Day 1 - Malota Community School

Early start this morning so we could get into town and organise ourselves before our meeting with Dream Livingstone. Rabeccah and Kennedy then officially welcomed the volunteers and gave us some helpful hints about local culture and customs. We arrived in Malota Compound to the shout of 'muzungus' (white people). Clement, the headmaster or head'rasta' as he is known, introduced us to the school and gave us a brief history. He took us into classrooms where we were welcomed by the children as 'teachers' . . . some things never change! Luckily we avoided impromptu teaching today and instead joined in with a local community group - Barefeet - who teach the children drama, dance and culture. The day was filled with playing, singing, dancing, drumming and Nyanja lessons; all with at least 1 child hanging off us. We managed to escape with only 1 minor incident, a stubbed toenail. Thankfully Kate had her first aid rucksack at hand and the situation was calmly resolved. A tiring but amazing first day. Tomorrow we will begin with our research . . . wish us luck.

Thumbs up!

Ben was a hit!

"Play energises us and enlivens us. It eases our burdens. It renews our natural sense of optimism and opens us up to new possibilities" Stuart Brown