when I can’t get the shoes I really want or a new pair of Jordans every weekend but now I see how lucky I am to have the things I have.</p> <p> </p> <p>Maurice, 16, Friendship Tech Prep Academy</p> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-4554 aligncenter" alt="Maurice" src="http://learn-serve.org/site/assets/2014/07/DSC05700.jpg" width="403" height="302" /></p> <p>The post <a href="https://learn-serve.org/2014/07/08/zambia-2014-day-11-the-weight-of-water-2/">Zambia 2014, Day 11 – The Weight of Water</a> appeared first on <a href="https://learn-serve.org">LearnServe International</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://learn-serve.org/2014/07/08/zambia-2014-day-11-the-weight-of-water-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">8227</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Zambia 2014, Day 10 – I have more ability than I thought</title> <link>https://learn-serve.org/2014/07/08/zambia-2014-day-10-i-have-more-ability-than-i-thought/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=zambia-2014-day-10-i-have-more-ability-than-i-thought</link> <comments>https://learn-serve.org/2014/07/08/zambia-2014-day-10-i-have-more-ability-than-i-thought/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[learnserve]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 08 Jul 2014 17:42:21 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[LearnServe Abroad]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Zambia]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Zambia '14]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://learn-serve.org/?p=4538</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>This trip has taught me to not be afraid to face my fears and that if you are not born with a silver spoon in […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://learn-serve.org/2014/07/08/zambia-2014-day-10-i-have-more-ability-than-i-thought/">Zambia 2014, Day 10 – I have more ability than I thought</a> appeared first on <a href="https://learn-serve.org">LearnServe International</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-4539" style="margin: 10px;" alt="Kenya" src="http://learn-serve.org/site/assets/2014/07/DSC05669.jpg" width="239" height="325" />This trip has taught me to not be afraid to face my fears and that if you are not born with a silver spoon in your mouth you can be born with a golden mind. I have been out of my comfort zone, but that’s how I know that I have so much more ability than I thought.</p> <p> </p> <p>This last week, I worked with an organization called Greenpop. This organization plants trees for the local community. I joined them for a few of their projects. On the first project we planted 20 trees at a school nearby with the kids who attend the school. It was fun and something new for the kids. My partner, a 3<sup>rd</sup> grader at the school, wanted to do everything on his own and didn’t want any help. I found it funny and cute.</p> <p> </p> <p>On the next project with Greenpop we planted 500 trees. It seemed like a dream, because never did I think I would be planting any trees, but planting 500 trees at that! That was a long, hot and rough day. I thought I was going to give up, but I didn’t. I kept working and that told me that I could do anything that I really put my mind to. It inspired me to do something at my school to help my friends that get bullied. Starting next school year I would like to start up a GSA (Gay Straight Alliance) at my school. The reason why is I feel like everyone should be comfortable with who they are. I believe that I can start up a GSA, because I have a strong and big voice that can be heard and such a kind heart.</p> <p> </p> <p>A few days after our big planting day, the Learn Serve group went to Victoria Falls. There were monkeys everywhere; I was so afraid that I didn’t want to get off the bus and I didn’t even want to go see the waterfalls. But, I realized that this was a once in a lifetime chance and that so many people would be happy to be in my situation. Once I got to Zambia I realized that I’m more than blessed and that I should always be thankful for my family. The hardest part about being on this trip is that I can’t talk to my family, because they are my support team and without them none of this would be possible.</p> <p> </p> <p>All and all this trip made me realize that I have no reason to be upset at the smallest things, because there are kids here with HIV who are really sick and you would never know. They will hug you and laugh with you and smile at you and it will change your whole day. Everything I got to do on this trip I should be thankful for. This is why I say this trip to Zambia has taught me not be afraid of my fears and that I’m a leader and I should use all my leadership ability to the best of my ability.</p> <p> </p> <p>Kenya, 15, Ballou High School</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>The post <a href="https://learn-serve.org/2014/07/08/zambia-2014-day-10-i-have-more-ability-than-i-thought/">Zambia 2014, Day 10 – I have more ability than I thought</a> appeared first on <a href="https://learn-serve.org">LearnServe International</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://learn-serve.org/2014/07/08/zambia-2014-day-10-i-have-more-ability-than-i-thought/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">4538</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Zambia 2014, Day 9 – Don’t stress, just fix it</title> <link>https://learn-serve.org/2014/07/03/zambia-2014-day-9-dont-stress-just-fix-it-2/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=zambia-2014-day-9-dont-stress-just-fix-it-2</link> <comments>https://learn-serve.org/2014/07/03/zambia-2014-day-9-dont-stress-just-fix-it-2/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[learnserve]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jul 