Twenty students from England’s European School Culham recently visited Zambia on a cultural exchange programme.
The students who were from different nationalities had an opportunity to visit Mbwami Community School and Mutende School in Livingstone and Kitwe respectively, where they donated a sum of K 7 million and helped build library book shelves.
They also donated books and shoes as part of their charity work for vulnerable and orphaned children.
Some of the students that were talked to by the Education Post described their visit to the country as an expedition, as it has made them realize that young people from across the globe can work together regardless of their race and status in society.
Sixteen- year-old Sof Scott said it has prompted him to be more responsible after having had seen the underprivileged children.
“I have had a great time here and I would love to come back again; there are things that I saw that really touched me and that will stay in my mind forever. There are so many things that we see on TV about Africa and seeing them first hand was really heartbreaking,” said Sof.
“The other sad thing was seeing a number of children sharing a small hut while I have a big bedroom all to myself. This trip has made me realize that as young people we can make the world a better place by helping other children who have nothing.”
Another student Sarah Worsnop 16, said due to the visit, the students were eager to render more support to the vulnerable children.
“I believe that we as students can make a difference and I want to go back home to tell other students at my school to fundraise more money so that we can help the orphans and vulnerable children we have seen here,” said Sarah.
And 17-year-old Martin Gellner said the visit had established a link between the students and the local young people in the schools they visited.
“We visited Maanu Mbwami community school in Livingstone. We have created a friendship that will always be there and we will do whatever we can to help them in anyway. The most important thing that these children need is education. It is the only thing that will create a better future for them,” said Martin.
And Culham School teacher Constance Teichert said the trip was aimed at ensuring that the students have a feel of the Zambian culture.
“We have been able to work with different orphanages. And we painted some of the classrooms. We will continue fundraising for the community schools and this is done so that the students know that they have a responsibility to help other underprivileged children because they are privileged,” said Teichert.
The students who arrived in the country on the 15th of August this year raised K7 million through cake sales at their school and with help from their church and individual donations in England.