Zambia 2014, Day 4 - Leaving Chikumbuso
Today was our last day teaching at Chikumbuso. We were originally scheduled to teach three classes. Unfortunately, only two out of the three groups came to dance class. Once my partner and I realized that our group was not coming we decided to walk to a small store to purchase some candy. We still managed to communicate with the storeowner even though she spoke very little English. Since the lady did not understand that we wanted candy, I showed her one of my cough drops and she later realized what we wanted to buy.
Before going to the store I just assumed that everyone spoke English, however after my visit I started to value the Nianji language more. I really started to make more of an effort, and show more respect towards her culture instead of just expecting her to adapt to my culture. This experience was a great reminder that I was visiting another country in order to experience how they live. I learned that I should not try to bring America to Zambia, but to use what I learned in the US to better my experience in Zambia.
At the end of the teaching portion of the day, everyone gathered for the final assembly. I was really touched to see how grateful the kids and the teachers were by our visit. By the end of the assembly I really started to realize the impact that I have had on the lives of these people. It was also interesting to see how religious the school was. I could clearly see the impact that the missionaries had on Chikumbuso. The children were praying, reciting Bible verses, and singing gospel songs in English. Again, this reminded me of how much one person or group can influence an entire nation. For example, after I taught the dance routine to the students the teacher explained that this was the first time that they had learned anything like it. Apparently the only dances that they do are ‘free style’ and that the only body part used in traditional dances is the hips. So the fact that my routine involved using all of the body was new and exciting. I saw several of the students practicing the dance during lunch, and even showing it to their friends. After watching the assembly, I started to wonder if my small dance routine could have as big of an impact on the culture as Christian missionaries have had on the country. It amazes me that a short, last minute dance routine really could be life changing to some of the kids.
Jordan, 15, Washington International School