Fifteenth week in Zambia 🔆🇿🇲

Week from July 7 to July 13

"Football, fairs, concerts… and a stolen phone!"

• Most energetic moment: "YO Maps, victories and girl power"

Saturday was the perfect mix of sports and emotions. The whole day was a football marathon: the Under 19 team won, the Under 15 lost, and the girls played friendly matches — and they're improving so much! In the evening, we all went to the Yo Maps concert: music, dancing, and pure happiness — a girls-only day we’ll hardly forget! And as you’ll read below… there's another reason why we’ll remember it so well ahaha.

• Funniest moment: "First aid in my bag… and motorbike adventures!"

I brought a first aid kit with me from Italy, and now it follows me everywhere. And… magic! If before people used to treat everything with just water, now everyone suddenly has something that needs bandaging. I’ve turned into a doctor — cleaning wounds, disinfecting knees, and laughing all the way.

And speaking of laughter... One evening, Karo and I were heading home. Usually, we’re given a lift by Gift, a guy from the Academy we've nicknamed “Gift Honda” (because “honda” here in Bemba means motorbike).

He also goes by another nickname: “Colepachela,” which means “monkey on the motorbike” — a classic local way of joking among friends. (Technically it’s an insult, but here friends have fun insulting each other ahaha.)

That night, Jo was absolutely convinced he saw Gift arriving on the motorbike. He ran up behind him, slapped him on the back, and shouted:

“Colepachela!”

…Too bad it wasn’t Gift. It was a stranger! I was doubled over laughing, Jo was mortified, and Karo had tears in her eyes. Luckily, the motorcyclist laughed too — and the epic blunder became our anecdote of the week.

• Most special moment: "Songs, videos, and sisterhood"

After practice, we often hang out with the girls — either at the field or at Jamoca’s place… and that’s when the “Can you take a picture of me?” or “Can you play some music?” moments begin!On Friday after training, I spent about an hour with the girls just singing, dancing, and filming videos.Those are the real moments that stay with you — and the girls are always bursting with energy!

• Most movie-like moment: "Stolen phone, wild night… and laughter in the end"

Yep… Saturday night we went out — all because Yo Maps, one of the most famous singers in Zambia, was performing. Everything was amazing, BUT… one of our friends here had her phone stolen!!!So, in the middle of the night, we ended up searching for it everywhere… with complete strangers. One of those crazy nights you laugh about later — even though at the time, no one was laughing.Luckily, all turned out fine, we were safe, and honestly, the night was still amazing in the end.

Oh — and at one point, a guy showed up wearing a Torino FC jersey… yes, the Toro! I even stopped him and said, “Bella mej!” He probably had no idea what I meant, but still — I was so surprised!

Yo Maps night — girls only!

• Day to remember: "Trade Fair — work edition (with a pocketful of souvenirs)"

On July 7, we went back to the Trade Fair — but this time with DAPP, our organization. We spent the day talking to people about our project, handing out brochures, and sharing our experience. Then we had lunch and a bit of time around the stalls to grab some local souvenirs (great prices, as always!).We headed back Zambian-style: us in the car, and seven more riding in the back of the pickup.In the evening, we relaxed at home with the new DIs, who are still in Ndola and haven’t left for their projects yet — chats, laughter, and good vibes all around.

Another intense week, as always — and time is flying: it’s already been 3 months since we arrived! Coming up in the next few weeks: new braids, work on the MAPSA documents, support for the two MAPSA clubs, and food security surveys around Ndola.

Words of the Week

Inkoko = chickenA very common word here, since we eat inkoko almost every day and see lots of them around — walking freely in the streets or tied up for sale.My friend Bukarah started teasing me by calling me “Marinkoko” every time I annoy him.So, for revenge, I call him “Innocenkoko.”

Honda = motorbike

Colepachela = “monkey on the motorbike”A super popular joke-insult used among friends to tease each other in a playful way.It’s a nickname often given to motorbike riders — like the legendary Gift Honda!

Photo of the Week

With Mapsa Angels

And that’s another week in the books! Slowly but surely, we’re getting closer to our holiday — we should be leaving for a one-week break at the end of the month!

Stay tuned!

Marti