Before the Trip
When I started teaching at LPP I heard about the Spark trip to Zambia, and I was immediately intrigued by the opportunity. After hearing about the trip from previous travelers, I knew it was a great fit for my goals as both a teacher and a humanitarian. I felt so lucky to be chosen to represent LPP on this trip. Morgan, Sean, and I prepared our lesson plans for the week, collected generous donations from families, and packed up the suitcases full of supplies.
Spark and Hope
Upon arriving in Zambia, I felt a significant sense of community between the students and staff at Hope Community School. Together, Spark and Hope does a fantastic job in creating a collaborative space for participants on the trip as well as opportunities that are insightful along the way. Spark activities included: a tour around campus, home visits, reflections with the group, written reflections, and plenty of time with the community along the way. The school also arranged events including welcoming and closing ceremonies, a tour around the town, meeting the senior women’s group called WOW (Women of Worth), and the goodbye cookout.
Teaching at Hope
Working alongside teachers Ester, Dorcus, and Dalitso was a rewarding and memorable part of my time at Hope. We arrived in their classrooms with arms full of supplies and were greeted with smiles and hugs. There was an immediate sense of understanding between us teachers and our mission to help the students, as well as an open mindedness to hearing our ideas. One of my core memories from teaching in the classroom was when we created the guitars as seen in the book Abioyoyo. Once the students all made guitars, they played the guitars in a parade outside while singing the Abiyoyo song. We then had a song and dance party together!
Teaching and learning with my reading buddy was another highlight of my visit. At the end of each day we were able to meet with our reading buddies. My buddy Ethel taught me Bemba, told me about her love of Junie B Jones and Nelson Mandela, her aspirations to become a nurse, and her love of singing in the school choir. These one-on-one moments guided my understanding of Zambian culture and gave a clear picture of her dreams and aspirations made possible by Hope Community School.
Community Connections
Hope continues to make steps toward furthering their vision for Hope School. We were able to get a better sense of the influential and astounding work the school does to continue its successes. Visiting the Hope Community Farm, we learned about the ways in which they use their agriculture for the school meals and for school income. Their vision of the farm has come to life rapidly and provides a fantastic form of support for the school. While at the farm, my reading buddy Ethel taught me how to husk corn! It was also impressive to see Hope working with people in their community, such as WOW, which performs song and dance for the community, sells their crafts for income at the school, and is aided in their health needs. The tailors of the school are equally outstanding by creating all the uniforms, towels, mats, and other materials used at Hope school. As a community they are working together as a strong powerhouse for a bright future.
Looking Ahead
It is inspiring to walk into a place of love, inspiration, and determination. I have learned a lot from my experience in Zambia, and I look forward to contributing to their community going forward. Through video calls with the teachers and students and an ongoing conversation within LPP, we can provide the teachers with resources that will grow their teacher toolboxes. I look forward to continuing to assist the preschool teachers and school in the future.
