Helping Africa

When teacher Kate Findley learned that she would be travelling to Africa, thoughts of lions and hippopotamuses had been appealing. She just never imagined they would be so close to her.

The blood was pumping through my ears as the lions padded around my tent. Sliding slowly off my stretcher into the centre of the tent, the tension eased somewhat. I convinced myself that safety was secured by my being an extra two feet away from the thin nylon separating me from the big cats prowling in the cool desert night.

For a long time, Africa has been an enticing place. So when an opportunity arose in the form of an Education Gazette advertisement calling for volunteers to teach in Zambia, I indulged in a bit of ‘seizing the day'.

ChildFund New Zealand was the organisation providing the prospect of an exchange between Zambian and New Zealand teachers. Sally Hewlett was the mastermind behind the idea and my first point of contact.

Her enthusiasm poured through the phone and I felt my own energy levels rising. The Global Schools Programme focuses on developing teaching methods to allow students more room for experiential learning. It involves a two-way exchange, which begins with New Zealand teachers travelling to Zambia and sharing ideas to encourage ‘hands-on' learning.

This is followed by the Zambian teachers journeying to New Zealand and sharing aspects of their culture and knowledge to promote cultural awareness. Initially, I was a bit sceptical about imposing our views on another culture,
but Sally assured me that the project was about sharing. The learning we would take away would be as beneficial as the ideas we would be taking. I was convinced and the fundraising began. The roots of teaching Our partner schools were located in Mumbwa District, just two hours drive from Zambia's capital, Lusaka. Mumbwa was all dirt roads, tired buildings and scatterings of thatched huts. Hundreds of people lined the main road selling coal and bananas. It was here that I was introduced to Shimbizhi Basic School and some of the most determined people I have ever met.

The roll at Shimbizhi is approximately 1200 students, taught by about 15 staff members. The average class size is 60, although I was told by staff that these numbers could sometimes reach nearly 100. The teaching resources include a chalkboard, some chalk and the recent introduction of desks, paper and pens through fundraising efforts. My admiration for these teachers, who run classes in such primitive conditions, was and remains unrivalled.
For the next 10 days we shared, planned and taught alongside each other. It was encouraging for us to see our partner teachers apply ‘new' concepts such as group work and games to promote student-centred learning.

From my westernised point of view, I felt I had travelled back to the roots of teaching and my passion for learning was reignited. As chilling as my lion encounter was, far more terrifying is the knowledge that there are thousands of able young minds that aren't getting the best chance at success, simply because they can't apply their academic skills. Support of programmes such as this will ensure these young minds gain access to essential learning opportunities so they can continue their education.

Kate Findley is an English and physical education teacher at Reporoa College. Kate teaches Years 7-13 and has been teaching for four years.

Can you help?
To make a contribution to this programme, visit:
www.childfundchallenge.co.nz/KateFindley