Organized Chaos for a Cause
on Mark Stephens (Zambia), 19/Dec/2010 12:21, 34 days ago
Petauke has a Community Centre located on the far side of the town’s main “market” area. The centre currently does not appear to enjoy a very high profile. My ever-industrious housemate and coworker, Ity, conceived of an event to involve Petauke’s children and raise the centre’s profile. She proposed a sports and games day for children, and being a sports enthusiast, I signed on as the “official” photographer and “other duties as assigned”.Sports Day participants waiting to beginWhile conducted under the auspices of the Petauke District Council, which administers the centre, the work was done largely by volunteers, and essentially all the materials (mainly food, refreshments and prizes) were donated by local businesses and other supporters. Teams to compete in events ranging from“three-legged” races, tug-of-war, and dodge ball, to organized sports such as volleyball, were recruited through local schools.The games beginOn the Saturday morning of the big day, the vehicle and driver arranged to transport supplies to the site didn’t show up (a kind supporter dispatched a vehicle and driver on short notice to save the day), thunderstorms threatened, and when we finally arrived at the site, much of the set-up remained to be completed. Several groups arrived late, and the carefully arranged calendar of events had to be adjusted on the fly.Volleyball court at Community Centre used for the first timeBut, as the day unfolded, the real pay-off was in the spirited competition and great enthusiasm shown by the participating children. By the afternoon conclusion, about 100 kids had taken part, and left with smiles on their faces (along with having partaken of snacks and refreshments).  Dedicated footballers braved torrential rains to cap off the sports eventsAlthough not directly related to anyone’s original placement, I believe it embodies what the VSO experience is about in several important ways. It was a cooperative volunteer effort, focused on providing opportunities for disadvantaged children, sparked greater awareness of a local resource, and may have planted the seed for local residents to build on this foundation. In any case, it was a memorable experience for those involved.Celebrating at the party held to top off Sports Day