Annemarie:
We’re exploring in the heat of the afternoon having spent the morning ‘getting straight’ - which means I was indulging my tidying weakness and washing our clothes in two enormous plastic bowls, somewhat more effort than a Hotpoint! We’re at a place called Moorings Campsite as we make our way from Livingstone to Lusaka. Owned by Thea Savory who came to Africa from the Netherlands, it’s a farm but with a lot more than a farm to see. Thea originally came here to work in the local hospital and has set up a clinic, which is free for all the farm employees. The farm also supports the government school on the site plus a craft and education centre for local women.
As we walk up the road to look around, a young woman asks us if we’re ok, then, since we’re so interested, she takes the time to show us around. Thank you Joibelle! We make our way up a dusty track to the school, where she works as a volunteer – she’s actually from the UK. Children of various ages greet her, joyful youngsters, slightly more bashful older ones. “Are you supposed to be in school?” she asks three girls taking turns on a bike that’s way too big for them. We don’t quite get an answer, apparently climbing mango trees and eating mangoes seems a preferable activity on a hot afternoon. We get to the school, it’s late afternoon but there are still children here, noisy, riotous children in one class with no teachers in sight. Maybe they’ve finished for the day? Ah, but across the yard we spot a pair of flip-flops outside the staffroom, maybe they’ve finished for the day? Joibelle breezes up to the door, one teacher comes out, welcomes us, but isn’t totally forthcoming. Joibelle opens the door and peers in, around a corner two other teachers are there, eating juicy fragrant mangoes!
Joibelle manages the library and as she grabs the keys to open up and show us, it’s as if she’s the Pied Piper, children appear from all corners of the school. They are keen to have some extra time with the books and this inspiring young women who is patience itself, but with high standards! “Now, that’s not how we handle books is it? Have you washed your hands?” The collection of books is a precious one. I hear six or seven children read to me, proudly showing off their new -found skills. Joibelle tells us the children are very keen to learn, that their lives are quite tough, that even having enough water in the school is a challenge, let alone enough books. She shows us their set of ‘Zedupads’ educational tablets developed specifically for Africa’s education needs. There’s a huge throng around her as she puts them away, it’s obvious the children love working on them. As she gradually shoos everyone out and prepares to close up, three girls, Precious, Nah Nah and Florence tell us their ambitions: bank manager, teacher, and nurse. Go for it girls, we believe you can do it. We promise to write to them via Joibelle’s email address. If anyone wants to help support the school let us know, I think books for their library are on our Christmas list.