It's not goodbye, but see you soon

Our last group photo before we went to the airport!

It's now been just over a week since the third and final IDEALS students left Zambia and what a different experience it's been. I remember sitting on the floor of the girls room last Wednesday, the night the students left for the airport, and for the first time experienced a lonely kind of strange feeling. Many pre-warned me that my time post-IDEALS would be lonely but as I sat there it feel strange and if I am honest I didn't like it. There was an eerie sense of quiet about the house, where once there was laughter and chatting, and movement, now remained silence. The bunk beds (which now have a kind of infamous history within the IDEALS houses) no longer squeaked with every movement, the house no longer radiated life and all but remained was Steph and I.

The place I called home for the past four months

I have said it time and time again but I can't quite comprehend where the past four months have gone, where time has flown too. Time is funny like that, here one minute and gone the next. To think that just under four months ago I arrived in Zambia and have since spent that time adventuring through with three groups of amazing students is crazy. It feels like yesterday that I arrived yet it feels so long ago since Group 1 were here with us. Each group spent just under six weeks in Zambia with us and each group provided some memorable experiences for life. They all were like a little family full of different personalities, different interests, different characteristics yet together we were all united by one common factor: our love for sport, and subsequently our ever growing love for Zambia. Plus not only as it hard enough saying goodbye to the final group, we also had to tidy, clean and clear out the place we have called home for the past four months. It's not surprisingly how much rubbish can be left behind by students but what was surprising was how long it took us to clear it out!

My ZamFam 1

So as Group 3 leaves and my time as part of IDEALS comes to a close, I can't help but take a step back and reflect on what has been the summer of a lifetime. There's been highs and lows, tears and laughter but above all I have created some memories that will without a doubt stick with me for life. To have had the opportunity to journey through this incredible country alongside 29 students and 7 staff members, and to have had the chance to play a part, no matter how small, in helping them fall in love within this place I hold so close to my heart, is a privilege I will forever be grateful for. The past four months have once again highlighted the value of this project, not only to those in Zambia but also those from the UK. The project provides every individual involved the chance to offer their skills, knowledge and expertise to those they work with in the local communities, enhancing the lives of the people they meet and the communities they work within. But in return the students take away so much more than they can ever imagine, developing as an individual and a professional, returning back to the UK a better person. You only ever have to speak to each individual involved in the project this year to know that Zambia has, in more ways that one, changed their life and for that I am more than thankful. As one of the Team Leaders that is all I could have ever wished for, for people to fall in love with this place the same way I did back in 2010.

My ZamFam 2

Zambia once stole my heart and this year it has done it again. Forever grateful for the privilege, for the opportunity and the chance to experience what has without a doubt one of the most incredible summers of my life. If I am honest I am so not ready for it to end...

I miss these guys already... Come back please!

Wallace Tournament Take 3

Doing my babysitting duties looking after Chichi as she slept

Last weekend marked the third and final Wallace Tournament of my time in Zambia as Group 3 organised, hosted and delivered a fantastic day to celebrate the hard work of the past 6 weeks. The Wallace Tournament always acts as a great day for not only all of the participants but for the students to come together and really recognise the fantastic work they have been doing in and around the communities in Lusaka.

The day started with an early rise as we all made our way across to Munali, one of our placement sites, to set up and prepare for the arrival of approximately 400 children and teams from Fountain of Hope, Chipata, Mtendere, Munali and St Patricks. As with most things Zambian time always plays a part as our 9:30am start was delayed and we soon found ourselves over an hour behind on some of the tournament schedules. I have to give credit to each and every IDEALS student, as despite this, a scenario which would often cause mayhem back at home, they were relaxed and embraced it as all part of the day. 

Team Photo... Munali U12s

One thing that is great about the Wallace Tournament is that Steph and I can take a step back as Team Leaders and let the students make the day what they want it to be. From the sport specific scheduling to the theme for the day, to the team colours and posters, the students have the flexibility to make the day all they want it to be and more. This also means that on the day, we can help umpire and officiate but also spend some time wandering around observing the different sports in action, chatting to the participants and enjoying the day. From the first Wallace Tournament to now, I have had the chance to get to meet every team from each of the placement sites, getting to know some of the individual players and have be grateful to have been able to spend time getting to know them as people but also as players. For a few of these teams I have also had the chance to coach them, playing a small part in helping them become better players. This means that although we shouldn't have favorites, admittedly when watching some games there were a few occasions when my allegiance was one of the teams other the other ones but obviously this I couldn't show!

