LearnServe Zambia
Zambia is a remarkable country. Among the poorest world nations, over 70% of Zambians live in poverty. A per capita annual income of $395 places the country among the world's poorest nations. A landlocked country in southern Africa, it shares one of the wonders of the world, Victoria Falls, with Zimbabwe. Yet, it is a country of hope: politically stable, a welcoming people, and programs that are making a difference. Next summer Learn Serve Zambia (LSZ) participants will help create sustainable change.
LSZ's focus is on the AIDS crisis in Africa and why it impacts all of the world's people. Learn from organizations about solutions that work and return with a plan of your own. In 2007, LearnServe Zambia worked with:
- Lubuto Library Project, an NGO that opened its first library at the Fountain of Hope which has a community school and shelter that assists orphans and street children in Lusaka
- David Kaunda Technical High School, a leading public school where student leaders are bringing AIDS to the attention of the Zambia people
- The Malambo Basic School, a rural school with limited resources but with a desire to raise its children from poverty to independence
- PlayPumps, an international organization providing access to clean water to communities suffering from severe health problems
CIE is currently exploring an additional project with World Bicycle Relief, an organization which provides bicycles to HIV/AIDS health workers, impacting the number of people who receive HIV education and health services.
Students and teachers will live and travel together, staying in clean, safe hostels and hotels in Lusaka, Monze and Livingston. Travel will be in modern vans and buses with licensed drivers. In addition to working on the above projects, LSZ will have the opportunity to travel to Livingston, see one of the world's natural wonders, Victoria Falls, and spend a day on safari!
The leader of LearnServe Zambia is Elizabeth Drew. A teacher at the SEED Public Charter School, Elizabeth led LSZ in 2007 and has lived extensively in Africa and served in the Peace Corps in South Africa.
"Information is not action. And action is what we need!"
— Julie, teacher at Wilson Senior High School
"That was an amazing experience!!!!!!!!!!"
— Adam, student at Hyde Public Charter School
My plural moments with the students at David Kaunda have left me with the drive to help others that I have never felt before, and also with a desire to bring a part of Zambia back with me by incorporating the spirit into my personal relationships.
Suannah, student at Maret School
Schools interested in participating in LSZ should read the conditions for participation.
For more information or to get involved, contact learnserve@cie-wis.org.