Friday 23 January, 2015 the GHC Malawi Team left Lilongwe heading to South Luangwa, to join the Zambia fellows for our midyear retreat. It was a trip full of excitements as fellows working in different districts in Malawi kept on sharing experiences about how the first six months of the GHC Fellowship had been. Catching much attention among the stories was tragic story on how health issues have been affected by the devastating floods that hit some parts of Malawi recently. Our feelings centered on the flood victims who have been displaced; the starving children; outbreaks of waterborne diseases and worse those who have lost their lives. On a sad note, while we sympathize, other corrupt people have taken advantage of the floods to enrich themselves. At this point, we tried to think on how GHC community could intervene, etc. Stories kept on flowing as the bus kept on cutting down the distance to South Luangwa. Friends coming from Neno district told their stories on how impassable the roads have become in their district due to heavy rains. It was both moving and at the same time worrisome to hear how mobility has been affected by these rains.
Nevertheless, the journey was not boring as almost every ear was alert most part of the journey. Of course there were a few naps after crossing the boarders of Malawi and Zambia. As we got deep into our neighboring country Zambia, stories kept changing from Malawian to Zambian stories. We discussed the likeness of the people, cultures and environments of the two countries. Reaching Marula Lodge’s vicinity we were greeted by the beautiful view of “Moving Mountains”, elephants. A number of elephants were freely grazing as we went past them. Nature proved its beauty.
By 4pm the retreat commenced. From the beginning to the end I found the sessions very exciting and I really felt refreshed. Among several awesome activities and topics done, I found the following very exciting.
• A Brand New World: This was an exercise where a specific budget was given so that a new government would allocate to its various ministries/departments. I was the director of finance for our new world called XXXX. I had a taste of political power and a feel of how the government is run with every minister wanting more funding to be deployed to their ministry. They all explained valid reasons for their cause. I had a challenge in ensuring that I balance the personal needs of the each minister and that of the government (people) at large. However, working as a group with focus on the development of our people, we reasoned considerably on the needs of other ministries which had very critical budgetary issues. We argued as if this world was no longer symbolic but real. This made our new world an ideal world. A world where everyone was happy and meeting their goals. I wish this world existed.
• Co-Fellow Presentations/case studies: The sessions demonstrated that we are indeed being groomed into real change-makers. It was amazing to see what the GHC young leaders are doing in their placement organizations. Their pictures, videos and stories were so touching thus calling for more people into this movement of life changing. Despite the success these young leaders are registering, I noted that there are several challenges that they are encountering along the way, for example, workloads, impassable roads, lack of resources, working with other employees who do not share the vision.
It was a good experience as we all shared possible solutions to our challenges that we could apply in the second half of the fellowship or thereafter in order to keep the movement going.
• The Safari game drive: This was one of the most recreating activities I enjoyed most. Driving around the South Luangwa National Park with our experienced tour guide a Mr. David was so fulfilling. I had this amazing experience:
o All along I had believed that the lion is the king of the jungle and that it was not scared of anything in its territory. However, on the 28th of January I made my own conclusion that the bees are the kings and queens of the jungle. We had just parked under the trees in order to see the lions that were just a few meters away. We did not know that up in the tree was a beehive, within a short while the bees started swinging attacking us. As we fled they swung after the lions and attacked the lions. They (lions) too, fled for their safety. This was a funny experience for me seeing a small insect chasing the king of the jungle, the lion.
Similarly, I compared ourselves to the bees that we can aggressively attack the strongholds of social injustice with a message of justice. We can take another bold step in order to provide protection to the women, children and other disadvantaged from the social ills they are going through. We can defy the odds!
• Sexual harassment: Despite being a sensational topic I found it very meaningful that it was shared. I liked the contributions that people made. The discussions revealed that most people involved in harassing others sexually, do it because of lack of knowledge. Actions done which are sexually harassing are at times done without knowing the impacts on the other party.
Furthermore, I learnt that one needs to have a great sense of humor in any action they do to avoid harassing others sexually. The concept of cultural differences needs also to be taken into consideration as actions done as compliments in one culture could be offensive or harassing in other cultures. As such a quick understanding of different environments one is significant. They consider some other things as normal acts which might not hurt others. I was very impressed with how Stil Harbor’s Perry led the discussions as she created an environment that most of us felt safe to share with others.
• Talent show: This presented us with an opportunity to showcase our singing talent. I introduced a song entitled “We are the GHC family” which I and my brother Hellings Mvula are working on. Despite being in its raw state, I was amazed with the support that I received on this project. This gave us courage on finalizing the project sooner than we expected.
Wednesday 28th January 2015, we started off going back home refreshed and energized to proceed with our work. Goals for the second half of the fellowship were set, plans were made, and the enthusiasm to undertake the actions was strengthened. I am looking forward to another exciting six months of the GHC Fellowship.
We are change makers!!