Recently TTCSZ volunteers Tongayi Musiwacho (Zambia), James Kirkland (UK) and
I visited four schools and lead some language and physical activities with students
aged 4 -12 years. The visits in the Chawama and Chibolya zones of Lusaka were
kindly co-ordinated by community school Zonal Representatives.
The physical activities started with MeMe/Mei Mei, a traditional Zambian circular tag
game. There was some fast running around the outside of a circle once children
already tagged by a ball tried to escape the child chasing them. We followed this up
with team games including skipping ropes, a bean bag throwing activity and a team
competition to see who could walk fast/run while balancing a ball on a racquet.
Serious concentration was evident as students tried to keep the balls still as they
raced back to their teammates!
The games included skills from Zambia’s primary school PE curriculum and activities
inspired by Mini Movers, University of Wales TSD.
The ‘big finale’ was having fun with a multi-coloured parachute. The children moved
it around in circles and enjoyed rippling it up and down. But, when some light balls
were put on top of the parachute, the fun really started. They were flung high into the
air! The students also loved running under (and even jumping on top of) the
parachute.
We also took with us a big book of ‘Handa’s Surprise’, a basket full of exotic (felt)
fruits and a range of masks for the African animals who sneakily stole delicious fruits
from Handa’s basket! There was singing, role play and student participation. One of
the Head Teachers sent a message saying the story was amazing.
As visitors, we were treated to very special poetry readings and singing at some
schools. The joyful laughter of the children, and the adults, made this a memorable
exercise.
Thanks to everyone involved.
Lyn Hall (Chairperson, TTCSZ)