This summer, four students and one staff member from the University of Edinburgh participated in the Volunteer Zambia project, running from 2nd July to 22nd September. The Volunteer Zambia initiative is part of the Wallace Group, a collaboration of seven UK universities that send students to Zambia to work alongside Sport in Action, a local organisation dedicated to enhancing the quality of sports coaching and education across the country. The University of Edinburgh students supported various sites across Lusaka, contributing to the development of sports education while gaining invaluable life skills in the process. In Group 1, Izzy, Kene, and Orla were part of a cohort of 13 students, staying in Ibex Hill, Lusaka, where they shared accommodation with peers from five other UK universities. Izzy Skinner, the Women's Football Development Officer and a 1st year Geography MA student, reflected on the experience, saying, "The best thing about VZ was learning new skills from the Zambian coaches and being able to apply our coaching advice to see improvement. I've learned to be more confident in any situation and to give 100% effort to everything." She encouraged others to get involved with the programme, highlighting the unique opportunity to experience different sporting environments and gain a deeper appreciation of the structures in place in the UK. Similarly, Kene Ileagu, the Basketball Development Officer and a 1st year Economics student, praised the people he met in Zambia, stating, "The best thing about VZ was definitely the people. The warmth, kindness, and enthusiasm of everyone I met made the experience truly special. It was also inspiring to be part of such a dedicated and passionate team." Kene emphasised that the project allowed him to step out of his comfort zone, develop his teamwork and problem-solving skills, and gain a clearer vision of the impact he wants to make in his future career. Aisling Doyle, the University of Edinburgh staff member who supported the project from 24th June to 17th July, described the experience as "the most incredible experience of my life." Ash visited multiple hub sites facilitated by Sport in Action and mentioned the happiness and kindness of the children and coaches, despite the limited resources available. Reflecting on the experience, Ash said, "I will miss everyone I met out in Zambia so much and really hope one day I can go back again for longer and help with more of the amazing work that goes on out there." The fourth student from Edinburgh, Archie, joined as part of Group 2, which continues the work until 22nd September. Having graduated in July, Archie will transition directly from his time in Zambia to a role teaching English in France. This article was published on 2024-08-26
