Taking part in the SERVE Immersion trip to Mazabuka, Zambia was an incredibly meaningful experience, offering both practical work and a deeper appreciation of a different way of life.
Mazabuka is set within a beautiful landscape, open, calm and grounded in nature, which immediately shapes how people live and interact. There is a strong sense of community, and we were welcomed everywhere with warmth and openness that felt genuine and unforced.
Practical Work Across Three Schools
During the trip, SERVE volunteers and CBC students worked across three schools, each project contributing in practical ways to the daily lives of students and staff.
St Patrick’s School
Volunteers constructed a wall to protect the school’s banana plantation, an important sustainable income source for the school.
Luyobolola School
The group extended paving in the school grounds, helping to create a safer and more usable space for children.
Flamboyant Special School
Volunteers carried out painting and renovation work, contributing to a brighter and more supportive environment for students with additional needs.
A Different Perspective on Work and Community
What stood out throughout the trip was the attitude of the people we met. There was a strong sense of honesty and pride in work. People approached tasks with care, consistency and quiet determination.
It was never about doing things quickly, but about doing them well. This perspective naturally encourages reflection on our own habits and how we approach work and responsibility.
It was never about doing things quickly, but about doing them well.
The Contribution of the CBC Students
A particularly encouraging aspect of the trip was the contribution of the CBC students who travelled with us as part of the programme. Their commitment, energy and genuine interest in the work and the wider experience stood out.
They fully engaged in each project, asked questions, and showed a real willingness to learn and contribute. Their attitude brought a positive dynamic to the group and highlighted the value of fully embracing opportunities like this.
Overall, the immersion trip was as much about learning as it was about serving. The beauty of Zambia, the friendliness of its people and the strong work ethic we witnessed all combined to make it a powerful experience. It offered a new perspective on community, commitment and what it means to contribute in a meaningful way, lessons that will stay well beyond the trip itself.
