On the first day of classes, the business team and I eagerly walked into our Women in Leadership class to find not one student in attendance. With high hopes, yet slightly dimmer than the first, we anxiously awaited for our students to trickle in on the second day where we were hit with another goose egg.
Uncertain as to why we standing in front of yet another empty classroom, we called in the powerhouse duo—Mama Josephine and Mama Love. These two women have taken great strides by way of politics and business to eliminate gender roles in Zambia. Mama Josephine, severe as she may seem, is the epitome of grace and strength in this Zambezi community. Determined to fill our classroom with bright, driven women, she marched into the market that same day to sway the small business owners our direction, all while our eternally dirty feet followed closely behind to witness her in action. The next day we had five women in attendance, and four more the day after.
We found that if we pushed our class back an hour later, the women who worked in the market would be able to leave there stands to attend our class. While they each have a fair understanding of the English language, I often wonder how much of the material they absorb given language barriers, cultural differences and varying levels of education. Yesterday, while I was teaching the marketing section of the course (my own concentration in school) I found myself wondering that exact thing. I find marketing to be a dynamic and integral part of business, so it was something I was anxious to teach our group. After our class concluded, I was left with a pit in my stomach, wondering if they were able to grasp anything out of what I had just spewed out.
Like every other day, as I was wrapping up the class, I asked the women if they had any questions or comments before they were dismissed. After a period of silence, I put my hands on my chair, preparing to get up and collect nametags when Jesse, a woman who owns her own tailor shop in the market, spoke up. She told us that she and the other women have discussed how much they appreciate this class. She told us that they will leave this class as changed women and that they can already see changes in their own businesses. It was then that Mama Love tilted her head, looked at me, and said, “Knowledge is power.”
With a lump in my throat and hot tears welling in my eyes, I became overwhelmed with contentment and humility—emotions I believe are surely only evoked when others leave lasting impressions on us. These women and their drive to break the shackles of tradition and expectations have inspired me every single day since.
Though they have expressed to us how much they have been learning in class, I don’t think they realize how much they have taught us in return. Because of these women not only will I never take for granted the education and liberties I’m receiving at home but also the education and knowledge I’m receiving here as I become a more active and informed global citizen.
I would like to take this time to thank and acknowledge previous Zam Fams for encouraging the installment of this class. Thank you for shining a much-needed light into the dark corners of women’s involvement in society. It’s been a privilege to create a space for these women to think independently and participate freely while simultaneously raising them to their unwavering potential.
Kisu Mwane always,
Meg Rapp
Class of 2017
P.S. Mom and Dad, I can’t thank you enough for continually going above and beyond to invest in my education. Your unconditional love and support has meant the world.
Meg, I am so proud to see the impact you and your fellow classmates have made on the residents of Zambezi. The experiences you encounter on this great journey will create memories that will last a last life time, not only for you but for others like Jesse. Cherish every moment and keep empowering! I love and miss you meggers!
PS, we won our game today and are now in the quarterfinals.
Meg,
I have been waiting for your post!!! As I sit here in my room in Spokane, I am brought to tears by your words. You have already realized what so many people will never realize in there life and that is how lucky WE are. The women and people of Zambezi will and from what you said, have already changed how you look at the world….you are the changed women.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and I cannot wait to hear more when you return.
As for the rest of you- Is Jenny still asking tons of questions? Is Dodd making you read lots of articles? Is the plague still around Make sure to keep a tally of the number of sharts- ZamFam ’15 definitely holds the record! (I hope that paints a wonderful picture in your head- Jeff stop rolling your eyes!)
MISS YOU ALL, SENDING LOTS OF LOVE FROM SPOKANE!
Meg, thank you for your wonderful insight. I so look forward to reading the blog each day. What a blessing all of you are to your Zambezi family. Love, Hayley’s mom
Thank you Meg. It’s great to see the difference you’re making. Thinking of and praying for you all every day.
PS-please pass along to Emily (Handy) that my little quest turned out to be a “no” – God is good and is in control as always…
Love you all.
Meg, I remember talking to about Zambezi when we were freshmen and after going last year, thinking about how well you could be a part of the Zambezi community. I am so happy that your journey has been fulfilling and allowed you to reflect on the blessings you’ve had in your life. Just like you will probably never ever forget your time in Zambia, these women will never forget the lessons and conversations you share with them.
