Zambia

Last week we ran our biggest briefing course of the year. In total we had 31 volunteers all off to a variety of countries to work on a variety of projects in January.

We had people set to go to Nepal, Kenya, Tanzania and Zambia for between 3 and 6 months. I am extremely jealous and reminds me of my Pre Departure Course back in 2003 when I was nervously getting ready to head to Tanzania!

The two days are always great fun, go very quickly and are pretty tiring for all involved (especially those that had travelled to us from afar!)

For those readers that attended the course: I would like to extend a thank you to all of you that worked hard on giving some great talks about the various aspects of your countries and also for participating so well in all of the sessions.

If you are considering taking a Gap Year, then please do consider going with an organisation that briefs you thoroughly before departure. Personally, I think it is so important to be fully prepared and understand the health, safety and cultural issues relevant to the country you are travelling to.

Finally a big thanks to Leah and Lucy – our returned volunteer helpers and also Dick Glynne Jones.

A lot of my friends thought I was mad when I told them I had decided to spend six months ‘somewhere in central Africa’, and I have to admit I didn’t think I would be spending the time teaching thirty 9-12 year olds everything from English, to Music and Art, and I certainly never imagined that I would enjoy it so much! The combination of teaching, sports coaching and home based care for people with HIV/Aids has really given me the opportunity to experience and see many new and interesting things. I cannot think of anywhere better to have come; from the beautiful landscape, to Victoria Falls, the mango trees in the garden and of course the children…I’m already dreading having to leave it all behind!

Click here to visit our Zambia page.