1st Feb 08 - 9th Feb 08   

Volunteer Electricians:  Nigel Edgar (N)      Stephen McCullagh (S)       Kieran McQuaid (K)

On arrival in Lusaka, what were your first impressions?  

N:     The heat was overwhelming compared to what we have in Ireland in the month of February. 

S:     I was shocked to notice that the main road from the airport was in such good condition, considering how poor a country Zambia is.  Although, as we neared the Chainda Compound the roads did become terribly beaten tracks and were very bumpy! 

K:     The Airport in Lusaka was very small and had the most basic facilities, but the flight was quick enough (10 hours) and comfy and the in-flight food was excellent.  

During your time in St Theresa's Parish, what was your best experience?  

N:     Spending time with the local children and witnessing first hand what their lives are really like.  We watched children armed with plastic bags going through a rubbish dump to see what "treasure" they could find.  It was so sad in one way because it really drove home how poor they were, but on the other hand their beaming smiles told me they were happy with their lot.  That was a real learning curve for me. 

K:     The Sunday Mass Service was unbelievable!  It lasts for about two hours, which we would moan about at home, but it was great, we loved it!  During the offertory procession a live chicken was brought up to the altar as a gift!  We nearly cracked up!! The music and the singing just blew me away, everyone should go to Mass in Africa at some point in their lives. 

S:     When we were leaving the Multi Purpose Hall on Friday, the display of gratitude from the local people was overwhelming, they were so genuine in their thanks to us.  We all made some good friends who we have stayed in contact with since we have been home. 

 Do any of you think you were able to teach any locals the skills of your trade? 

 N:     I was pleasantly surprised to discover that they were very bright and followed instructions very well.  They have the same ability as apprentice electricians here in Ireland and some qualified ones as well!!  The thing that holds them back is the poor quality tools and materials they have at their disposal.  Also the pay is extremely low, approx €45 per week, which is the top line rate.  

Overall, what will your lasting memory of your time in Lusaka be?  

N:     The people, definitely!  They are so friendly and genuinely happy regardless of the poverty that surrounds them every day.  They are incredibly humble and thankful for the little they have. 

S:     The football matches, I think they play from morning 'til night!  They absolutely love soccer and their energy knows no bounds, they just keep running and running!!  We were wrecked after 10 minutes playing with them!  We saw teams training at 8 o'clock in the morning! 

K:     The Multi Purpose Hall is a fantastic asset for this community, this centre is somewhere they will be able to start improving themselves and the lives of their children.  During the time we were there, the unemployment rate was ridiculous, able bodied men just wandering aimlessly through the streets with absolutely nothing to do!!  They are bored silly!  The centre is going to change all that and I personally am so proud that I had this opportunity to be a part of something so worthwhile.