High School. Most dread it, only some of us enjoy it, but all of us once completed never want to go back again. However, unfortunately for the 7 of us MATZ, we had to injure the torture that is high school.

This is my (Parris Jeffries) recount of going back to high school after four years of being free.

I was paired up with a lovely conservation student, Jacob Mphasi, who is currently completing year 12 at Mfuwe Day Secondary School. First up was biology and we were learning about plant reproduction, I had this class with two other mentors and six other conservation club students. The teacher was extremely welcoming and was excited to share her knowledge with us and show that her students are ‘the brightest in the school’. I was surprised at the level of detail that the class was going into, and the teacher made sure the whole class understood a concept before moving on to the next. However, I was more surprised at the next lesson – religious studies – not because of the subject but the fact that the teacher didn’t show up. Jacob told me that is was not uncommon and proceeded to do the readings set by the absent teacher. I was shocked that all the students did the work even when the teacher wasn’t there, I told them in Australia if the teacher didn’t show up we would celebrate and do nothing.

By this point, I was actually enjoying it – yes, I admit I was enjoying high school!

During the morning break I showed the class my photos from Australia and explained my home life to them. They were very interested in what I had to say, I even had a fan club of girls swooning over my clothes and heels. I really enjoyed sharing Australian culture to all the students and teaching a bit of Aussie slag.
Next, we learnt how to make bread rolls from scratch, the teacher allowed us MATZ to try them and they were so delicious. I mean who doesn’t like hot freshly cooked bread rolls!
Our last lesson for the day was chemistry and I decided to participate (instead of just observe) in answering questions and helping the Zambian students. I was pleased that some of my knowledge from chemistry class was retained after all these years. I found myself enjoying the day more and more. The students and teachers were so welcoming, and the student’s enthusiasm was contagious.

I came away from high school realizing that we take so much for granted in Australia, our education in particular. These Zambian students value education so much and really want to learn and be the best they can. I was so happy to have this opportunity to see how the school system is in Zambia works and see firsthand how enthusiastic the Zambian youth is about education.

Parris – a now Zambian educated individual.
MATZ Member