As always it has been a hectic start to my time in Zambia. Having left UK Sport 2 weeks ago I wanted to take this opportunity to get back into the field, visit projects and be (re)inspired. What a (re)introduction it has been!
IDEALS students have kindly welcomed me into their house; cocktails and karaoke was the first night’s entertainment. Rona singing Rocky Robin had to be seen to be believed! The rest of the venue did not look in the least impressed as they tried to enjoy their dinner in the restaurant.
On Friday I took the opportunity to watch a Barefeet production at Lusaka Playhouse. Barefeet are an organisation using theatre as a development tool with the primary target audience being street children. As such their performance included kids from Fountain of Hope, Garden and SOS village (these places may be familiar to some of you). The play, called FLOAT, was fantastic and I would recommend checking out their website ( http://www.barefeettheatre.org/) or alternatively some of their work is on You Tube.
Saturday saw me accompany the Central Action Team (initiated by Annie, supported by Coach Shiko and Sharon) for their league game against KK’s Bauleni United (BUSA) girls. BUSA are supported by Friend of EduSport through the efforts of Alfie Shepherd in the UK, on the BUSA team were 3 sponsored peer leaders showing off their skills and confidence! The game had a late kick off owing to transport problems, once underway the sun was out but so was the wind which frequently whipped up a red sand storm mid-game. Both clubs fielded diverse teams with a mix of ages on the pitch however the quality of play was consistently high despite the hard packed ground. Coach KK’s voice could be heard throughout the game from the sidelines, while his willing assistant coach Tobias ensured the crowd was kept under control and no stray chimpobwa’s interfered with play. In the end BUSA won with a 1-0 victory. The player of the match had to go to KK’s goalkeeper who was placed in midfield position to mix things up and was so much of a star that I doubt the gloves will be back on anytime soon. I’ll keep you posted on the progress of both teams as the league progresses.
On Sunday it was time to see some of the supported (through school sponsorship programme by Friend of EduSport) peers leaders in action, this time facilitating workshops. Arriving at Kalingalinga Basic School at 9am several gospel church services were underway and in an adjacent classroom Cezarin and Moses conducted an introductory peer leader programme. They did a great job! The new group being inducted into EduSport included 20 girls (Go Sisters) and 5 boys aged between 13-20. Similar workshop with taking place in Chilenje, Chawama, Madevu and Zingalume; all run by EduSport’s recently qualified trainer of trainers.
A great start to my time in Zambia, so much so that my plans have already adjusted allowing me to stay here until the end of October. More to follow next week!