With my Mtendere Netball Family

Unlike the two previous tournaments where we had certain placement sites dominate specific sports, it was great to see other teams emerging as winners with Fountain of Hope making history and winning the U12s boys' football competition for the first time ever... History in the making for this Wallace Tournament. Mtendere won both the U15s and U17s netball competitions but not without tough competition from Munali who fell short by one point in one competition and lost in extra time in the other. Those games could have gone either way! Another positive sign that the level of ability being demonstrated by each placement site is bettering, and even since my arrival in Zambia four months ago, the players have without a doubt got better; something I attribute again to the hard work and effort of all of our students who have worked tirelessly with the Peer Leaders and teams to play their part in enhancing the teams they coach. We are all here because we believe not only in the power of sport as a tool but because each of the students are coaches who are here to share their knowledge, ideas and skills to enhance the lives of those they are working with.

Never a dull day with these boys :)

A crazy busy day but one I know I absolutely loved, as did all of the students and that was even with the challenges of it being one of the hottest days we had experienced so far. The Zambian summer has well and truly arrived. What a way to wrap up the past 6 weeks, it's been fun and these students have done themselves more than proud! I feel somewhat like a proud mother as I stand back, take a moment and smile on what has been a fantastic adventure which we wrapped up with a cracking Wallace Tournament!

My Zam Dream Team after the fun of the Wallace Tournament was over

Livingstone Take Three

With my Zam Dream Team in Livingstone

One of the most amazing experiences ever!

I can't believe that's it. My third and final trip to Livingstone is over, complete, finished. The weekend itself always seems a little crazy, a little busy but it's always more than worth it. Over the three groups I've managed to cram in my fair share of excursions... From walking with lions, to riding on the back of elephants, to white water rafting, going on Safari in Botswana and chilling in Devil's Pool on the edge of Victoria Fall, I have seen some incredible sights, encountered some amazing animals and been captivated by the wonder that is Victoria falls all over again. My fifth time visiting that place and I never get bored. I stood at the top of the Falls at the weekend, in the early hours of Sunday morning, as the rainbow perfectly formed across the sky, the spray rose high and the water fell and couldn't help but be moved by what I saw. Nature and creation at its best. For anyone who doubts the beauty that lies in this world, the wonders that are all around us, only need to spend 10 minutes here to realise that life is full of beauty and life is splendid and it really is a magnificent thing! 

Looking over Victoria Bridge

Saying goodbye to those at the backpackers was a little strange as they're people that have become part of my Zambia experience. They're people who will always feature in my memories and will always be part of what was my Zambia Dream in 2015. The reality that I may possibly visit again still excited me but there's no guarantee that that'll happen this year. But whatever may lie ahead in the time I have left here, whatever places I visit and the people I meet, I'll always have a soft spot for Livingstone. A place of wonder and awe and beauty and home to one of the most incredible creations my eyes have ever laid sight on.

It's fascinates me how different the Falls were from Group 1 to Group 3, how where I once set my eyes upon and saw gallons of water falling was, this weekend, bone dry and the ledge upon which I stood. Two extreme and when I say extreme, I mean worlds apart but both spectacles in their own right. The Falls weren't so much as Falls this time, with a lack of water, the dry season was evident to all and some of the students questioned its ability to be called a 'waterfall' but for me, I am blessed to have been able to see them through three different stages of the year and to witness the way nature changes and adapts through the seasons.

Livingstone baby you delivered once again, thank you for the memories :) 

The wonder that is Victoria Falls 

The Third and Final Journey

They say time flies when you're having fun but I think even now that is the biggest understatement of the century. As I write this I am midway through the final journey of this epic adventure which is Zambia. It feels like yesterday that I boarded that plane in London in May to begin what was going to be the summer of a lifetime and now we are fast approaching the end of this adventure.

