A little over six months since the last IDEALS group left their summer placements, one group two student takes a look at where post-Zambia life has taken some of his fellow coaches, and how two of his fellow group members are contributing to the sustainability of the project through sponsorship.

“There's been an incredible turnaround in the lives of so many involved in last summer's volunteer programmes in Zambia. Since September 2008, members of the group I worked with are now spread all around the world. Two volunteers are traveling the world, one is living and working in Australia, others completing studies, one bouncing around London and finding perspective and purpose in a great new job, which leaves two others embarking on their chosen careers.

One of these is Loughborough University graduate, keen footballer and fan of the Bauleni Community compound, Alex 'Alfie' Shephard. Alfie started a new career in teaching upon her return to the UK after her Zambian adventure, but her incredible experience left a lasting impact. Alfie becomes Friend of EduSport's newest sponsor for Wilson Tiembo from Bauleni Community Compound.

Benneath Evea, known to most at EduSport as 'B', is another embarking on a new and exciting chapter of her life, having embarked upon a career in hospitality. Now working in Washington D.C., Bennath has  recently sponsored Titus, also of Bauleni.
 
Alex and B both visited Bauleni during their time in Zambia, and were left in awe of the work being carried out by the young peer leaders, some of whom are as young as 14. Both girls were moved to inquire about sponsoring one of the Bauleni Boys, and Friend of EduSport would like to thank them for their ongoing support.

 Third and finally there is Rona Macintosh (Pictured Above) who joined the Friend Of EduSport Board of Trustees prior to her first visit to Zambia in 2007. Since then Rona has become a cornerstone in the development of one of our proudest projects at Chawama SEE School in Lusaka. Sourcing support and sponsorship from friends, family, local schools and even a House of Parliament that has all contirbuted to the school becoming self sustainable. Ronas ongoing efforts continue to make a lasting impact on the lives of the teachers and the students at and around Chawama SEE school. Friend Of EduSport would like to commend the efforts of Rona and all those that have supported her since 2007.

If you would like to sponsor a peer leader and provide the gift of education please consult our sponsorship page in early April for the pending list of peer leaders that require our support. Alternatively send an email to sponsorship coordinator This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ”

By Derek Keir,
Derek is Friend of Edusport Co-Founder and Director, and was a 2008 group two student from Bath University placed in the Bauleni Community Compound, Lusaka.

Edited by Becky Maybury - Website Journalist
Masters Student at Oxford University and a 2008 Group two student from Durham University