IDEALS 2012 students placements in full swing

The Zambia IDEALS 2012 students are now a week into their placements and are getting used to the Zambian pace of life.

Northumbria student Josie Pointon who is based at Fountain of Hope, an orphanage and school for street kids, has been getting involved in a whole host of activities including coaching, playing netball in a local league and even teaching maths!

Josie said ' I am loving every minute of my placement. Everyday is a challenge and there is always something to learn. The children are so inspirational and are always smiling and want to get involved.'

Fellow Northumbria IDEALS students Tom Bodley and Reece Chapman's placements are at community sites Kalingalinga and Chipata and they are both equally as enthusiastic about their experience so far.

The pair have been working as a duo delivering football coaching and P.E lessons as well as classroom based workshops on key issues affecting young people in Zambia.

Tom commented, 'Everyone has been very friendly and welcoming into their communities. It's very different coaching in Zambia to back home and at times I've had to think on my feet. But this experience will only make me a more adaptable and well rounded coach.'

Reece added, ' The site coordinators and peer leaders are very supportive and I feel very lucky to have two placement sites as it gives me the opportunity to experience two different communities.'

Josie, Tom and Reece will be on placement in Zambia until the 12th of July then Luke Wilson and Danny Cousins will fly out as part of Group 2. 

Keep up to date with activity by liking Northumbria University Zambia Ideals Project 2012.

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