Meeting the Students

Today was the last day of official orientation. Not that this orientation has been very official, but we’ve finished everything we set out to do. We started early in the week by systematically going over each part of the Kucetekela Foundation, specifically the programs I’ll be responsible for. This will include an active role in the selection process, which has already begun, managing the mentoring and work experience programs and supporting our programs officer in academic monitoring and tutoring of the students. Each day contained a healthy mix of both going over my massive binder over coffee and practical experience around town. For example, one day we discussed the mentoring process, wherein a local community leader is paired with a KF student to provide advice and support throughout their academic experience, and afterwards we interviewed a new mentor and took them to meet their student.

Between training sessions we’ve been pretty busy. With Jamie’s guidance I've been improving my driving skills while exploring the city bit by bit. We’ve enjoyed BBQs, or brais as they’re called here, as well as various other treats including sugar cane and nshima, a millet-based side dish used to scoop up the meats, vegetables or sauces on the plate. We’ve walked around a compound, where much of the city's low income housing is located and where most KF students are drawn from, as well as one of the main markets in the city. For those of you who know my habits, you won’t be surprised to hear I’ve already purchased a knock-off Zambian soccer jersey.

The past two days have been the culmination of orientation: finally meeting the students who are sponsored by the Kucetekela Foundation. After learning about all the ways I would be supporting and interacting with them it was great to actually get to meet them. They are the core of this organization, they’re the reason we’re here, and I hope that knowledge will guide me in all my efforts this year. The students are spread across grades 8 through 12 at three different private schools; Chalo Trust, Leopard’s Hill and Ibex Hill. There are 36 students in total, the majority attending the latter two schools. I was really stuck by two things as I met them: First, they’re not children at all, but rather young adults with confidence, charisma and struggles shared by their peers all over the world. Second, I was amazed at their willingness to accept me into their lives. Jamie has become very close with all of them and they are understandably disappointed he is leaving, yet after only a few minutes together, they were already warm and welcoming. I truly can’t wait to get to know each of them over the next year; they are all incredible kids who have achieved so much already despite many challenges. Each one has a unique personality, outlook and sense of humor, but they all seem to share a sense of motivation and dedication uncommon among their age group. I’m simultaneously excited and pretty nervous that, starting next week, I’m going to be highly involved in their lives- their successes and their struggles. Here’s hoping for more of the former than the latter.

(Jamie and I with the Leopard's Hill KF students)