After reading an article about Theresa Grant and her work in Zambia, Africa, I called her. I wanted to understand how I could help. I liked her immediately, her enthusiasm and passion for her work was obvious.
I called my friend Donna, who lives in Sonoma, Calfornia, to see if she would be interested in going with me. She agreed. Working with children appealed to me, but I wanted to have some goals so we worked on what we would like to accomplish for about two months before leaving.
When we arrived into Ndola, Zambia, our first goal was to teach some of the women to sew for an income generator. We started two sewing groups right away. The ladies were eager to learn and picked up the skills quickly. Within two days they were cutting out patterns and making items for themselves and the local children. Our workroom was a wooden room with dirt floors, a rickety table and no windows! I found that after a few days I didn't see the poor conditions or poverty. I saw a group of individuals who were eager to somehow better their lives.
Our second goal was to provide uniforms for a community school in one of the poorer areas of Ndola. Three hundred orphans were taught in a small school built with wooden planks, dirt floors, benches and few school supplies. The majority of schools in Africa require the children to wear uniforms. The amazing thing was how eager they were to learn. Even if the teacher didnt show up, the class room was full and the children waited. Some were barefoot, clothes mismatched, red dirt everywhere but always wore a big smile.
Our work with the children was heart breaking at this school and other projects, yet left me with a wonderment of the human spirit. All the orphaned children had a unique story to be told. Their courage made me see how silly and contrite our day-to-day problems are. Their little bodies made me feel stronger, and their smiles made me see what a difference one person can make. Along with the children, my memories are of the volunteers I met. Caryn, a physical therapy student making equipment for the Cerebral Palsy children. Felix, our driver, who was always willing to teach or play with the children. Emil, the principal and minister at the community school and his wife June. But most of all, I remember Theresa, with her endless enthusiasm and energy. Such an amazing person!
Donna and I continued our trip with a wonderful safari, relaxing in the tented camps, viewing the animals moving freely in the open plains. Feeling the luxury of being able to afford the experience. I returned to the States a different person. Our trip was life-changing.
Oh yes, and we did manage to provide 300 uniforms for the community school. I am presently thinking of new projects for my next trip to Zambia. Hopefully next year!
