Immediate Reactions

Written Saturday 7th August 2010
Ndola is a large bustling town centre and on the first visit, with so many new things to see, a little disorientating. I am working and living in the Kabushi area of the town. This is not a wealthy area but neither is it like a ‘township’. Small council houses (often only one or two rooms) were provided for rent in the past and due to a policy introduced by the Government a while ago many people have now been able to buy their homes. This has led to families extending and increasing their properties to cater for increasing family members.

Friday morning was an early start having arrived at the Guest House only 8 hours earlier, giving little chance of sleep. This was the last day of school and the children would not be back in school until after my return, so I had to make the effort. How could I travel all this way and have a lie in?

I was welcomed with a delightful song in both English and Bemba by staff and pupils. It was report day with parents attending to find out how their children were progressing and I sat with Charity, Grade 2 teacher, to hear these reports. They are just the same as our children – those with poor attendance had lowest marks! School broke up with the singing of the Zambian National Anthem.

My accommodation is basic and clean. I have an on-suite shower room – but the shower only has cold water, you get a couple of spurts then a small dribble before it stops completely. Not enough to get your hair wet! So bucket showers it is! The coordinator, Precious, is a lovely friendly young lady who is looking after my needs and has already introduced me to Zambian foods and eating with my fingers.

Mwelwa, my host, has been very welcoming and has a lovely wife, Abigail, who is a good cook! I have sampled her stew, yummy! For now I am settling in, with real work starting on Monday morning.