I think I echo many of Group 2’s thoughts
when I say the week of the Zambia National Sport Development Conference was without a doubt the busiest week we have
experienced in Zambia so far but also one of the best. Having been here for two
months now, the week of the conference was a little different, but I have welcomed the
change and the opportunity to be part of what was a significant occasion for
all those involved in sport both within Zambia and the UK. On Monday 27th and
Tuesday 28th July we were all part of Zambia’s first ever National Sport Development
Conference hosted at the OYDC. Prior to Zambia I had heard snippets of the
programme and the people involved, but it wasn’t until the conference started
that the magnitude and importance of this occasion became evident. It was
amazing to see so many individuals present, with representatives from all 10
provinces across Zambia there as well as a number from the UK, all of who were
there due to their shared love for sport for development in Zambia. Having sat
through a number of presentations and panel discussions, the conference only
re-affirmed my desire to carve myself a career within the international sport
for development field and I met a number of individuals who have further
inspired me on this career path. I am excited to hopefully one day play a part,
no matter how big or small, in ensuring the recommendations from the conference
that were proposed to the Minister of Youth and Sport, are implemented over the
next 10 years.
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| The Conference underway |
The rest of my week was split between
assisting with planning for Group 2’s Wallace Tournament and hosting the UK
delegates who were visiting Zambia. A moment that stood out for me during these
few days was when we had the privilege of showing the UK delegates around the
placement sites. Many of them had heard of Zambia, and were aware of IDEALS,
but only a handful of them had ever seen the essence of IDEALS in action out in
the heart of the community. This encounter, as we walked a group of them
through Mtendere market and onto the netball court was mind-blowing. That
moment when we walked around the corner to see the students leading a group of
50 children in Zambian songs, highlighted not only the value of IDEALS to each
of the UK students who are out here volunteering, but the influence and impact
the project is having to the children, the staff members and coaches and
ultimately to the wider community. Sometimes you have to feel it first hand to
ever truly understand it, and that was a moment when many of the UK delegates
first fell in love with this incredible country and people.
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| Visiting the placement sites with the UK delegates |
On Saturday the students delivered their
Wallace Tournament and it was a fantastic end to what a been a more than
memorable week for all. The students’ organisation and planning was evident to
see as the fixtures and scheduling had all been done prior to the conference.
Despite a venue change to Munali, the day was amazing and I loved the chance to
walk around and see all the sports taking place to see the children really
enjoying what they were part of. Yes it was competitive, very competitive at
times but every child I spoke to, every team I watched demonstrated the value
of the tournament and why it means so much to these children to be part of
this, part of the ‘muzungos’ and their projects.
I can’t believe that not only is it half
way through Group 2’s time in Zambia but I am now at the halfway mark of my
time as a Team Leader. When applying for the project I had my preconceptions of
what I would be doing and what I would be experiencing, and despite the ups and
downs, I can honestly sit here hand on heart and say I absolutely love
everything about being part of IDEALS. Every day is different, but every day I
am creating new memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life. I am
growing and developing into my role and it honestly is a privilege to be part
of Group 2 and to help shape their IDEALS experience. The stories they share
and the memories they already hold will always make me smile knowing that I
played some sort of role in creating that. A privilege I don’t take for
granted!
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| Evening drinks reception at the British High Commission with my ZamFam |
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