Institute for International Journalism

OU Students & IIJ Launch Zambia Documentary

2012-02-06T09:06:00.000-08:00

By Morgan Sigrist
IIJ Ambassador

Eighteen Ohio University students who participated in the just concluded study abroad program to Zambia will present a television documentary and a special issue of the Global Spotlight on Tuesday at 6 p.m., February 7, 2012 in Scripps Hall, room 111. Students documented their internship experience in national media, government institutions, non-for-profit organizations and several other personal experiences.

The 2011 winter-break program was sponsored and administered by the Institute for International Journalism (IIJ) in the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, in coordination with Ohio University’s Office of Education Abroad. Students experienced both the commercialized aspects of Zambia, and more importantly, what it means to live and work in Africa. Students documented the heartbreaking stories of the devastation of HIV/AIDS, stories of triumph of Zambians, including their encounter with poverty, chiefs, and the wildlife.

Those who will attend the launch of the documentary and e-magazine will speak directly to all participants, see photographs, articles, and watch a 23-minute documentary prepared by the participants, giving the audience a firsthand insight in Zambia.

The participants are excited to share their experiences abroad, to share with you what Education Abroad and Zambia have to offer. Join us on Feb 7, 2012 at 6pm in Scripps 111 for this exciting event.

Zambia: Learning every step of the way

2012-01-24T13:27:00.001-08:00

By Lindsay Boyle

Eighteen Ohio University students embarked on a journey on Nov. 25, 2011 that turned out to be even more life changing than they had anticipated. The students—from various media and communications-related majors—arrived in Zambia, Africa after more than 20 hours of flight, where they began a jam-packed three-week study abroad program.

Their first experience in Africa was transiting through the modernized O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, which quickly dispelled any misconceptions they may have had about African development as a whole.

Their arrival to the four-star Cresta Golfview Hotel in the considerably Westernized Zambian capital city of Lusaka only furthered that reality. Traffic on the road was constant and intense. Tall buildings equipped with electricity and Internet access lined the city streets. On the surface, Lusaka looked like it could be a city in the U.S.

However, that is not to say it actually is like a city in the U.S. By U.S. standards, food service was incredibly slow and often, menu items were not available at all. Internet access—whenever it worked—was also sluggish. Rolling electricity blackouts were common. Toilet paper was a luxury.

And that is the capital city.

Just outside Lusaka, in some cases less than ten minutes away, the scenery was quite different. During their three weeks in Zambia, students had many opportunities to experience such scenery—what some Zambians call “the real Zambia.”

Huts made with combinations of straw, wood, mud, bricks and other natural materials were scattered in the slums of the countryside, sometimes connected by dirt roads and, in other instances, not connected at all. Such villages had little or no access to electricity. Villagers sometimes had to walk miles to gather safe drinking water. “Toilets” were literally holes in the ground called pit latrines. Preventable disease and other health-related hazards were quite rampant.

Hundreds of Zambians sprawled their goods out at congested marketplaces, crammed in muddy, low-lying areas lined with trash and infested with flies. They did this every day; their only source of income came from the products they sold.

“My biggest culture shock in Zambia was when we went to the Soweto Market. There were a lot of babies walking barefoot with distended bellies and women crouching in the mud selling whatever goods they had,” senior Amber Skorpenske said. “Then it really hit me that I was actually in Africa.”

Children who, in most cases, had lost their parents to HIV and AIDS resided at places such as Kasisi Children's Home. When students visited Kasisi, they realized that the children there, who had often been through more in ten years than many people experience in a lifetime, were still grateful and full of excitement for life.

In fact, many of the Zambians were grateful and quite content with the little they had, regardless of their socioeconomic statuses or life situations.

Students experienced that excitement not only in the people they met, but also when they were learning an upbeat traditional Zambian dance and while playing football (soccer) with University of Zambia students.

In addition to local cultural encounters, students also traveled across the country, both to the Copperbelt Province and Livingstone.

In the Copperbelt region, students toured copper mines and plants, learning first hand about the industry that Zambia’s economy is heavily reliant upon.

The weekend spent in Livingstone is one many students said was the best weekend of their entire lives. From seeing Victoria Falls—widely considered one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World—to riding elephants, playing with lions and cheetahs, bungee jumping and more, the students embraced adventure, doing things they never thought they would.

