Week One - Cultural

Our first week in Zambia has involved a great deal of cultural adaptation ranging from the mass of insects to the mighty Zambian heat which greeted us as we stepped off the plane into Livingstone Airport. Our International Host, Patrick, kindly transported us from the airport to our new home; Jollyboys Backpackers were we were welcomed with open arms by the staff and the insects (to our dismay).  Life in Jollyboys, has taken a while to settle into with its relaxed African atmosphere, straw huts and food – We are definitely a long way from our home comforts!

Before we had time to think, we headed straight to Victoria Falls which completely blew my expectations out of the water. It was breath taking! After exploring, we walked a short distance before crossing the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. I was shocked by the beauty of the Falls and its surroundings, but also by the lack of safety percussions.

During the first few days, Patrick eased us into the Zambia way of life, taking us on a tour of Livingstone, to our schools for observations and to register at the Department of Education Offices. Along with providing us with our first of many experiences of African time keeping, arriving over two hours late!

We were invited to David Livingstone Collage, where we received a tour of the campus, witnessed a lecture and took part in sporting activities. At first, the collage seemed to contrast sharply with Stranmillis with the old buildings, lack of resources and the fact Elephants often wonder through the grounds. Although, after discussions with students and lecturers it became clear that these were merely cultural differences and structure of learning is quite similar, as students engage in specific subjects, along with educational pedagogy.

 

The students carrying their chairs between different classes at David Livingstone Collage

Having ventured into Livingstone, both with and without Patrick, our presence has caused a great deal of commotion. We are greeted with many smiles, handshakes and waves. At first I found this very refreshing as this would not happen on the streets of Belfast. However, I am becoming very aware of my skin colour, as it is impossible to walk down the street without being approached or hear people talk about us in their native language, referring to us as ‘Mzungo’ meaning ‘white person’, which is quite unnerving as we do not know what is being said. But overall, the locals have been very welcoming, it is heart warming to see how excited and proud they are to be Zambian. During the excitement of the African Cup of Nations, we were embraced as honouree Zambians after purchasing a Zambian football top.  

As we explore Livingstone, I am having my eyes opened to the difficulties of money and food faced by some of the locals, which is hard to see, especially within our schools. I feel that this cultural difference (although present in some areas of Northern Ireland), will be the most difficult to come to terms with. I have found it very interesting to experience many of the African customs, such as carrying baskets on their heads, always greeting with a hand shake and the tone and volume of their speech (which is always excited and sound like they are auguring).

I am intrigued to find out what challenges and cultural difference we will face next week when we begin to teach full time in Holly Cross Basic School.