Page 15 - Salesian Bulletin 2014 [01] January-March

Every Tuesday and Thursday morning we brought them to the library next door set up by an Irish Sister of Mercy. Here the girls chose books and practised their reading which many found difficult. This gave us further ideas for lessons to teach. Fortunately I was given the opportunity to work alongside one of the Don Bosco youths in teaching English to the local grade 7. This was an examination year so they all came in the evening for extra help. I found this one of the most rewarding aspects of my time volunteering.
retreats and other spiritual trips which was warming to see such a giving group of youths.
We also travelled across the border to Botswana and went to Chobe National Park on an unforgettable safari.
At 1pm we had lunch with the sisters in the convent which was all Zambian food such as nsima, kapenta, rice, beans and soy meal. Quite different to the rich foods we have in Ireland!
At 8pm we went over and helped the older girls with their studies. Weekends were much more relaxed as we didn’t have as much studies. However the girls then attended catechism and bible studies.
Oratory followed from 2-5pm. During this time the girls were invited to play and socialise in the oratory area. Local children came in to join us and some youths came and volunteered in the supervision and organisation of activities. There was a volleyball area, netball area and basketball areas. The children also enjoyed playing different games with ropes and stones.
Sunday morning began with 7am Mass which was two hours long each week. This Mass was in the local parish, so we got the bus in; the girls sang beautiful spiritual songs as we ventured to Assumption Parish. The church was full and the local English choir led the singing and dancing which we always really enjoyed. Masses were particularly enjoyable during Easter week. Although they were four hours long they were full of song and dance.
Should anyone wish to volunteer in the coming months, please contact Dympna at 086-3708652 / 061-348510.
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In the evening the girls did their portions which was an area of the garden or fields which they were responsible to maintain. This usually involved watering or weeding and we enjoyed getting involved.
As I said in the beginning we set off to give without the expectation of receiving anything in return; however what we received was beyond our expectations, we received great friends, great experiences and most of all great memories! I’ll always remember the time I spent in Zambia and would love if this sharing encouraged someone else to do it, if not for yourself, for others! ‘’Remember if you ever need a helping hand, it’s at the end of your arm. As you get older remember you have another hand. The first to help yourself, the second is to help others’’.
It was then supper time and the girls ate with their ‘families’ usually nsima and beans. We cooked our own meal, which was mainly toast or noodles.
The hall was also available which was used particularly during rainy season or functions. Every Tuesday the Don Bosco leaders met and organised activities for the oratory such as talent shows or sports days which usually were fundraisers or events for community involvement and to advertise the cheerful City of Joy . The leaders often went on
While volunteering we got to see other parts of the charming Zambia. We travelled to City of Hope in Lusaka, we spent St Patrick’s Day at
the Irish Embassy , we Livingstone Park and visited the beautiful Victoria Falls and even trekked through a jungle of baboons to the boiling pot (bottom of the falls).
went to