The students also surprised themselves in other ways, taking Zambia by storm via their internships. Students with media internships traveled around Lusaka, meeting important officials and seeing first hand how stories come together in Zambia. Others volunteered at nonprofit organizations, developing programs for and working with orphans and widows. One of the students interned at the University Teaching Hospital.

Two students published three articles in two different national newspapers—the Times of Zambia and the Daily Mail. One student appeared on ZNBC national television for a nightly news segment. Other students designed entire ad campaigns and public relations plans for agencies such as Young and Rubicam as well as Goman Advertising Limited.

Some students who interned at S.O.S Children’s Village subsequently sponsored some of the children, a humanitarian responsibility that entails contributing money on a monthly basis in order to help pay for necessities like food and clothing.

“My internship opened my eyes to the struggles in the world that are beyond our knowledge and sometimes our comprehension,” said sophomore Brooke Bunce, who interned with the Chikumbuso Women and Orphans Project. “It helped me to realize that even the simple things can help someone else in need.”

Through their internships, students observed places in Zambia they would not have otherwise seen and received cultural advice they would not have otherwise learned. The internships proved to be an imperative component of the study abroad program.

A final component of the study abroad program, as expected, was the classes. Students commuted to the nearby University of Zambia twice a week to take two journalism courses, learning about different aspects of Zambian media and culture from UNZA communications lecturer Kenny Makungu as well as multiple guest speakers.

While spending time on the UNZA campus, OU students were able to meet and become close with several UNZA students. The two groups of students participated in many events together and regularly engaged in conversations about cultural differences—everything from politics to food to popular music.

The importance and impact of the friendships between OU and UNZA students—many of which are still in contact—is immeasurable.

OU students went abroad to Zambia fully expecting to learn from their courses. When they returned, however, they realized they had learned from every single moment they spent in Zambia.

Spend Summer Covering 2012 Olympics

2012-01-20T16:31:00.000-08:00

By: Morgan Sigrist
IIJ Ambassador

The Office of Education Abroad and the Institute for International Journalism (IIJ) are accepting applications for a summer study abroad program to London, England, July 23 through August 13, 2012. The program is yet another global initiative of the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. Professor Hans Meyer, program director, will help students have hands on experience with the the world's most prestigious global sporting event.

Students with a 2.5 GPA or higher are eligible to apply. Successful applicants will participate in weekly orientation sessions as part of the mandatory pre-departure course work in the Spring Quarter, instructed by IIJ Director Dr. Yusuf Kalyango.

Students who wish to learn the multimedia facets of global communication and reporting are encouraged to apply for the program; but all students in the Scripps College of Communication who are interested in international affairs, global communication, visual communication, entertainment, and global sports can apply. Students will earn credits for two courses: Specialized Journalism (JOU-461) with Dr. Kalyango while here on campus to prepare for the trip, and Sports Journalism (JOU-470) with Dr. Meyer while in London.

According to the program coordinator, Lawrence Tuccori, in the Office of Education Abroad, “participants will work with the AP and USOC (US Olympic Committee) to cover Olympics events, and will attend at least two Olympic events as a group.” This will allow students access to practices and a tour of the Media Center. Ohio University alumnus, Jack Briggs, assistant sports director the Associated Press, has covered sixteen Olympics, and will share his experience with students interested in International Sports Reporting at an informational session on January 26, 2012 at 6 p.m. in Alden 319.

Fourteen students will be chosen to participate in this once in a lifetime opportunity. Join us January 26 at 5pm or on February 13 at 7pm in Sing Tao 101 across the street from Scripps Hall, for the two information sessions about the program.

Students can find out more about the program through the IIJ office located in Scripps Hall or the Office of Education Abroad in the Walter International Education Center. Application deadline is February 20, 2012; so apply today for the London Olympic program.

For information about the London Education Abroad visit http://www.ohio.edu/educationabroad/Programs/OlympicsLondon.html

For more information contact

Dr. Hans Meyer

206 Scripps Hall

meyerh@ohio.edu

Office: 597.3084

Or 205 Scripps Hall (IIJ)

597.3335

Two SUSI scholars instrumental to Zambia study abroad program

2012-01-15T17:38:00.000-08:00

By Lindsay Boyle

In early January, two weeks after students who studied abroad in Zambia returned to the U.S., the trip was still receiving regular coverage from outlets including the Athens News, the New Political and the Post.

Those publications and more featured stories telling of the experiences students had and their resulting reactions, but rarely did articles cover the individuals who made the program possible.

