Hello, my name is Katendi Sengevu. I am Gonzaga’s cultural mentor and I live with the students. I help cook with the students and make sure students feel comfortable. I was born in Chingola in the Copperbelt Province. I came to Zambezi in 1992. My parents are both Lunda. I grew up at home speaking Lunda and then at school and with my friends I would speak Bemba.
I started working at Gonzaga in 2007. Before Gonzaga, I used to help with the Church duties at Our Lady of Fatima Parish. I would help with the cleaning and getting flowers set up. The priest, Father Javier, helped me and asked if I wanted to cook for the Americans! I was excited but nervous to cook for the Americans. It was a challenge because I did not know how to speak English, so I thought, “how am I going to work.” But the priest encouraged me to prepare American dishes. And I have learned so much, like speaking English and cooking from Josh and the students! In 2007, I was very nervous. I remember the first day, I thought to myself, “it is the first time I will meet the Chindeles.” I was too shy and that was difficult for me. It took me about four years to start to really get English and to be confidently cooking with the students. In the 4th year I would then be able to cook alone and learned to prepare so many different dishes. My favorite dish to make is Thai chicken. Shawna (Josh’s wife) taught me to make Thai chicken. A young man named David taught me to make fried chicken and how to fry chicken skin.
One of my favorite memories with the Gonzaga students is going to Dipalata. I love when we sit outside around the fire, singing, and dancing and meeting up with old friends. I also always have a good time with Gonzaga students during meals. And I love the Gonzaga students because they love us mamas. They respect us. They are a bit loud (especially this group). I also love to go to the market with the Zags, shopping, and having fun together. I love to cook with the Zags in the kitchen and learning new recipes.
After I started working for Gonzaga, I went back to school, at grade 10 where I left off, in 2016. I was in school for grades 10, 11, 12 and finished. I was doing evening classes and working. I just started dreaming and admiring the Gonzaga students. Then I completed in 2018. I had never thought about going back to school if it were not for Gonzaga. Because of Gonzaga, my life is easier. I also started selling some products, such as bags and decorations, to Gonzaga students. My late mom used to knit, and I asked Josh if I could sell to the students. My family also has been good because of the Gonzaga team. I am able to educate my children, and they are able to finish college.
Before Gonzaga I was too shy, unable to stand up and speak at work and at church, but now I am. In Zambezi, some women looked down on me because of my divorce. But now, I don’t let people look down on me. Now I have learned that I do not have to be quiet. I know my rights! People can’t treat me with disrespect. Some women think that when a man leaves you, you have no value. It was very difficult for me, but now I am a happy person, I take care of myself even if I am a single mother. In 2015 my ex-husband tried to come back, but I said no. For me I always thought to myself “No! I will not fail without a man!”
When I was in my early 20s, I went through a Lunda tradition of back scarring. This tradition is for young women in some Lunda communities. It is a pattern of scars to mark a woman at different life events. It caused me a lot of pain, and so in the future I would like to become a grandmother and to become an advocate for women because of what I have gone through. I want them to know that this is not okay. African tradition is strict and harsh on women, so I want in the future to do a short course at school and learn how to get connected to women. And I want to learn more skills because I would love to teach my children and friends how as women we do not need to depend on men. Mostly women in Zambia they do not have skills, so I would love to learn more skills and teach my fellow women so they can learn and be independent and not be dependent on abusive husbands.
If I were to pick 3 words to describe me, I would say, I am a strong woman, I am intelligent, I am humble, I am beautiful. I am a hardworking woman and I want all my children to go to school. And I’m proud of myself. Gonzaga is like a sun which has come to shine and has opened my mind and my heart. I am now able to think and do what I was not able to.
