Background Context

​

My primary location during my internship was unique because I was in a remote area. Mkushi Mission Center was a 1.5 hour drive from the nearest full market and town and 4 hours from the mission headquarters. Fortunately, during my time there I got to visit the market, attended church (on the mission base), saw where the people go to sell and buy maize (the product that is eventually turned into shima), and walk to the home/farm of one of the Zambians with whom I became friends. Though the majority of my time was spent teaching second grade.

 

I had the opportunity to teach English, math, science, art, creative technology, Zambian history, and religious studies. The students did not speak English and I did not speak their native language. This challenged forced me out of my comfort zone and required the implementation of creative teaching techniques. Despite this unanticipated challenge, the students at Inchende Yakwa Lesa (the name of the school) were eager to learn, full of joy, and exhibited endurance in their studies. Their passion for education was inspiring to me-- an educator in training. Within the six weeks I was students began to read basic sentences in English and do long division. Their growth was astonishing! Big things are happening at Inchende Yakwa Lesa.

 

     The students at Inchende Yakwa Lesa were eager to learn, full of joy, and                   exhibited endurance in their studies. Their passion for education was inspiring to         me-- an educator in training.

 

Cultural Adjustment

 

In order to adapt to Zambian culture, I had to continually put aside my own thoughts, opinions, and customs and pick up the Zambian ways. Had I not been intentional in denying selfish desires and adopting Zambian ways, the initial adjustment would have been more challenging. It was not until I reached the point of mental isolation that my time in Zambia became challenging because of cultural differences. It was challenging not having anyone from my home culture there that I could easily relate to or bond with. None of the people I was with spoke English as their first language or had spent much time in the United States and I did not speak their first language and was not familiar with their home cultures (that is the missionaries there, not the native Zambians). It was quite isolating being both in a physically isolated place while feeling emotionally and mentally isolated from those around me. Had I stayed longer, I trust that more culture shock would have settled in and the I would have experienced even more security in relationships.

 

I hope to go back to Inchende Yakwa Lesa and encourage the students to keep learning no matter how challenging it can feel. The students need to know that people care about them, support them, and are rooting for their success. If you would like to find out more about how you can be involved please visit the Contact Me form on the home page and put Zambia in the comment section.