As part of the LearnServe program, today I was privileged to visit the David Kaunda National Technical High School (named for the father of modern Zambia) in Lusaka, Zambia.

Our group of American students and teachers met with students and teachers at Zambia's premiere high school, where the brightest students from around the country shared their high school experience with us. When compared to boarding schools in the United States, this school would be considered under-resourced; but for Zambia, the school is second to none.

The first thing that struck me upon my arrival was the level of maturity of the students; they understood just how fortunate they were to be attending such a prestigious institution. One of my guides, a young man named John, carried himself with a dignity and self-respect rarely found in American high school students. Fortunately, the LearnServe students carry themselves in a similar manner; they appreciate this amazing opportunity and are enthusiastic about interacting with their counterparts. To see firsthand how much the Zambian students appreciated the education they were receiving was truly inspirational.

After the initial "meet and greet" we were led on a tour of the school's facilities and given some insight into the lives of the students and teachers. From classrooms to dormitories to dining halls, our guides (Zambian students and teachers) shared with us their daily experiences, while also sharing their personal stories. And the sharing went both ways; they were as eager to hear our stories as we were to hear theirs. They wanted to know how the education system in the United States worked; they wanted to know how we came to be in Zambia; they wanted to know what kinds of foods we ate regularly. This back-and-forth, this mutual desire to share and learn about another culture, truly exemplifies the power of the LearnServe program. And this was only our first day...

The Drama Club
Following our tour of the facilities, we were given a special gift: two different performances by the school's drama club. Normally, dramatic performances by high school students are displays of talent. And while these students were truly talented, their performance was for more than anything I have seen.

Both pieces were really a dialogue on the HIV/AIDS situation in Zambia, a devastating problem that is wreaking havoc on Zambian society. These students, none older than 18, were engaging in a discussion that many adults in the Western world have difficulty with. And while HIV/AIDS education is mandated by the Zambian government, the students took it upon themselves to use a creative, classical form of dialogue to address such a pertinent and complex situation. And once again, their maturity came to the forefront. In America, we see a similar use of the stage to promote dialogue on the HIV/AIDS epidemic, as demonstrated by the popular Broadway play Rent. But to see a similar endeavor at a high school in Zambia, created by the students and for the students, is simply remarkable.

After the performances, the LearnServe participants engaged in a round-table discussion with our Zambian counterparts, with everyone desiring to share their opinions, reflections, or questions in an open-minded environment. I was taken aback by the entire experience... from dramatic performance to open discussion, this afternoon was truly an inspiration and an experience I will cherish until the end of my days.

***

Read more: LearnServe Zambia Blog

About LearnServe
The LearnServe program brings teams of students and teachers to developing regions of the world and involves them in service learning projects. The LearnServe teams participate in development and education programs that are making a difference in the lives of others, working to address issues of global importance such as literacy, health, poverty, and the environment. Each LearnServe program seeks to establish lasting partnerships and relationships in the communities we serve. The goal is to develop an appreciation of the people and country, to learn firsthand what leads to sustainable change, and to understand lessons that each school team can return to teach and share in their own school communities.