Kisu kisu,
Katendi Sengevu
“Mama” Katendi! I can not tell you how happy I am to see your post, your face and hear from you today! My name is Elisa, and I am Mia’s mom. We live in California, along the western coast of the United States. I have two children, two stepchildren and I work two jobs (in a school and in mental health care). It is so nice to “meet” you! Just this morning, I was thinking of you, Katendi! I commented specifically about you on Ellie’s blogpost. Here is what I wrote about you this morning: “I’m increasingly grateful for Mama Katendi. In fact … with only a handful of days left for you all in Zambezi, I have a request: if so inclined, would one of you share a photo of Mama Katendi in a future post? I don’t know why I’m tearing up as I ask for this and think of her … but I just know she’s special and holding you and nourishing you. Would you please tell her we (so many of us, I’m guessing) want to express our thanks and love to her? Thank you, Mama Katendi. Thank you for all you are giving and absorbing.” (Now I know it’s our children’s LOUDNESS you are absorbing.) 🙂
So, it was just this morning that I was wondering about you, thinking about you with gratitude. And now I’ve seen your beautiful face and learned a bit about your life, your journey. Thank you for sharing yourself so openly with us. You have had a long journey of studying hard, working hard and finding your voice. I am impressed that you have gone back to school to educate yourself. Busy with school, work and raising children without the help of a partner. And you have been able to put your children through college? You have a lot to be proud of. Thank you for sharing the community’s response to your divorce. So painful to be looked down upon for divorce. I’m sorry you went through that. When Mia was 7 years old and her little brother was 2 years old, I also experienced divorce and became a full-time single mom and had to learn how to take care of myself and my children in a new way. I have a lot of respect and understanding for what this involves. So YES to strong women, Katendi! I am so glad you have grown strong, that your voice has grown strong and that you are now using it to speak up for others — especially girls and women who need more opportunities, protection and respect. I hope you continue to learn skills and teach others. May you be empowered in many ways! It sounds like you have had to be so so strong, Katendi. I hope you also find some ways or moments when life can offer you a little rest so you can be soft too (but in a good way!). Probably not until our Gonzaga students (and their noise!) leave.
I really love the photo of Christine, Josephine and you. I love that the caption says, “Three strong independent women.” There’s a toast my girlfriends and I sometimes offer each other with our drinks in hand before a meal: “To strong women; May we be them, may we know them, may we raise them!” Cheers and thanks to you, “Mama” Katendi. I am so glad you are proud of the strong woman you are. I am, too. And thank you for all the ways you have cared for, nurtured and supported all of our Gonzaga students these past weeks. I know Mia will tell me about you and I so look forward to hearing her stories about you, your cooking, life in the convent and Zambezi.
5:26 PM in Oakland. 2:26 AM in Zambezi
With much respect and gratitude,
Elisa
(and I looked up what “kisu” means (blessing?) and say “kisu, kisu” right back to you.)
Hi Katendi! This post was such a gift! I loved reading a bit about your journey and admire how you have invested in yourself and those around you. So many of the blog posts leading up to today have mentioned you by name and have illustrated how your leadership and comfort have been such a life giving part of this experience for our daughters. Thank you from one mom to another!
Thank you, Katendi, for sharing your personal story! Our Zags are truly blessed to be mentored by you. Your strength, leadership and advocacy for women and girls are inspiring! We are very grateful for all of the care, comfort, hospitality, fellowship and noise tolerance you have given our kids. Thank you again!!
Mamma Katendi,
You are Admired. You are Loved. I see The Divine in you and your voice travelled straight to my heart this evening where it will remain You are the full moon that we are sharing. We need you – all of us women, near and far, who cannot find their voice and their beauty and their worth. You give me strength and hope. May your scars continue to heal into the strength that you embody. May your joyful voice carry through the winds to girls who need you, their sacred Mother, to give them the strength that you emulate.
Thank You for feeding my young woman in oh so many ways. You live inside her heart and now, you dwell in mine.
With Love, and Peace and so much Gratitude,
Lucia’s Mom, Michelle.
Dear Katendi,
Your story moved me deeply. Your courage, strength, and unwavering spirit are nothing short of inspiring. The way you’ve grown—learning English, returning to school, standing in your own power—is a testament to your resilience and determination.
I’m especially grateful for the love and care you’ve given our children. Knowing they are being guided, cooked for, and looked after by someone as wise, kind, and brave as you brings me great peace. You have made their experience in Zambezi not just safe, but rich in meaning and connection.
And as a mother myself, I admire you most for the way you have fiercely loved and provided for your own children. Your determination to educate them, support them, and model strength and independence is a beautiful legacy. They are lucky to call you their mama—and I imagine they are so very proud of you.
Gonzaga is a truly special place, and it is even more so because of you. The university is incredibly lucky to have you as part of its community. Your presence, wisdom, and heart are gifts that continue to shape the lives of everyone you touch.
