Zambia is a country that really was never on my radar. Until we learned at training camp we would be coming here. But nothing can prepare you for the seeing the statistics up close. It’s one thing to learn that the country is living in extreme poverty. But it’s another thing to see children who are hungry, both for love and for food. It’s one thing to hear that the life expectancy is forty-seven years old, but it’s another thing to see so many widows and orphans running around.
Our team had the unique opportunity of doing Unsung Heroes (UH) the first month out in the field. The ministry of UH is to locate people who are building the kingdom but in are not heavily publicized. The hope is that there is an opportunity for future Racers to partner with these ministries. The first person we met was Whitney from ImpactOne. She single handedly is working with schools within the compounds (areas of the city where the poor build houses with whatever materials they can) to improve the education for the children living there. Our team was able to go visit two of the nearly 20 schools in the compound.
The first one we went to had 2 rooms in a mud and cement building where they taught kids pre-K (the “babies”) to 7th grade. Each grade was split into sections in the room and the one of the two teachers would go through and write the lesson on the chalkboard. The kids would then copy the lesson down in their notebook. The teacher would then move on to the next “class” and write down a lesson, rotating through classes and subjects throughout the day. Comparing the classes we saw in the compound with the ones I’ve heard of in the States comes to dramatically different results. The children in the compound were quiet (although that may be shyness due to the “mzungu” in the room), respectful, and wrote their lessons out on lined paper bound with newspapers. But they were also fun loving, proud of their achievements, and overflowing with joy.
The second school we went to has received funding from an organization in the US and they have a fantastic facility. Each teacher has a class of about 100 students and somewhat better classrooms. The students from here have all passed the exam to go into 8th grade, despite the teachers having little teaching training.
In spending time with Whitney both on her own and watching her interact with both the students and teachers in the schools it is evident that she has a deep love, respect, and passion for her work. There is a joy and a love that is evident between her and the children. Want to get involved? Visit http://impactoneinitiative.org/