Three weeks ago we bid farewell to the second group of students and welcomed the third and final group. It was crazy and a little scary as to how attached you can become to a group of people in such a short period of time. Reflecting on my time spent with Group 2 has reminded me of the 'why' behind my application to become a Team Leader, and that was one for my obvious love of Zambia, this place and the people but two, to play a part, no matter how big or small, in allowing the students the chance to fall in love with this place I call my home from home. Now half way through Group 3 and the memories continue to be created, the good times continue to be had and I am falling more in love with this place every day I spend here. The first half of Group 3 has been jam-packed full of memories and it's safe to say I am doing my uttermost to make the most out of this experience before the end arrives. The past three weeks have had so many highlights that it would take too long to write but there's one I would like to share for the time being.

Last week I was invited to be a special guest presenter at Zambia's 'Born N Bred Music Video Awards' at the Government Complex. Initially I didn't know much about this event apart from the gentleman who invited me was a local football analysts who I had become friends with since arriving in Zambia. He had been invited to present an award and I was his co-presenter. In true Zambian style I didn't know much but it wasn't until I was at dress rehearsal on Wednesday night followed by the event on the Thursday that the true magnitude of it became real. It was very much like the VMAs in England and was a big deal over here. On arrival I was escorted to a room downstairs where we had to wait until it was time to walk the red carpet. Little did I know that on that carpet would be a number of Zambia's biggest artists all of who had attended to either present an award or perform. Walking down the carpet I soon found myself being interviewed LIVE on Zambia TV about my thoughts on local music and videos... Thankfully I was able to remember Jay Rox and his song Joanna which has become a little bit of an anthem for my summer here. However, for those who have seen the video you would understand why saying that was my favourite probably wasn't my best idea! Favourite song yes but the interviewer did ask about my favourite video and I just couldn't think of anything else!

The room soon started filling up and we were taken back stage to wait until it was time to present our award. Myself and Nsama were presenting the award for the 'Most Consistent' artist and we had a football orientated speech prepared which despite my initial hesitation actually went down really well. Nsama started speaking in Spanish / Portuguese about the Ballon d'Or and I gently had to remind him where we were and the audience in front of us. As you can imagine it sounds quite cheesy but the crowd loved it and we had some fantastic feedback about it. Not bad for my first time presenting at a music award ceremony. The evening was packed full of awards, live music performances and some great entertainment. What was even better is that I was able to take Jackson, one of our Peer Leaders from Munali, to the awards with me which was priceless. For someone like him opportunities such as this would never be available and therefore it was my privilege to have him as my date for the evening. You only had to see his face to see how much it meant to him to be there live.

A very unexpected evening spent in Zambia but one I wouldn't change for anything. Another memory to add to what is truly an adventure of a lifetime!

Livingstone Baby

A day out at Chobe National Park in Botswana

A week of two halves as this past week included the infamous Livingstone Trip as well as time spent on placement following the Wallace Tournament. One key highlight of my week was on Wednesday when I chose to visit Fountain of Hope with Nicole and Fiona to assist the kitchen with cooking nshima for all of the boys there, which is about 90 of them. Despite being very different to our normal day to day routine I welcomed the chance to gain an insight into another key part of one of our placement sites. The staff and volunteers at Fountain of Hope do a fantastic job daily to support, provide and look after nearly 100 children and often we don’t see all sides of this. Arriving at Fountain before 9am we were shown to the kitchen where the large pot of water was boiling and the nshima was ready to begin. Little did we know that this whole process takes about 3 hours, and required a lot of physical strength, arm action and effort. Once the nshima was cooking, we took the time to chat to the children who were around and soon found ourselves assisting with the Year 2 and 3 End of Term exams that were taking place in the dining hall. The space at Fountain is limited and therefore these children have to sit these exams whilst being distracted by the noise coming from the kitchen. It was a fantastic morning as we not only gained an insight into a behind the scenes aspect of Fountain of Hope but got to see how differently examinations are conducted in Zambia. The difference between the education systems here in Zambia and in the UK is vast but the importance is equally as great.

