Two UCB students travelled to Zambia as part of an initiative to provide recreational and educational activities to children in rural Africa.聽
Zowie-Jade Gahir and Josh Lockley-Winchester, both third years on the Adventure Tourism Management course, travelled to the village of Mukuni as part of the organisation ZJ Voluntary, which they set up themselves to help underprivileged children in Africa.聽
鈥淶ambia was a fantastic experience,鈥� said Zowie-Jade. 鈥淎t times it was a challenge as we had three classes of 25 kids.聽However, it was so fulfilling to see the pupils happy when involved with activities they鈥檝e never done before, and it allowed them some freedom and creativity, compared to their standard teaching classes. 聽聽聽
鈥淧ersonally, the trip was rewarding because I got to see first-hand how a little help can go so far. The trip also provided clarity on the career and industry I want to go in to.鈥澛�
The two students joined forces with The Butterfly Tree charity, which helps to aid the residents of Mukuni Village since the horrific impact of the HIV and AIDS pandemic. Discount retailer The Works, based in Sutton, donated a wide range of arts and crafts materials for the students to help with their education and creativity. This expedition also formed a large part of the students鈥� research for their dissertation.聽
鈥淚t was great to experience something new,鈥� Zowie explains. 鈥淚 had travelled before, but this was my first visit to Africa, experiencing a new culture and surroundings. I have participated in other volunteer work, quite regularly, but never abroad projects! The expedition was useful in so many ways: it has built my experience, developed my skills and opened my eyes to the world.聽聽
鈥淚t鈥檚聽definitely an experience I聽won鈥檛 forget, and would聽love to do again as soon as possible!鈥澛�
For more information about ZJ Voluntary, please visit their Facebook page or follow them on Twitter on聽.
