Who benefits more, the kids that volunteer, or the ones they go to help?
In July 2022, two children, Peter, aged 14, and Estelle, aged 11, went on an adventure of a lifetime to Zambia to volunteer with Africa Hope Fund. It was a life changing multi-generational service trip complete with their mother and grandparents in tow! The kids were very excited at the prospect of traveling overseas but had trepidation about volunteering, worried that they were not teachers and had nothing to contribute. But that could not be further from the truth!
Once they got to the lodge with the other volunteers, the children slid right into a routine. There were enough home comforts to keep them comfortable and entertained, such as internet, a pool, soda, and delicious desserts! When it came time to go to the reading centers, the children were the highlight of the day. The Zambian children wanted to know all about the American children and asked them all sorts of questions.
Peter, the 14 year old, said that his trip to Zambia with the Africa Hope Fund:
"Caused me to think about multiple points and areas of my life, especially when working with children in the schools. At the libraries, we read books and played with the students. Although it was hard to connect with them because we didn’t speak the local language, I was impressed by how welcoming and friendly the Zambian community is. It was cool to see how much the students treasure their education. Students were happy to be at school, and the teachers spoke about how the schools are a happy place for the students. In American schools, there are books on a shelf that won’t be read. But in Zambia they read all their books and then learn with them. Plus the teachers there really enjoyed their jobs".
Estelle, who was 11 at the time of the trip, had similar thoughts about the friendly atmosphere and dedication to education:
"My favorite part about our trip to Zambia with Africa Hope Fund was meeting the children at the library, seeing the towns and villages and the safaris! I liked how we got a view into their daily lives. Villagers seem very happy even though they are very impoverished compared to our American standard of living. Zambians seem much happier than Americans in general. I think this may be because they have a close community.
I enjoyed reading books to the whole group of students and teaching games, to small groups. It was a lot of fun to help the students act out a book. I'm guessing we would not get this kind of experience if we stayed at a resort. I really want to go back again!"
When we asked the local children what they thought of the American children, Romazara, a fourth grade student said "I really wish for you to come again I had so much fun playing with you!" While Judith, another grade four student said "I was very happy when they came. We played a lot of games and read a lot of stories. I hope they come back again!"
The Zambian children enjoyed playing games with the American children, and for some of the local Zambians it was even their first time getting to play games with American children their age! They wish to have more children from America come to play with them and teach them about their lives in Mfuwe and exchange knowledge with them. They hope to see Peter and Estelle – and hopefully more young volunteers - back next year!
If you would like to go on one of our volunteer trips, find out more HERE!