Together we worked as brothers and sisters

De partner vertelt... van 6 september 2017 door Moffat Zulu

1. SUMMARY
Moving to and from Kavinaka in Lundazi was so good, almost all the planned activities were successfully done. The outing to the park was amazing, it really added value to the whole trip.

2. INTRODUCTION ON THE PROJECT
Upon arrival, the group spent a night in Lusaka and another night in Lundazi. Whe the group finally arrived in Kavinaka, there was a round table welcoming ceremony. This was unique compared to what we usually do. Everyone really enjoyed the introductions speeches, the dancing and the singing.

3. OPERATIONAL LEVEL
3.1 The construction
The first week we had so much work with a lot of interaction at the building. We managed to construct two houses which led to using almost all of the bricks. We planned to build two toilets for the teachers, but we concentrated most on building the houses. When the group went back to the Netherlands, there was not much work left for the local bricklayers and community, as so much work had been done. During the period we made a lot of fun, there was a cultural exchange and we learned each other how to build. We worked as brothers and sisters. At the start of the project there were enough materials available, but as time went by the supply of sand and bricks became slower. With the help of local people who came with ox-cars everyday made the work a bit easier.

3.2 Facilitation of the team
The accommodation was good, the food was nice and sufficient and the children’s program was perfect.

3.3 Cultural program and outings
Every building day we arranged house visits. All people attending enjoyed these cultural visits to local families. One of the days we spent a night in the homes of the local people, this was an amazing experience for the group. Also this year the Women’s Day was more successful than the men’s day. But the men did much better in sports on their Men’s Day. On the last day of the project the group made a visit to the cultural market, this was a perfect trip and a welcoming idea. Under the trees with fresh air blowing, we held a worship with the local church.

3.4 Transportation
During the whole project there was car on site available. Transport to and from Lundazi via the Park was great, there was no delay.

3.5 Safety / Field Security Plan
We did not take risks that could harm the safety. Therefor we avoid travailing or moving around in the dark. We checked the scaffolds and made sure that the surrounding and the cleaned the surrounding and the building places.

    3.6 Cooperation with the WSN project leaders
It was very nice to work together with the head leader. The communication between the Dutch leaders and local leadership went well.

3.7 Involvement of the stakeholders
3.7.1 Applicant
The last couple of days all the applicants were present on site as they were very determined to make sure that the build would be finished well.

3.7.2 Staff
All of the Dutch staff members did their job really well and very organized.

3.7.3 Beneficiaries;
Children and all the people near and far were involved in the project some way; through sporting activities, children’s work, visiting the clinic, local market and community involvement.

3.7.4 The local authorities
Because of the distance and that the fact that in 2015 we already visited the chief, there was no program this time in which the local authorities were involved.

3.7.5 Community;
There was good team work.

4. DEVELOPMENT OF THE PROJECT
This project was given time enough to prepare and the provision of information both for the participants and local people was appropriate, only a few expectations were not met.

5. LESSONS LEARNED
The people who have understood the program of CCAP and World Servants enjoy working together and they react very positively.

Over time we do get different stories and lessons from different perspectives. Some of these are exaggerated which give a false judgement on decision making. We need to be extra focussed on aiming for lasting solutions. We experienced that the participants always have good motives to  help the local communities.