It’s about creating relationships

The interaction between the local people and the participants was really amazing. The team was eager to learn and participate fully in most of the local activities, so as the local people were interested to learn more about the participants. The schedule and commitment in terms of construction was well organized and coordinated by both the local and international technical team, this enabled the project to move at a pace and to be implemented as planned.  

The team arrived in Zambia on the 14th July, 2017 at the Lusaka International Airport where they were welcomed by Collins. Despite arriving at the project site in the evenings (Matipa Community School), the local people were still waiting to welcome the team. The next day the team felt at home by experiencing the Zambian way of worshiping during a service led by Mark and Moffat. The afternoon was overwhelming as we had a colorful welcoming ceremony that gave opportunities for various leaders to express their concerns and expectations. More so, the ceremony included both local and international dances and singing. Later there was the ground breaking ceremony were participants and local people were oriented about the overall project.

3.1 The construction

The entire project progressed smoothly in the sense that there was good communication and coordination among the local CCAP Project Coordinators (Collins and Philemon), the WS Technical Leaders and the local contractor. Additionally, the department had enough building materials. On the other hand, the local people had organized all the upfront materials. This enabled the project to attain its goals within the specified period of time. Besides, the team and the local villagers worked hand in hand at each phase of the project. During the teams stay, the team participated in breaking stones, drawing water, building the walls of the building, plastering as well as roofing.

Accommodation was conducive and there was enough room for all the participants. Food was delicious and enough for everyone. Children’s program was excellent as the participants worked together with the local teachers to do children’s work, each day the numbers of children kept on increasing. The cultural program and outings were well organized by the cultural leaders and the CCAP Project coordinators with the help of teachers and active community members. All the cultural programs were executed as planned, the home visits, sleep overs, art and the chief visit, health center visit, as well as attending church services in different localities. The most interesting activity was the Zambia express were the WS Team participated in a number of Zambian daily activities such as fetching and carrying a bucket of water on the head, dancing, riding on a bicycle and singing the Zambian National Anthem.

3.6 Cooperation with the WSN project leaders

There was very good coordination, communication and organization between the team leader (Mark), the technical leaders, medical leader, the cultural leaders and the CCAP Staff (Collins, Philemon and Dorothy, the kitchen staff). 

All the staff members excellent, accommodative and flexible were necessary.

The community members such as parents and guardians also participated in almost all the activities, the teachers were also very active in various activities.

Despite the local people being informed within a short period of time, they managed to provide enough upfront materials within a specified period of time. Almost all the expectations were met and the project moved at the good pace at each and every phase.