In recent weeks, Mr. Haske’s grade 8 and 10 Individuals and Societies (I&S) classes have had the opportunity to learn from guest speakers that are part of the local community. The grade 8 class spent the last few weeks of semester one investigating a variety of issues that are impacting Zambia and other countries in the region. These issues were related to access to education, healthcare, energy, food and water. After examining the impacts of these issues, and potential solutions, students worked in small groups to identify organizations here in Zambia that are working to improve these areas, and to see if they could learn more firsthand, and possibly help out themselves.

The first guest speaker to meet with the class was Russell Lyseight of Vitalite. Vitalite is working to provide solar energy, high efficiency charcoal cooking stoves, and other tools to individuals who need them. Mr. Lyseight did a terrific job of informing the class about Vitalite’s current projects and their hopes for the future through anecdotes, statistics and imagery. He also informed students about how they can help contribute. 

A few lessons later, the class was visited by members of Chance4all, a local NGO that sponsors children who have limited access to education, so they can attend school. Two of the founders of Chance4all, Anna Caprile and Jane Okafor, along with two members of their team, Sandra Ngulube and Anna Alder, joined the class one afternoon. Students learned about the history of Chance4all, how many children do not have access to education in Zambia and the region, what Chance4all is doing to help local children, and how AISL can contribute as well. Once again, students were treated to an engaging presentation that included a number of informative statistics, imagery and heartfelt stories.

Mr. Haske’s grade 8 class is now in the process of forming committees, and looking at next steps to inform the AISL community of the work that Vitalite and Chance4all are doing. Students are hoping to raise money and bring in clothing donations, so both groups and the individuals they support, can continue to work toward their goals.

Mr. Haske’s grade 10 class (10C) on the other hand, had been investigating the impacts of climate change on Zambia and other locations students have a deep connection with. After identifying a specific problem related to climate change, and a specific solution to that issue, small groups reached out to professionals in the local community in an effort to learn more and to get involved. Arend van der Goes of SNV Netherlands Development Organisation joined the class for a highly informative and engaging presentation. Mr. van der Goes’s presentation was related to deforestation, agroforestry, and integrated soil fertility management.  He did an incredible job of engaging students with fascinating facts related to these topics, humor, questions, and various visuals. He even provided tree seedlings for students to plant themselves. Mr. van der Goes has mentioned the possibility of developing a smaller version of the agricultural model he promotes, here on the AISL campus. Mr. Haske is now in contact with the AISL science department to look at making this a reality.

As always, guest speakers can be an incredible asset to the learning of students. It is extremely beneficial for students to see that the learning that takes place within the classroom can be applied out in the ‘real world.’ It is also integral for students to make connections with the local community and to develop a better understanding of the steps that are being taken to address some of the world’s biggest problems. Hopefully, both classes can build on the relationships they recently developed with these guest speakers, and help contribute, in their own ways. ​

This past week, eleven of our Secondary students took part in the annual ISSEA Art & Drama festival at the International School of Tanganyika in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania. 
This is one of the two ISSEA cultural conferences for which the focus is on learning and collaboration. 
Our visual arts students participated in workshops on digital design, henna-style painting, screen printing, beaded jewellery making and water-colors.  
Our Drama students had two days of workshops, on everything from stage presence, styles of theatre (comedy and tragedy) and voice emphasis. 
On the last day, they had six hours with their ensemble to put together a dramatic production.
Both sets of students learned from native Tanzanian or other foreign artists who were specialists in their trade. 

While the conference was very intense, all students came away with a better appreciation of  their own artistic genre, and developed their talents accordingly.