2014 20:24:14 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[LearnServe Abroad]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Zambia]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Zambia '14]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://learn-serve.org/?p=4492</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Today with Greenpop we planted over 500 trees on a farm. This was very exciting to me because since I’ve been here at Greenpop, I’ve […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://learn-serve.org/2014/07/03/zambia-2014-day-9-dont-stress-just-fix-it-2/">Zambia 2014, Day 9 – Don’t stress, just fix it</a> appeared first on <a href="https://learn-serve.org">LearnServe International</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-4546" style="margin: 10px;" alt="Yazmene" src="http://learn-serve.org/site/assets/2014/07/DSC05659.jpg" width="273" height="284" />Today with Greenpop we planted over 500 trees on a farm. This was very exciting to me because since I’ve been here at Greenpop, I’ve learned about many different types of trees and how they grow. Greenpop inspired me because when I get back to D.C I would like to start a Greenpop campsite or program. Although we have many trees in Washington we don’t do a lot of recycling, not even in schools. That is something that I would like to start.</p> <p> </p> <p>Jeremy (one of the starters of Greenpop) says that in 2 years he’s planning to bring Greenpop to the states. In 2 years I will be in college but I wonder if I can start a club in college or the city that my college is going to be in. Some of my partners in LearnServe said that they would be interested in helping if I’m really serious about it.</p> <p> </p> <p>This trip has taught me how not to be so stressed about things. I say this because there are families in Africa who barely have anything but they’re not stressing. They value family and take care of each other. They come together as a community to try to improve their situation and make a living.</p> <p> </p> <p>The lesson I’ve learned- DON’T Stress Just Fix It!</p> <p> </p> <p>Yazmene, 16, Ballou High School</p> <p> </p> <p>The post <a href="https://learn-serve.org/2014/07/03/zambia-2014-day-9-dont-stress-just-fix-it-2/">Zambia 2014, Day 9 – Don’t stress, just fix it</a> appeared first on <a href="https://learn-serve.org">LearnServe International</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://learn-serve.org/2014/07/03/zambia-2014-day-9-dont-stress-just-fix-it-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">8219</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Zambia 2014, Day 8 – I will never forget</title> <link>https://learn-serve.org/2014/07/03/zambia-2014-day-8-i-will-never-forget/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=zambia-2014-day-8-i-will-never-forget</link> <comments>https://learn-serve.org/2014/07/03/zambia-2014-day-8-i-will-never-forget/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[learnserve]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jul 2014 20:14:46 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[LearnServe Abroad]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Zambia]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Zambia '14]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://learn-serve.org/?p=4489</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>“’I’m in Africa.” It blows my mind to even say it. I can not believe I am out of the country with no communication with […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://learn-serve.org/2014/07/03/zambia-2014-day-8-i-will-never-forget/">Zambia 2014, Day 8 – I will never forget</a> appeared first on <a href="https://learn-serve.org">LearnServe International</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>“’I’m in Africa.” It blows my mind to even say it. I can not believe I am out of the country with no communication with my family and friends for more than a week. At the beginning of this trip I was curious and exited to see more of the world. But as the days went on I began to miss my family until it was the only thing on my mind. Even though I have plenty of distractions like the great new friends that I have made or the kids from Chikumbuso that wanted to know everything about me, but it is not enough to distract me from what my mom might be doing or who may be missing me as well.</p> <p> </p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright" alt="Don" src="http://learn-serve.org/site/assets/2014/07/DSC05678.jpg" width="358" height="269" /></p> <p>Today was our final day working with Greenpop planting trees. Even though I am still a little sore from helping plant over 500 trees, I am excited to be working with new kids who are so passionate about cleaning their community. Arriving at the school and seeing how eager the students were to work really made me realize how much they care about each other. I know planting trees doesn’t sound like much but having conversations with the kids and getting to know them was an incredible experience.</p> <p> </p> <p>Getting to know all of these people with completely different backgrounds is a very interesting experience. From the other LearnServe students to the South African students I met at camp, it has been an awakening. These past couple of days I will never forget and I hope to continue to know more people and learn different things.