Thank you for opening your heart to the Zag Family—and to us. You are a light.
With admiration and gratitude,
Sarah Murphy (Caroline M’s mom)
Mama Katendi,
I am so deeply grateful that we had the chance to hear your story and your voice through the blog post. You are so admired by all the Zags—your name has come up time and again—and now, having this window into your background, challenges, ambitions, and accomplishments, we begin to understand why. You embody strength, resilience, and warmth, and what a gift that is for these young students to witness and learn from.
The number of lives you’ve touched is truly extraordinary. You’ve shown your own children—and now ours—what it means to set goals, to persevere, and to continue dreaming at every stage of life. That kind of example is powerful beyond words.
Thank you for feeding our children’s souls and bellies, and for embracing them with such care. I’m quite sure my daughter is one of the loud ones—so for that, my apologies (haha)! But truly, thank you for everything you’ve poured into this experience. We are so grateful.
Kisu, Kisu to you!
Ozzie
Ween –
I am getting through all my cards and just can’t wait to squeeze you! The cards mean so much and I am so grateful for them. Words can not even begin to describe how much I miss you! Enjoy these last few days for I doubt we will let you get too far the rest of this summer (or next three years):)))) Love you! Mom
Katendi- I miss you and loved reading your words. I am so grateful for the ways you love these Zags, as you have for nearly twenty years. Our lives are forever changed for knowing you.
We celebrated Owen’s high school graduation this past weekend. You wouldn’t recognize him, as he’s grown into a young man. But the lessons he learned in Zambezi are never far from him, and he continues to share stories of his friendships and the ways “the mamas” cared for him.
Sending you many kisu’s from Spokane. Josh, Shawna, Grace and Owen
Mama Katendi,
I truly cannot express how impactful you were on my time in Zambezi. You have made Zambezi a home for so many Zags including myself. Your strength, confidence, care, love and curiosity are so inspiring. I am so grateful to have met you last year and am so excited to see you share your story here on the blog. Thank you for feeding our bodies and hearts, without you the Gonzaga-in-Zambezi experience would be so lost.
Sending love from Seattle – Charlie
Mama Katendi,
I MISS YOU SO MUCH!!! Whenever any friends or family ask about my time in Zambezi, you’re the first thing I talk about! You have showed me what a strong, passionate, and beautiful woman you are and I’m so grateful for all the lessons you have taught me in Zambezi. I hope you are doing well and enjoying your time with the Zags this year. Hopefully you got my cooking book, so you can cook new recipes at home!:) Thank you for your beautiful words!!
Kisu Kisu,
Ellie Powers, ZamFam ‘24
P.S. You still make the best food around, but don’t tell my mom that!
Katendi this was beautiful!!! You are incredible!! And you sound like one heck of a cook! I love the message you gave about being independent — It is so very important to learn how to manage on your own AND love yourself like you have!! I’m pretty sure my Katy is on that path And WOW if you didn’t know English 10 years ago and are now writing blogs??? Hats off to you!!!
Katy I am on the countdown for you!!! Sisters bday was yesterday— she now has a drivers permit and subsequently got her boaters license which is a terrible idea hahaha We all miss you!! I have your bed all ready for you and I’ll make your favorite meal when you get home although it sounds like Katendi is by FAR a better cook!!! I love you so much!! Love, mama
Katendi- what a thrill to be able to hear from you and learn about your story. You are a legend! I love hearing about the ways in which working with Gonzaga has impacted you and your children’s lives. And from reading these students blogs and entries from previous students, it is clear that soooo many have benefited from knowing you. You are the best kind of influencer!
Thank you for being strong advocate, loving, warm and a great cook. And thank you for sharing these gifts to help our children feel at home when they are far from theirs.
With much admiration, Amy
Mama Katendi – Thank you for sharing your story and opening up about your life, your challenges and how you are overcoming them. You sound like a strong woman and you’re not using hardships that you’ve faced in life define or limit you. I’m proud to have you around my daughter Natalie. We’ve heard from our kids how much they’ve gotten from this experience but it’s nice to hear that the feeling is mutual from your perspective also.
Thank you for taking care of our precious kids and cooking for them! It sounds like you feed their souls as much as you do their bellies!