July 2007
"I discovered Sooka Community School on an overnight stay at Shackleton’s Fishing Lodge… what a find, it has changed my life. The Lodge built this great little school at the request of the community and with some help from a friend in USA. The school opened in May 2007 and was originally built for 35 children. By July 2007 there were 65 children and two teachers. With support from family and friends I began posting items from Australia to equip the school, as it did not receive any Government support. Parents pay fees for their children to attend and this is a great sacrifice in a community with few opportunities for employment. It is such a privilege to attend school and the children love it."
October 2009
"A friend and I visited again in October 2009 and there was an obvious need for another classroom, as the numbers were increasing and the children divided into 4 groups per day and receiving less hours per group. A very kind family from Tamworth (Australia) donated the funds for another classroom, which was completed in June 2010. Between 2007 and 2009 a ‘feeding hut’ and kitchen were built in the African style of mud walls and thatch roof. The mums would make a porridge from a corn and soya blend, provided by the World Food Programme, for all the children each day. The children ate every last drop of the porridge, which was for some children the only meal of the day. We also had the honour of meeting Chief Inyambo Yeta in Mwandi and discussed the school and other matters of importance in Zambia. It was a very sad day when the children sang a farewell song to me and I had no idea when I would next be back."
September 2011
"I couldn’t wait any longer and made an unexpected trip back to Shackleton’s Lodge and the school. During the three weeks I was there I spent a lot of time at the school and in meetings with the teachers, community members, school committee and Deputy Sooka (who reports matters of importance to Senior Chief Inyambo Yeta in Mwandi). Whilst at the school I did three art classes, joining 2 grades at a time and having up to 40 students in one class room. Both the kids and teachers appeared to have fun. The school now has 3 teachers and 120 children. In 2012 the school will have their first Grade 7 (their final primary year) and the framework for a temporary African style classroom was up to cater for this group. Unfortunately the porridge has stopped, as the corn & soya blend is no longer being delivered . We are investigating if that was an oversight or if it was thought there were more needy communities. As there are many orphans and vulnerable children at the school this needs to be continued. And yes, it was another emotional morning when the older children and teachers sang a beautiful farewell."
