https://www.facebook.com/celia.peters.90/videos/2097258280537249/
Each MATZ had two opportunities to spend a day with one of the Chipembele Community Conservation Educators, to experience what a day in their life was like.
We would go out to a local village in the Mfuwe area, where the educator we were partnered with would deliver a talk about a conservation topic, ours was about poaching. I was lucky enough to meet with two groups of local women on these days. It was truly inspiring to see these women working towards social and economic empowerment. One group that we met with had started a micro-loan business, pooling their money in order to start giving out loans (which they receive back with interest) to locals. All of the people we met were so welcoming to us and on one of these days, Parris, Celia, and I were invited to dance with the women, and then each handed a child – which I don’t think any of us were mentally prepared for.
After this talk, we would share lunch with the educator. Not only was this a chance to hone our nshima-eating skills, but it was also an opportunity to get to know the Chipembele educators. Daniel and John were so generous in welcoming us into their home, and I am grateful for the opportunity to forge these connections with them.
Mollie (MATZ Member)