Day 3

Today has been considerably cooler than yesterday. With each group heading off in different directions, it is difficult to give a thorough overview of the days events, so I've enlisted some helpers to tell our story:

Representing Group 1:

- Lydia Allen "Today was the first day of our tag rugby coaching. We travelled to the private school Twitti and quickly introduced ourselves to the 40 young children. We split them into 4 groups and started off the coaching for the week. After an hour and a half, another group of older and more experienced children came to play. When we finished coaching, a few of us were bundled to the floor, especially the blonde haired girls, by the hundreds of young children. Finally we were introduced to the Headmaster of the school who gave us some nice drinks and biscuits. Overall today's experience was fantastic and I loved how we made a million new best friends and look forward to the week to come."

-Max Fenwick "Today we travelled from our hotel to a private school called Twitti to teach and coach 2 groups of children. We taught 9 year olds to 11 year olds, 10 in each group. We coached the younger children first and they were really enthusiastic. An hour and a half later we coached another group of older children who were more experienced. When we finished we were surrounded by about 100 children asking to hold our hands. I can't wait to see them tomorrow, especially 2 boys who I bonded with quickly."

Group2:

- Louis Clissold (group 2) and Matt Hart (group4!)

The boys have created a video entry but I've spent the past hour attempting to upload it with no success. I will keep trying this evening....

- Laura Dufour "Today we went to some of the poorer schools. I found it hard knowing how much we all have compared to them and knowing small things for us are massive to them. We spoke to the bishop of the school and said "we're human too and no one thinks about us" which hit us all hard. He said that some families have nothing so have more children but then can't provide for them. When we went into the schools we we swarmed by children who hugged us and pinned us to the ground and were amazed by the sight of a camera. I feel like we made a massive difference by painting the school and I just want to do so much more. It makes me sad how we can't help them all. Just knowing how my old clothes, books, pencils and stuff could improve their lives so much makes me extremely grateful."

Group 3:

- Amy Lowe "Today we went to two schools called Yanos and Lilayi. Yanos is one of the poorest schools we a going to work in which made it very emotional for all of us to experience the contrast between their lives and ours. We spoke to the bishop at this school too and he was explaining just how much they were struggling and that they were very grateful for us helping them to teach the children tag rugby and also paint their classrooms and blackboards. We then visited the children in Lilayi and were bombarded with lots of hugs from the children - they were particularly excited to take loads of photos with us on our cameras! We made lots of new friends today and it felt really rewarding to have made a difference to their lives."

- Sam Creasey "We started today by painting the outside of Yanos School, are painting the inside the previous day. After that half of the group went to teach half of the children, whilst the rest of us continued painting. Once we had finished painting, the other half of the group went to the place where the tag rugby was being taught. The children were so friendly and enthusiastic and enjoyed having their pictures taken. At the end of the session the Zambian children formed a dance circle and took turns in going in the middle and dancing."

Group 4: 

- Megan Little "Today I headed back to Sosco school with Miss Davies, Matt and Dan. The boys carried on painting inside the classrooms whilst Miss Davies and I carried on with the mural we had been creating the previous day. The mural is of rugby player's silhouettes and we are painting it on the schools outside wall, directly underneath their school sign. I started off painting the the first player whilst Miss Davies finished drawing the other two. During our visit we were approached by many children who were eager to chat to us and ask us lots of questions! I even got the chance to meet another Megan who lives near Sosco! Once I'd finished one player I started painting another and then the boys came out to help.......that was a mistake! After about two minutes there was red paint splodged down one of the players and Matt claimed it was blood from a players injury......Miss Davies didn't agree! At about 4pm we headed home and we are planning to return another day to finish off the mural for the children."

- Matt Hart (see group 2 with Louis)

Group 5: 

- Matt Wettach "We started off the day by waking up at 6:45. After a good breakfast, we left to our first school to coach. When we arrived (at Grand IQ) we set up our pitches and waited for the children, and you might think England is windy but that is nothing like it was this morning! The children were up for everything we threw at them and seemed to love what we were teaching them. They have got to be the most enthusiastic and happiest children I have ever met. Some of them had played tag rugby before and some hadn't but they all tried their hardest and ended the day with a smile on their faces. I was a bit disappointed when I got out sprinted by an 8 year old, but oh well! In the afternoon, me and Daniel went to Sosco school and put the second layer of paint on the room we painted yesterday. While we painted we had children at the windows asking 'how are you?' For two hours straight - very distracting but it is really nice to have conversation with them. When we arrived back at Baobab, I just crashed on the couch and waited for dinner!"

- Betty Trounce "Today we started off with an early start and headed straight to a school called Grand IQ around 8:30. Coaching the children was amazing! I became very close with these 2 adorable girls Mondanna and Beatrus, one in year 6 I think and the other in year 3. The wind was so strong! The children loved the games we taught them. After, we visited another school to coach and teach dance. Some of the children enjoyed it and understood it so well! Others got confused. Seeing the children smiling was wonderful. So many were constantly wanting hugs and to be picked up. It was so cute. The food here is actually quite nice! We have a common room where we all chill out and talk or play pool, watch tv, or play ping pong. It's amazing to know we are changing the lives of some young children."