</p> <p> </p> <p>Don, 16, Eastern High School</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>The post <a href="https://learn-serve.org/2014/07/03/zambia-2014-day-8-i-will-never-forget/">Zambia 2014, Day 8 – I will never forget</a> appeared first on <a href="https://learn-serve.org">LearnServe International</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://learn-serve.org/2014/07/03/zambia-2014-day-8-i-will-never-forget/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">8218</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Zambia 2014, Day 7 – The drums started pounding</title> <link>https://learn-serve.org/2014/06/30/zambia-2014-day-7-the-drums-started-pounding-2/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=zambia-2014-day-7-the-drums-started-pounding-2</link> <comments>https://learn-serve.org/2014/06/30/zambia-2014-day-7-the-drums-started-pounding-2/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[learnserve]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 30 Jun 2014 19:28:19 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[LearnServe Abroad]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Zambia]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Zambia '14]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://learn-serve.org/?p=4467</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Today started a little differently than the other days, with a little bit of a later start. Some kids chose to go to Spar, the […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://learn-serve.org/2014/06/30/zambia-2014-day-7-the-drums-started-pounding-2/">Zambia 2014, Day 7 – The drums started pounding</a> appeared first on <a href="https://learn-serve.org">LearnServe International</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Today started a little differently than the other days, with a little bit of a later start. Some kids chose to go to Spar, the market a little ways from us, while some decided to sleep in a little bit later. I think a lot of us like going to Spar because it gives us a chance to get a little piece of home. For some, that might be Pringles, Lays, or Oreos, or, in my case, a cold Diet Pepsi.</p> <p> </p> <p>The real excitement started around 12:00, when we went to our second day at <i>Africa Directions</i>, a group in the Mtendere compound that aims to keep kids from turning to alcohol, having early or unprotected sex, and basically all of the other things that MTV warns us about back home by providing games, clubs, and all sorts of other activities. The place was filled with signs covered in catchy slogans like “No Glove, No Love,” all followed with a similar “Condoms ni down!” or “Condoms ni zi!” which we learned was a type of Zambian slang that means “it’s cool!”</p> <p> </p> <p>For what felt like hours, all of us played different games with the kids that I’m sure many of us hadn’t played since we were in elementary school, switching off between American games like “Down by the Banks” and “Duck, Duck, Goose” and Zambian games like “Chewy Ooey Ooey.” A few kids performed an amazing poem for us, and in return, Brie and Rakwon performed poems that they’ve written on the trip, and all of us performed a mash up of popular American songs including “I’ve Got Sunshine,” “Respect,” “Party in the USA,” and “We are Family.”</p> <p> </p> <p>After we all got done exchanging performances, Japhet, the <i>Africa Directions </i>leader, took us to an empty soccer field, explaining to us on the way that every few days they would have an outreach, or performance, for the neighborhood kids full of dancing, singing, storytelling, and drumming that, by the end, would teach them important lessons. When we first got to the field, I was thinking there were a few kids but definitely not enough for the performance to have any actual impact on the community, but the second the drums started pounding kids flew out of their houses, running to get a good spot in the circle that was quickly forming. Even though we couldn’t understand anything they were saying, we were still able to laugh along with the kids because the dancing told us everything we needed to know.</p> <p> </p> <p>After we watched the play, we all decided that in the little time we had before we had to leave we would hang out with the kids in the field and teach them different dances and songs. The kids were so excited to just be playing and laughing and goofing off. At one point, at least 40 kids jumped on top of me because Savannah told them to. We taught them the Macarena, the NaeNae, even EIEIO. When it was time to go none of us were ready to leave, and the kids weren’t ready for us to leave either. As soon as we said goodbye, the kids all jumped on us and attacked us for a hug. The whole thing was hilarious and adorable and it assured me that I very much want to take one of these little kids home with me.</p> <p> </p> <p>One of the most amazing things to witness here, that you will see everywhere you go, is the sense of community. It is so easy to just fall into step with everyone you meet here because they welcome you so effortlessly. They ask your name, introduce themselves, and from there on, the conversations are as if you’ve known them your whole life. They have been so including and welcoming about their culture, teaching us dances and new phrases everywhere we go. Everywhere we’ve gone, one of the first questions you get asked is “How are you liking Zambia?” and the only possible way to answer it is to say that it has been one of the greatest times of my life.