Thanks for visiting my blog. I'm currently working as a Fundraising Advisor in Chipata for a small community-based organisation called Chipata Dzithandizeni Nutrition Group, based in the Eastern Province of Zambia.
It's a role I gained through Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) and I'm hoping to share my experiences of Zambian culture with you through this site.
I'm lucky to be working with some amazing colleagues and the community, sharing skills in order to generate income and resources to support the work of the the Nutrition Group. The Group is situated in Kapata township right in the heart of Chipata and its focus is to provide nutritional support to vulnerable children and adults in the urban and rural areas of Chipata.
Before this, I had never been to Zambia, slept under a mosquito net or even accepted a job without meeting any of my colleagues first, so as you can imagine it was a bit of a risk! I'm grateful to VSO for all their support in preparing me for all the challenges! I'm hoping that with some fun and hard work along the way, I'll look back and think that every minute was worth it.
If you like, you can see where Chipata is by clicking on the map on the right. Also feel free to click on the Zambia Country profile to learn more about this stunning country. Take a browse through my blog and feel free to post me any messages along the way!
Please remember that all the views within this blog do not represent the views of VSO or Chipata Nutrition Group.
Thanks, Sarah
Thursday, 15 October 2009
Arrival in Lusaka - 10th October
So I have finally arrived in Zambia after a year of form filling, vaccinations and a shed load of blood, sweat and some tears at Heathrow.
As my plane made it’s descent into Lusaka at 6am on the 10th October, I was already feeling excited due to the wonderful sight of the most amazing red hot sun above the clouds. The Zambian lady (my new best friend called Juliette) kindly pointed out that the sun was coming from the EasternProvince to greet meet me on behalf of my new hometown, Chipata. My wonder at the sun soon came to a halt when a voice from the loudspeaker mentioned something about being “28 degrees outside, which will be rising to 38 degrees during the day with a light breeze from the East” (Yikes – that’s hot!) I soon began to wonder how on earth I would cope with that heat when I had just left a very cold and grey London less than 24 hours ago.
My first day in Lusaka involved meeting other VSO volunteers who will be based in Zambia and we are all currently staying at the University of Zambia for our week long In-Country Induction Training. That same evening I attended my first Zambian wedding, which was held on the grounds of our lodge. It was amazing to see so many Zambians having fun, eating and dancing. What I’ve learnt during my first day in Zambia is that Zambians are peaceful, welcoming, with a great sense of humour. They also love to party. The music didn’t stop until 7am and the speeches (as in any culture) were long, symbolic and full of puns.Not a bad first day in Africa!
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