THE stark image of villagers affected by diseases that could easily be cured has left sixth formers humbled but inspired after a life-changing trip to Africa.
Students from Bede Academy, Blyth, have been delivering special assemblies to classmates on the plight of people in Zambia who face poverty and disease on a daily basis. They also plan to present their experiences to the local branch of Rotary.
But it was the plight of villagers whose lives were ravaged by diseases easily treated in this country that surprised the students most.
“One man spent his life sitting under a tree – that was his life,” said Bethany Henderson. “He only had stomach ulcers but over there that was enough to stop him eating, which meant he had no energy to work.
“There was another person who had suffered a stroke. My sister works in stroke rehabilitation and I know that if it was this country the person would get back to normal.”
Teachers Emma Leverton and James Leverton led the party, comprising Michael Germany, Bethany Henderson, Abbie Barclay, Joseph Woods, Chelsea Hilbert and Jamie Maughan on a two-week summer expedition to Zambia.
They joined students from their sister schools in the Emmanuel Schools Foundation - Emmanuel College, Gateshead, Trinity Academy, Thorne, and The King’s Academy, Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough - on the epic trip to Miloso.
While there the students soaked up the local culture, sampled basic African cuisine, worked in home-based care for the elderly, taught orphans at Donata special school, which looks after 50 children with a variety of disabilities, and got involved in building projects.
They also experienced life in the bush on an expedition to Mount Mumpu, the highest freestanding peak in the country, sleeping out under the stars with only mosquito nets for cover and deadly poisonous black mamba snakes and scorpions for company.
Jamie said: “It was life-changing. The people gave us so much even though they had so little. It was awesome to see them sprinting after us. Some followed us to the next village.”
Michael said: “I used to live in Zambia and it hasn’t changed at all; everyone was as friendly as ever. But it did feel different this time as I was with friends and I could see how it was affecting them. We all do feel we have changed as people.”
They said climbing Mount Mumpu was a true test of their stamina and friendship and reinforced bonds in the group.
Mrs Leverton said: “The trip was very demanding emotionally and physically and has helped us all appreciate our lives.
“I was so proud of the students; how quickly they bonded with other ESF students, adapted to the conditions and mixed with local people.”