</p> <p> </p> <p>Sasha, 16, Parkdale High School</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>The post <a href="https://learn-serve.org/2014/06/30/zambia-2014-day-7-the-drums-started-pounding-2/">Zambia 2014, Day 7 – The drums started pounding</a> appeared first on <a href="https://learn-serve.org">LearnServe International</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://learn-serve.org/2014/06/30/zambia-2014-day-7-the-drums-started-pounding-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>3</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">8213</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Zambia 2014, Day 6 – “Everyone needs a friend”</title> <link>https://learn-serve.org/2014/06/29/zambia-2014-day-5-everyone-needs-a-friend/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=zambia-2014-day-5-everyone-needs-a-friend</link> <comments>https://learn-serve.org/2014/06/29/zambia-2014-day-5-everyone-needs-a-friend/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[learnserve]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sun, 29 Jun 2014 15:52:36 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[LearnServe Abroad]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Zambia]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Zambia '14]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://learn-serve.org/?p=4447</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Though today had a late start, it tended to start out just like any other day. We woke up to the dreaded knock on the […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://learn-serve.org/2014/06/29/zambia-2014-day-5-everyone-needs-a-friend/">Zambia 2014, Day 6 – “Everyone needs a friend”</a> appeared first on <a href="https://learn-serve.org">LearnServe International</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Though today had a late start, it tended to start out just like any other day. We woke up to the dreaded knock on the door that tells us to wake up to another full day, complaining about how tired we are from the late night the teachers warned us not to have. But we get up anyway, knowing that today it will be worth it, just as every day preceding. Breakfast was as usual, give or take the frantic kwacha exchanges going on last minute, before the ever-anticipated market trip. We were all conversing over the bargaining tactics we were going to use, as we moved from house to bus, laughing, with minds and hearts full of excitement.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-4448" style="margin: 10px;" alt="Brie" src="http://learn-serve.org/site/assets/2014/06/Brie.jpg" width="597" height="448" /></p> <p>As we entered the market, our eyes immediately locked on one of the many interesting pieces there were to look at. Alli quickly pulled us back before we got pulled in, and told us the run-down: we had two hours. We all quickly made a strategy to see, buy and barter for as many things as we could before our time was up. We kept an eye out for good deals, and little trinkets to bring home to our family and friends. But the real quest was navigating through the jungle of swindling salesmen that tried everything to get you to spend more than 20 kwacha. One man even tried to told my hand to “Make me feel more comfortable, like a sister.” But in the end we all came out with bags filled with things we wanted (and didn’t), even if it meant losing a few bottles of hand sanitizer, for a good deal.</p> <p> </p> <p>After an interesting lunch at the market, we made our way to <i>Africa Directions</i>, a wonderful community center for children and adults to come to and reap the benefits of the center’s facilities. The center focuses on creating a safe space for the people of Mtendere (a neighborhood in Lusaka), and promoting healthy lifestyles. Their programs range from teaching classes on HIV/AIDS and providing family planning, to hosting karate classes, and other fun activities to help the community stay active and happy. After a tour and a quick questionnaire, we enjoyed an afternoon of singing and dancing, shared with both the adults, and many happy children of <i>Africa Directions</i>. The dancing was followed by a tour of the surrounding compound, which I found very interesting. Unlike the N’gombe compound, Mtendere was much larger, with more stores and markets, and a lesser sense of community. I could really see where a center such as <i>Africa Directions</i> could help a community that could easily be lost in the winding markets, unlimited bars, and overwhelming sense of overstimulation. It gives people a place to go to build that sense of community everyone needs in order to survive. And, it’s the pride and passion that people at <i>Africa Directions</i> put into providing better opportunities for the people who come there, that gives me hope.</p> <p> </p> <p>No matter where you go in Zambia, some one will ask “How do you like Zambia?” and the only way I can respond is that I love it. I love it here; the spirit, the food, the people and their passion for living. They enjoy every single day as a blessing, and another reason to spread joy to everyone around them. The people we’ve met whether they were at David Kaunda, Chikumbuso, African Directions, or anywhere else along the way, have been some of the most amazing and selfless people I have ever met. It gives me hope that the goal of all of these people is to give better opportunities to people who can go out later and change the world. It gives me hope to see kids running and playing in the twists and turns of the compounds, not asking for my grief or pity, but asking for a friend and a hand to hold. And that gets down to the root of the human condition. Since I’ve been here, I’ve learned that it’s not my duty as an American to come and help all of those in need. Nobody ever, needs my pity, or grief, but <b><i>everyone</i></b> needs a friend. Everyone has the natural born right to be shown compassion, to know that someone cares for them, to sit with them and share a meal, and to share their life with someone even for a moment, because it’s that moment that might change their life forever.