Moses is a student at Shine Reading Academy. It’s easy to see he is a leader among his peers at school.  Moses loves his family and friends and likes to read books. He goes to church every Sunday. Math is his favorite school subject, and someday, Moses would like to be an accountant.

It was hard not to notice all of the unique names of the little shops and stores on the way to school everyday. The Zambians definitely have a way with words! Some stores were actual structures with cinder block walls, while others utilized cardboard or grain sacks as siding for their place of business. Here are a few of my favorites:

• No Jesus No Life Grocery
• Blessed Crown Hardware
• Dizzy Night Hair Salon
• Life Goes On Barbershop
• Sunshine Saloon and Barbershop (thinking salon/saloon – is there really a difference?)
• Get Besy Barbershop (thinking it was supposed to be “Get Busy”)
• God Knows Hair Salon
• Blessed Oasis Grocery

Flying out of Zambia, I sat next to a Texan cattle rancher and his son. The two had been hunting wild game and very much enjoyed their time in country. As I explained my purpose in Zambia and A to Z Literacy Movement, a sense of accomplishment came over me. Six hours later, I flew out of Johannesburg and enjoyed chatting with a young family from South Africa. The couple asked thoughtful questions about my time in Africa, and again, as I talked about working with vulnerable children, I felt happiness and success. While boarding the plane in London, I noticed an African bracelet on an American woman in front of me. We struck up a conversation and I learned she is working in Tanzania with her husband. As I talked about providing books to impoverished children so they can experience the love of reading, she asked for my card and said we would need to stay in touch. During the last hours of my journey home, I reflected on how fortunate I am for all the people who have helped get A to Z off the ground. I am grateful for all of the generous donations and I will continue to grow the organization for all the kids needing books to read!

We met with teachers today after spending a week at Shine Reading Academy. Susan, Sharon, and Lyson have no official college training, but are motivated to become stronger teachers. Lyson is a real success story as he was illiterate until age twelve. He brings joy, enthusiasm, and empathy to the older students in his class. During our discussions, we praised the teachers for doing such an incredible job of speaking in English and Nyanja. The students need to hear both languages to fully understand and comprehend. I believe modeling for the teachers was the most effective way for Betty and I to help and definitely made the most impact. They watched us teach all week and were able to glean techniques, style, and language from our lessons. We also reinforced literacy components critical in teaching reading and writing. Learning is ongoing for everyone and the teachers at Shine will continue to grow as we help to supply books for their classrooms and library.

Every Monday afternoon, GEMS interns, Mary Leslie and Sophie, head out to Chongwe to spend two hours teaching preschool in the village. The number of children varies week to week, but on many Mondays, up to 90 children show up ready to learn. These inspirational women sing songs, read stories, and teach other valuable early literacy skills. A to Z Literacy Movement provided books for Mary Leslie and Sophie to share with their class and it was a true pleasure to watch the women in action. Our mission is to provide books to children in impoverished areas and that’s just what we are doing with this program here in Zambia.

Converstaions here in Zambia often focus on how to best help the vulnerable children in this country. As a mother and teacher, I go into the compounds and become anxious to do MORE. I look around and see kids need clothing, shoes, water and nutritional food. They need backpacks, books and pencils. However, I believe Zambians do not necessarily need Americans coming in, always having loads of stuff for the children. Less is more. The children need to be loved and need to feel safe. Teachers need to be supported and coached. They both need praise and to be uplifted. As a mother and teacher, I am capable of fulfilling those needs. Yes, the stuff is fun to provide, but there is so much more to give.

Our cab driver, Isaac, has been our Nyanja expert as we drive to and from school. He has taught us how to say certain phrases to communicate more effectively with kids new to school, just learning English. I draw out each word carefully, “Nishimi ki leko”(tell me about the story) and “Muna mphunzilla chani?”(what did you learn?).
On Thursday I wanted to impress the lunch ladies with a compliment about their cooking, so with paper in hand, I slowly read “zikomo, mwatipikeela bwino vakudya” meaning “Thank you, the food you served was good”. The surprised Zambian laughed as she cracked a joke about my fast mouth talking so slow in Nyanja. Fast mouth? Me?