Hello and Welcome!

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, 8 October 2009

It's time to say 'Shalapo'!

I recently learnt that 'Shalapo' is the Bemba term in Zambia, meaning 'Goodbye', which is a word I've been very used to in the last few days. In fact, I didn't even realise that there are so many traditional languages/dialects spoken in Zambia, so it will be interesting to see which words I'll be picking up along my travels.

I can't believe I leave tomorrow to start my 2 year journey with the people of Chipata, Zambia. It's been a rollercoaster week of emotions! There's been excitement, sadness, panic (Royal Mail lost my passport for 2 days ...) tiredness and also hope that I'll be able to settle in and do a good job! However all in all, I've had a great week reading some of your messages, texts and cards. I think one of the best pieces of advice was "keep your head down, stay out of trouble and don't forget to take a pack of cards to keep you entertained". I think arranging drunken poker nights with the locals is out of the question then!

Anyway, better go now and get some rest before the long journey to terminal 5. Thanks again for your support and will be in touch soon with news from my host country.

"Shalapo!"

Sarah
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