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Gabrielle, 16, Annandale High School</p> <p> </p> <p>The post <a href="https://learn-serve.org/2014/06/29/zambia-2014-day-5-everyone-needs-a-friend/">Zambia 2014, Day 6 – “Everyone needs a friend”</a> appeared first on <a href="https://learn-serve.org">LearnServe International</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://learn-serve.org/2014/06/29/zambia-2014-day-5-everyone-needs-a-friend/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>2</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">4447</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Zambia 2014, Day 5 – Having your own story</title> <link>https://learn-serve.org/2014/06/29/zambia-2014-day-5-having-your-own-story/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=zambia-2014-day-5-having-your-own-story</link> <comments>https://learn-serve.org/2014/06/29/zambia-2014-day-5-having-your-own-story/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[learnserve]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sun, 29 Jun 2014 15:15:23 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[LearnServe Abroad]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Zambia]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Zambia '14]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://learn-serve.org/?p=4434</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Today we had a late start, which was really appreciated by all of the students on the trip. We have a daily “Captain” who acts […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://learn-serve.org/2014/06/29/zambia-2014-day-5-having-your-own-story/">Zambia 2014, Day 5 – Having your own story</a> appeared first on <a href="https://learn-serve.org">LearnServe International</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Today we had a late start, which was really appreciated by all of the students on the trip. We have a daily “Captain” who acts as leader of our group for the day – and today it was my honor to be captain! Most people were already awake, but at 7:45 I woke up to do my first captain duty of the day and act as a wake up call for everyone else. Today we rode a bus to Daughters’ Vision, an organization created by a lovely woman named Gladys. The organization helps empower vulnerable girls in the N’gombe neighborhood and gives them the chance to go to school (many girls in Zambia don’t go to school because their parents need them to do daily chores). Also, Daughters’ Vision helps girls from ages 6-18 find their voice and express their individuality.</p> <p> </p> <p>Our goal was to help the girls understand that they are important, and that we wanted to hear their stories. My group was working with 7 year olds. Our plan was to help them draw something that made them happy in their life, something that made them sad and what they want their career to be. I think that the most powerful responses came out of the girls’ dream careers. Each of the 11 girls in my class wanted to be a nurse, or a doctor or an accountant and one even wanted to be a soldier. I will always remember the response of this child when I asked why she wanted to be a soldier. She simply said in her language, Nianji, that “I just want to maybe want to protect my mother and my brothers and help the world.”</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-4436 aligncenter" style="margin: 10px;" alt="Alex" src="http://learn-serve.org/site/assets/2014/06/DSC05683.jpg" width="597" height="448" /></p> <p>This trip has offered so many moments that I just want to flush onto this page. One that is really important to me happened yesterday when we were leaving Chikumbuso (the elementary school where we have been teaching for the last few days). A few of us hung back at the school after most of the group had left. I was still talking to kids from the local high school. I got a signal from one of my friends on the trip that we were leaving and I realized I had to say goodbye to this wonderful place. I looked around the schoolyard. I saw the rooms where the ladies make the beautiful baskets; I saw Classroom 5, where I taught kids about the sun, the equator and how to play Simon Says; but what will stay with me is what I heard. Coming from the sewing room, ladies were singing as we walked away. I tried to trudge slowly so I could hear it and I made a panorama in my mind of a place I might never see again. Walking out of Chikumbuso, surrounded by proud Zambian voices, helped me realize how lucky I was just to be there.</p> <p> </p> <p>At least to me, being American has a certain baggage. There’s a strong sense of “we” and “they” and you’re taught to hold America in the highest seat. Being in this new country, however, I can’t help having extreme pride and respect for Zambia and it’s people. All the people I have met here have been incredibly kind and I always try to speak with them so I can learn their story. The theme of having your own story to tell is important for today because we were teaching the girls at Daughters’ Vision to have a voice and be proud of who they are. I’m delighted to say that this trip is shaping up to be an important chapter in the story of my life. And what’s even more exciting is that this chapter is still being written.</p> <p> </p> <p>Alex, 15, Georgetown Day School</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>The post <a href="https://learn-serve.org/2014/06/29/zambia-2014-day-5-having-your-own-story/">Zambia 2014, Day 5 – Having your own story</a> appeared first on <a href="https://learn-serve.org">LearnServe International</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://learn-serve.org/2014/06/29/zambia-2014-day-5-having-your-own-story/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>3</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">4434</post-id> </item> </channel> </rss>