Entries by Serve

South Africa Diary – Week 3

– By Stephanie Caulfield I am really having a fantastic time here in South Africa. At the weekend, we went to The Cradle of Humankind. It is like a natural history museum, but better! We also had a traditional braai (BBQ) on a farm which was thoroughly enjoyable. Today, Monday, was the first day that I […]

Sumanahalli: Week 4

– by Samuel Today marks the end of our 4 weeks here in Sumanahali. Grudgingly we got on our ride back to NSK amidst hugs and tears from the patients at ‘Support’.  We began our last day in Sumanahali with an early start, going for morning mass at 7am. Being the last mass, I was […]

Morning Star: Week 4

– by Rachel O’Hare Tonight I write this blog with a heavy heart due to the knowledge that tomorrow is my last day in Morning Star. I’ve spent three and a half weeks living in the Morning Star Home which focuses on both educating disadvantaged children and providing a home for street children. The Home […]

Impact of SERVE Development Programme, Mozambique

– by Siobhan Hughes In Mozambique, SERVE works in partnership with Young Africa (YA). I have been in Mozambique for almost a week now, staying with Young Africa in Beira and what I have seen and learned already is has gone beyond my expectations. Technical, vocational education and training (TVET) are some of the core […]

Education (Zambia)

– By Lucy McManus and Frankie McClean Education During our second week in Zambia, we have been lucky enough to gain a deep insight into the education system here in Mazabuka. This involved assisting in both a national school and the developing Special Education sector. These experiences have provided us with a knowledge of the […]

Inequality (Zambia)

 – by Keith McCarthy and Colleen Conway Inequality There is a fine line between the existence of cultural norms and the view of inequality from an outsider looking-in. One might consider the differentiation of treatment between the sexes in Zambia as a sign of inequality, whereas traditionalists see it as careful respect of one another. […]

First Impressions: Beira

For the past few months, a feeling of excitement engulfed me about my current trip to Mozambique; in recent weeks, that feeling somewhat subsided, and in its place, feelings of apprehension and obligation gradually took over. Apprehension over how I would react to the realities of poverty I have only up until now witnessed from […]

Zambia: Week 1 diary

During our first week in Zambia it became apparent to us that family life and marriage differs greatly from that of Ireland. The major difference is polygamy, which is not uncommon in Zambia. The three farmers who we encountered had more than one wife and had numerous children. Although Zambia is a predominantly Christian nation, […]