Feeling sad and amazed that the best experience of my life is now over after a year of planning.
After several meetings with the 28 people who were travelling, and were strangers to me, little did I know they would become good friends.
It all started in January 2008 when my guide leader Issy was telling us about her fantastic experiences in Zambia and that she had the opportunity to go again. I was intrigued and said I would love to go!
After two weeks, very unexpectedly, Issy came back after talking to Rev Gilmour saying that I could go to Zambia. My mum was very keen for me to get this opportunity and said we would get the money together by fundraising; an excellent start with some funding from South Leith church. We had car boot sales, my guide leaders also gave me a lot of support and we got the church halls and held a coffee evening and sales. We raffled a Christmas hamper and family and friends were very supportive and excited that I was getting this opportunity.
We had meetings every month at the start, to meet the group. I only knew a few out of 28 people. I sat and listened whilst everyone introduced themselves and the ones who had been to Zambia before shared a little bit of their experience. I was made to feel so welcome and my mum was able to ask questions. We both came away feeling happy as I knew I was going to get on with everyone. After that I looked forward to the meetings.
Even though I was only 15 I always felt I was included and encouraged to make any suggestions. As a result of this my confidence has grown.
We carried out workshops on timekeeping which I found interesting and useful. I loved the cultural exchange workshops, finding out more about my own country. We did singing which I enjoyed. I also got the chance to brush up on my Scottish country dancing. I think this brought us together as a group.
As it got nearer to our trip we got into small groups and we all knew what we would be doing.
On the way to the airport I had butterflies; very excited but apprehensive. I have had a few family holidays and been to loads of camps but this was completely different. I didn’t know what to expect. There was a real buzz when I got to the airport, everyone was so excited. We checked in and said our goodbyes. It was a long flight but I enjoyed the excitement.
The feeling when stepping off the plane at Lusaka airport was just amazing. The sun beaming off the plane at 5 am. It was just incredible.
Waiting to welcome us into their country was the head teacher, Dorothy, and the depute head, Albert along with a couple of other teachers, the school bus and a lorry.
The welcome we received when we arrived at Chipembi Girls School was out of this world. If I close my eyes I can still hear the singing and cheering of the girls. It made me feel so special. Words can’t express it.
Spending two weeks in the school was really good, comparing my school life to theirs, which was so different. The girls have much more respect for their teachers than I see day to day. I felt Zambian classrooms were much more relaxed as the teachers did not have as many distractions as all of the pupils are much more willing to learn. Just watching the girls listen to Issy Joyce and myself talking about time keeping,and our different countries and cultures it showed how much they were taking things in and enjoyed our lessons.
When I had a chance to talk to the girls after their lessons, I was surprised on how updated they were on music in the charts and they were so interested in me and my life in Scotland.
Another experience I will remember forever is when we met up with the Girls Brigade in Zambia. Once a week a small group of young girls meet to play games and learn new songs. We joined in a few games and I really enjoyed this as the little girls were so keen for us to join in. We gave them an activities book and lots of pens and they were really taken by this.
The thing that touched me most was the village children. They came into the school every day to see us even though they couldn’t speak English. They knew we were visitors and were really interested by this. Some of the girls would translate what they were trying to say to us into English.
There was one little girl in particular who I could say was very poor; I can still see her with her little tattered skirt and her orange tee-shirt. We gave some clothes to her older sister for her as she was too shy to take them from us.
It was really enjoyable. One of my favourite parts of the trip was the Zambian cultural day. The primary school children were amazing dancers and once again the girls singing and dancing was so good!
With all aims we set out to do complete – new computer lab, refurbished dormitory, HIV and Aids, health education, time keeping and cultural exchange workshops, and very happy girls – we had to say our goodbyes. With memories I will have forever.
We ended our trip with a visit to Victoria Falls, which was wonderful. A trader wanted me to trade my white ankle socks, which his daughter needed for school, for a wooden carving. I said that he could have them but he insisted that I took the carving; they are proud people.
I have great pictures to look back on and will never forget. I would encourage anyone who gets an opportunity like this to grab it with both hands.
