For when corona is all over: A note from a devoted baraka volunteer

judy howlett

Baraka Zambia Board Member and longstanding Baraka Volunteer, Supporter and Sponsor

Each Baraka volunteer trip is different, and each is special. I’ve been on seven or eight to Zambia now, and if you have never been, all I can say is ‘Go!”

The first three trips I went on we stayed in the village where we were working, living and eating with families in their huts. No electricity, no running water, long drop toilets (basically a hole in the ground), thatched huts. For us, soft westerners - msungus (white people) - it was an eye opener. But it brought home to us how lucky we are, how privileged, how blasé about all we have. And how important is the work Baraka does with these impoverished, rural communities.

Judy putting water pump to the test in Kasalu Village

Since those early days, we have stayed in relatively luxurious lodges. But the work has been the same: lots of painting (the buildings need protection from the elements and the paintwork has to be renewed frequently); lots of mixing and spreading of concrete; some teaching in our schools; some digging latrines; some gardening; and above all, interaction with the local people particularly the delightful, friendly and curious pupils in the schools.

Our main focus now is the Learning Centre near Kapiri. It is unbelievably impressive and brings so much to education in the Central Province area.

But all work and no play.....as they say. At the end of the working week, there’s an add on and we all take off to various exciting places - canoeing down the Zambezi, going to Kafue National Park or to Vic Falls (including a day trip on safari to the Chobe river in Botswana). Or you can do your own thing, perhaps take off to South Luangwa National Park.

Give it a go - you will not regret it.

Volunteers setting up camp on the banks of the Lower Zambezi