The Group 2 Girls

Then the time for Livingstone arrived! Having already visited this amazing place three times previously, I was so excited to witness Group 2 experience this place but also to spend some quality time together away from the house having already had some intense and busy weeks previously. The bus journey epitomised how incredible the team spirit is in this house and how we have genuinely become a family and group. The 7/8 hour journey flew by and the excitement for Livingstone was clear for all to see. Everyone just couldn’t wait to experience Victoria Falls and to treat themselves to a few different activities. The journey to Livingstone reminded me that this adventure in Zambia is made twice as special by the people I get to share it with and I am very grateful to be part of this group as we all live the dream together.

Sunset Cruise with my ZamFam

The weekend was full of different activities as everyone treated themselves to some much needed time off. The sunset cruise will always be a favourite night of mine, as the sunset itself is one of most incredible views I have ever witnessed in my life. To stand there, side by side, with Group 2 taking a moment to embrace what was in front of us was amazing... In that silence we all shared an appreciation of the view we could see and the photos themselves don’t quite do the view justice. Another highlight of the weekend for me was definitely treating myself to a day’s safari in Botswana at Chobe National Park. The idea of a safari has always been high on my agenda but I had always imagined going for a week somewhere, however after hearing the students from Group 1 rave about how amazing it was I just couldn’t say no. Chobe itself is stunningly beautiful, and I loved the chance to explore it. On the river safari we travelled down the water that separates Botswana and Namibia, and saw crocodiles, giraffes, hippos, warthogs,

Nearly within touching distance

gazelles, impala, baboons, water buffalo, fish gulls and the most amazing elephants. Yes you can always visit most of these animals in a zoo but to sit on a boat and watch a herd of elephants make their way across the river, with the older elephants protecting the young was captivating. It was nature in its finest and I was able to sit back and enjoy. On the land safari we also came ridiculously close to these amazing animals as we parked nearby a massive herd. We were all of about 5 metres away from them and the temptation to get out and stroke them was high but I just loved seeing them in their natural environment.

Livingstone Weekend was a fantastic way to not only enjoy so time off with Group 2 but to enjoy and explore another incredible part of Zambia.  The past few days have acted as a much needed time out to relax, spend some quality time together and experience one of the most phenomenal wonders of the world.

Victoria Falls 

Conference, Wallace Tournament and the British High Commission...

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.

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.

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!

 

Evening drinks reception at the British High Commission with my ZamFam

Miss and Mr Tionge

The pageant underway

Time is flying by but every day, every week provides a variation of experiences and I am creating new memories daily. One unique experience that happened a few weeks ago was attending my first ever beauty pageant and it just happened to be in Zambia! I never expected myself to be attending a beauty pageant, let alone one in Zambia but I love every single moment of it. One of the students Nicole had previously held the role of Miss Newcastle and news of this soon spread through the Sport in Action office and was a hot talking point. Therefore she was personally invited by Nalu, one of the Sport in Action members of staff, to be a special guest judge and offer her expertise. I attended simply to support Nicole, plus this would probably be the only time ever I will be at a beauty pageant in Zambia, but on arrival I soon found myself on the panel of judges.

One of the contestants

The day was full of dancing, catwalks, eating competitions and talent competitions which was something Nicole and I both absolutely loved. The day gave us a very unique insight into another aspect of Zambian culture and loved the way each of the contestants put their all towards trying to gain the title of Miss and Mr Tionge. I loved the way that Zambian culture embraces singing and dancing and that all the children just wanted to get up and involved. Every time a song played, the audience got up dancing and just embraced everything about the day. However the moment I got dragged onto the stage it front of about 250 children was scary, especially when they expected me to dance. I done my best to bust a few moves, but for those who know me dancing isn’t my strongest point and I have to admit as nervous as I was I just got on with it and they seemed to love it!

Zambia teaches me things daily and as they say every day is a school day. Something I really want to take away from Zambia and my time is here is to be less worried about what other people think of me and to enjoy the moment I am in. I, for one, am shocking at dancing but getting up on stage in front of the audience was nerve wracking but I loved every moment. I love the variation of my weeks and that despite being here nearly two months, no one day has been the say. Zambia continues to deliver the unexpected, at placement and in our free time, and I couldn’t be happier.

The 2015 Miss Tionge benig crowned