Classes End—a Great Success!

Our 5 days of classes ended on Thursday evening, June 12th by giving each of the 45 participants a Certificate of Completion for their dedication, time, and effort in both the Computer Skills Class and the Basic “Church English” Skills class. Both Zach and Kristine did an outstanding job. The got to know all of their students by name and took a real personal interest in them all. And, I may add, the members/students were aware how important they were to both of our teachers!
During the week, I assisted Kristine where needed—helping out with songleading, word games, and going through Scriptures at the end of each day which contained the 12-15 new vocabulary words they learned that day. In the English classes, the basis of each day’s class was a new Church Hymn. Since most of the Zambian brethren know the English version of virtually all of the hymns, teaching them the real meaning of key words in each of the 5 hymns was very helpful. They love to sing, and having the hymns as the starting point for learning each day turned out to be very effective! Kristine planned all kinds of picture games, Pictionary, charades, and even “bingo” and “go-fish” with the vocabulary words and pictures. However, the use of Powerpoint for projection (with pictures and video) with a group of this size has proven vital. Having our church projector has been a God-send, indeed. (…and thanks to Kit Mohr for her advice and help…)
One of unique things about these people (and is true in much of Africa that at one time was under British rule) is that they were once taught English in elementary school (all through); however, since they live in the rural areas of the country—they have had little or no opportunity (or motivation) to learn and practice English for many years. Our desire was to “awaken” their past learning experience of English early in life and to give them confidence to continue to expand their vocabulary and learn the English language. It is a known fact that the more proficient that some in this part of the world are with English—the better chance of success in education, business, and life they have.
God truly blessed this effort in many ways. The weather was very pleasant and no rain. This is their winter—so it normally is cooler. Temps varied between the mid-60’s to mid-70’s each day. All of the members (and those of us with the Youth Corps project) remained in good health throughout the week. They fed us (and the entire group) very well. The members were very motivated and appreciative of the classes (and thus, made wonderful students). And, our two United Youth Corps volunteers did a wonderful job in both preparing for their teaching in advance of coming, and were extremely effective motivating and adding to the member’s knowledge.
On Friday the camp/tents will be taken down. The three of us (chaperoned by a member or two from the Banda family!) will visit the downtown “market” of Lusaka and have a chance to see the craft area of the city, as well. On the weekly Sabbath, the three of us will be driven by Mr. Kambani Banda to one of the rural churches about 4 ½ hours west of Lusaka in Nalubanda. We will leave early Sabbath morning and meet with combined group and return Sabbath evening. We look forward a wonderful weekend with God’s people here in Southern Africa! (PS: I miss my wife and family!..)
~Doug Horchak