*Jenny – I definitely miss having you has teacher and studying and learning abroad just doesn’t feel the same without you. Thanks for encouraging me to be curious.
lots of love,
venezia
Hi Meg! I loved reading your blog, you are amazing, wonderful, kind and spirited! I am sure the the remaining weeks will provide continued opportunities to learn and to share with your Zambezi community and Zag family. I know I continue to learn more each day from reading these blogs and feel more globally aware, too! You will always have our unconditional love and support. We feel privileged to help you realize your dreams and guide you in your education. It is like the circle of life, our parents did the same for us, and you will do the same when you raise children of your own. Continue to lead and blaze your trail – we are very proud of you and are so excited to see you on June 10th! Love you, ~mom
Meg – I’ve been so excited to hear about this course and how your guys’ teaching experience would unfold. Thank you for sharing your powerful story, that class sounds like it absolutely kicks ass. It’s amazing the impact this community of women had on you and, of course, your impact on their day-to-day lives. Keep up the awesome work, I can’t wait to hear more!
Missing you lots,
Andy
Meg,
Your blog post brought me to tears! I’m so proud of you and this amazing journey you are on! Thank you for sharing!
Hugs!!!!
Kerry Anderson
YAY! Finally a post by our wise Meg 🙂 You never fail to give me goosebumps with your words. We’ll have to add “Knowledge is power” to our quote wall. Love you <3
Great note!! We’re so happy for the work u Zags are doing.
Meggers!
I have always admired the way you are effortlessly able to convey the amazing stories and many experiences you have. I absolutely cannot wait until I get to hear them all in person, but until then these blogposts will do 🙂 keep up the good work Zags!
Love you Meg!!!
Megg,
I am so proud to know that you are making a difference in this world. It’s up to your generation to carry on and make this a better world for you and the next generations to follow. I have no doubt that you will leave a impact on those woman with your knowledge and that big beautiful smile of yours. Enjoy. Go Zags.
Megladon!
Dude you are doing some freakin incredible and bad ass things over there in Zambezi. All the women are lucky to have a such a witty, spunky, intelligent (not to mention hilarious) person like you working with them. You continue to impress me with your constant amazement for life and your utter appreciation for education. Its something that gets taken for granted all to often and you always remind us of how privileged we are. I remember one time we were asked what the greatest gift we ever received was and in my head I was thinking “oh for sure my electric scooter or my iPod” and you said “education” and that has been something that has stuck with me. That’s just the person you are and that is why I seriously don’t think there is a better person who could be doing the amazing things you are doing in Zambezi and for those women. Keep killing it over there homie. Miss you and love ya like a crazy person
Peace and blessings from the states,
Kell (aka Stephie)
Meg Meg!!!
You beautiful human! So happy to know you and so proud to call you my friend. Keep up the good work-you’re changing the world one interaction at a time! Miss you and can’t wait to see you in a couple weeks!
Love,
Claire
Meg,
Thanks for the post. It’s such a treat to keep up with you and the collective Zag group. The openness with which you are approaching your experiences is inspiring. Especially love knowing the joy you are finding in the classroom! Continue the good work!
Best, Buhlers
Meg!!
You are amazing girl. I teared up when I read your post! The work you all are doing over there is absolutely inspiring! Enjoy the journey and soak up as many memories as possible. It is such a blessing that you are able to share the knowledge you have gained thus far at GU with women in another country. The Zag family is incredible & I feel so thankful to be part of such an empowering community! Keep doing beautiful things & enjoy the rest of this amazing experience, they are lucky to have you 🙂
xoxo
-KP
Katie,
Thanks for the email to the fam. We miss you and can’t wait for you to come home and give us all the details of your adventure. Maybe you can kill the spiders in my house when you come home now. I hope you are well and having a great time. See you soon and all my love,
Other Mother.
Lois
Awesome, awesome post, Meg. Such a nice gift to be able to hear about your journey, one of the presumably many great stories you’ll bring back. What a great opportunity to be able to share your knowledge with these women and to have it be so impactful to them (You’d make a suhhhweet teacher, by the way. I’m sure Mrs. B will chat your ear off about it). So pumped to hear more about this class, and the rest of your time. Keep killin’ it.
Missing you lots,
Andy
Peg!! Wow this is so powerful. Such an incredible post that genuinely lit up my day. I know how impactful you are in my life and I have no doubt that you and your work in Zambia is equally impactful. Most of all, I love hearing how much you have taken from this experience and been transformed by it. Keep being a light in the world. I cannot wait to hear so much more in person when you return! Sending you much love and prayers. The 427 sisters miss you dearly!
Love,
Chelsea