Back to another kind of school

David Christian with children from Zambia

David Christian has recently returned home after spending eight months in Zambia working at a teacher training college for future rural teachers.

David said: “My main tasks included working in partnership with the college and visiting companies to sponsor the college expansion.”

As part of his work, David succeeded in getting an irrigation pump donated which will now make life easier for students to grow and sell more vegetables.

David added: “I also helped with a UNICEF project making toys and games for 100 pre-schools. This was great as the materials used give young children a stepping stone in education.”

During his free time in Zambia, David spent time with a student teacher at a local school. He led an afternoon club educating locals about HIV and Aids.

David added: “I gave a condom presentation and I even encouraged one or two students to demonstrate, to see how much they understood. I explained other ways of protection such as abstinence, one sexual partner and using new or sterilised needles. The students asked questions, which was good as they knew and wanted to know more about HIV and Aids.”

When he wasn’t giving health advice to the locals, David learnt a lot about Zambian culture including public transport, food and community spirit.

He added: “Zambians are very friendly, welcoming people. It was such a nice experience, to get this overwhelming attention from them.”

Upon returning home from his trip, David says it wasn’t easy but he certainly learnt a lot about the country and himself. He added: “Zambian life is completely different and I loved it, but many Zambians don’t have the same resources or opportunities as us.

“Things weren’t always easy, but you learn more about yourself and how to deal with the problems you face. My life has changed so much, with no desire to return to normality. There is so much out there and we have an opportunity to experience how others live and to help those in poverty.”

David is a student at the College for International Co-operation and Development (CICD) in Hull; CICD collects donations of clothes and shoes which help to run the college and create scholarships for the students. If you have any unwanted clothes and shoes, you can place them a call on 01964 631826.