With group three being the smallest with just 10 IDEALS students, it was not long before they found each other at the airport. There was a buzz of excitement amongst the students about what to expect, as well as anything important they may have forgotten to pack! After a long flight the plane touched down in Zambia at six in the morning, slightly earlier than planned, meaning the group had a brief encounter with group 2 students, who were in floods of tears! Thinking they were all a bit too emotional group three headed off with Tom and Sarah to the IDEALS house! Considering the excitement and noise the students had previously been making, the bus journey to the house was relatively quiet, with the students awe struck with what they saw, needless to say it was a bit of a culture shock for all!
The first few days of the teams stay involved basic introductions into Zambian life. Including getting used to the bumpy roads, the crazy buses, the money and the heat!
After a two day induction including a group visit to all the different sites, the students began their placements. Straight away they had to overcome several obstacles; limited equipment, varying group sizes and an adaption of their sessions as children arrived for training a good hour after it had begun! Next week the students will have to adapt again as the summer holiday cease and school starts back again in Zambia!
However, all of this aside, the Zambian peer leaders have been really supportive to all students and the children appear to be enjoying every minute. The weekend saw a mixture of activities taking place amongst the students, some visited the rural village, others coached sessions or attended tournaments whilst a few relaxed in the sun and caught up on sleep!
Monday has come back around again and the students begin another week of hard work, what lies in stores nobody knows, we will be back soon with all of group 3s adventures…
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