One typhoid vaccine, one yellow fever shot, an injection for polio and a set of three painful vaccines to avoid rabies.
While American children run from doctors in their desperate attempts to escape a small pinch that could prevent serious medical treatments or even death, a Zambian child could be fighting HIV and AIDS with little to no knowledge of the war their body is battling.
This summer I will be travelling to Zambia, located in the south eastern region of Africa. I will be travelling with a program called LearnServe International. LearnServe is a DC based program that reaches out to future change makers and provides community service opportunities to benefit the areas that we live in and those around us.
Our program will be staying in several rural areas of Zambia. In the fairly peaceful nation of Zambia, the hard working people earn an average income equivalent to that of about $395 in American money.
Tragically, the Zambian people suffer from a large percentage of HIV and AIDS. Due to the high risk of disease, many children are orphaned and many women struggle to live.
We will be exchanging cultural traditions such as dancing, making crafts and having a good time while learning about our fellow brothers and sisters from across the globe. In the past the woman and children have shared dances and songs with the volunteers.
The next project we will be working on is the World Bicycle Relief Organization. We will help make and repair heavy duty bicycles to give to the residents.
With the help of the bicycles the dedicated, citizens will be able to travel to and from school more efficiently and save their energy for learning.
When school is not in session, the students can share the vehicles with their families and friends so that they can get to clean water and work while saving travel time.
This project consists of building bikes and also teaching the Zambian people how to repair and increase the longevity of the bicycles. This will create jobs and a more innovative generation.
As a group we will also visit the Malam bo Basic School for a few days. There, we will interact with kids from kindergarten through 8th grade.
I will personally be working with 1st graders. Along with a partner, I will be designing a lesson plan so that we will be prepared to use our time to the fullest. We will be practicing English and learning topics such as basic math. Hopefully, I will be learning from them as well. By using interactive games we will teach them to love learning.
When I return, I plan to share my experience with my peers and school so that my community may also benefit.
To make the best experience possible, we are hoping to arrive with donations such as financial contributions, school supplies and lightly used clothing. I will be taking a suit case with me, fully dedicated to donations. All money will be put completely towards rebuilding the schools and replacing basic necessities such as fences or painting buildings.
Each student attending is expected to raise $200 individual so that we come as helpful as possible. At the moment I have raised close to $800 and still have over 20 days before my trip. I hope to gather more.
The women in Chikumbuso make handbags out of old plastic grocery bags and put them on the fair trade market. Items that would otherwise go to waste such as clothes or bags are helpful to the Zambian people. I want you all to feel a part of this experience just as much as I am. I will be keeping a journal while there and also documenting through pictures.
I want to make the absolute best of this great opportunity. I hope to one day make a difference but for right now I am taking it one day at a time.
My Zambia trip will not only be a growing experience for myself but also for those that I will be visiting.
I am more than excited for my voyage. I am very much looking forward to surrounding myself with different people in a different nation. It is my dream to one day join the Peace Corps and travel as a doctor. This trip at such a young age will give me a taste of similar adventures.