On the Athens end of things, journalism professor Dr. Yusuf Kalyango played a large role in organizing the Zambia study abroad program, but he did so with much help from two other colleagues: Kenny Makungu and Dr. Monika Kopytowska.

Makungu and Kopytowska were scholars in the Study of the U.S. Institute on Journalism and Media at Ohio University in 2010 and 2011 respectively. For the past two summers, journalism and media scholars from more than 30 different countries spent six weeks at OU through a program administered by the Institute for International Journalism in the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism.

The SUSI summer institute is funded by an annual renewable grant from the U.S. Department of State's Study of the U.S. Branch in the Office of Academic Exchange Programs.

During the SUSI program, journalists from different backgrounds are encouraged to learn about several aspects and issues of modern journalism through both hands-on experience and involved discussions. While at the university, SUSI scholars attend conferences and lectures, visit local media organizations and meet and work with journalism professionals.

It was during Makungu’s time in Athens in 2010 that the idea for a study abroad program in his home country was born. “I discussed it with Dr. Kalyango and we agreed to develop the program in Zambia together,” Makungu said.

For more than a year, beginning in December 2010, Kalyango and Makungu worked to set up the program’s itinerary, contacting and meeting with several different organizations to find places where students could intern or visit and people who would talk to the students as part of the journalism coursework.

Makungu, who is a senior lecturer in journalism and mass communication at the University of Zambia in Lusaka, also taught one of the two courses students took, lecturing for one hour two times a week about the various issues and aspects of Zambian media.

In addition, Makungu willingly provided transportation to students’ internships and additional activities, even when those activities were late night adventures.

“I was glad to be involved with the project,” Makungu said. “I miss being with [the students].”

Kopytowska is an assistant professor of linguistics and media at the University of Lodz in Poland and also a visiting professor and researcher at the University of Nairobi in Kenya. She flew to Zambia from Kenya to spend a few weeks participating in and enhancing the study abroad program.

She guest lectured on two occasions, first talking about the role of conflict in media and politics in countries across Africa. During the following class, Kopytowska acted as a moderator for student group presentations that explained factors that led to conflict in different African countries, such as Rwanda. The exercise proved to be useful in extending the students’ knowledge beyond the borders of Zambia.

Kopytowska also attended several events with the students, including nightly dinners, an outing to the Mukuni Big Five Safaris to see elephants, lions and cheetahs up close and even bungee jumping off the bridge at Victoria Falls in between Zambia and Zimbabwe. During and en route to such events, Kopytowska often provided students with invaluable information about her journalistic and life experiences.

Makungu's and Kopytowska's involvement with the Zambia study abroad program is just one example of post-SUSI projects for past scholars that are funded by the OU IIJ.

Success and Journalism

2012-01-02T08:33:00.000-08:00

The Post remains a pillar of journalism for Zambia and inspiration for the media

By Rebecca Koch

Although the majority of publications are government-owned the most popular newspaper remains free of government bias. The Post newspaper, first published in the early 1990’s has quickly become one of the most popular news sources for Zambians and is known as the government’s watchdog. Watchdog is the common term used to describe journalists in the United States, so I was able to easily identify with their mission. But unlike the United States, where it is a common role of journalists to discover and uncover issues, many Zambian news sources simply support the status quo.

It was truly inspiring then to listen to the motivating factors of The Post’s founder and publisher, Fred Mmembe on Thursday (Dec. 12, 2011). Mmembe also is an academic, with multiple degrees and interests. He is currently working on a doctorate but discusses these academic accomplishments as afterthoughts to his true passion, serving as a voice for the people outside the government.

In a media environment that is so controlled and regulated, The Post is constantly challenged to take a stance that is usually against “popular opinion.” However, The Post is the most popular daily newspaper and continues to grow. The success of the private paper is surprising, considering the multiple challenges and barriers to a paper of its type. Lack of funding, resources and talent are the major deterrents to publications in the Zambian media environment.

But these challenges serve as motivation to continue publishing The Post.

“I don’t think struggles can deter anyone from doing what they love,” he explained.

With a successful portfolio such as his, Mmembe could have done a multitude of things that are more lucrative and glamorous than serving as editor-in-chief of a newspaper, but that was never the purpose of The Post (although they are more lucrative than comparable government papers). Mmembe confidently remarked that the paper and its success is a product of its human resources and readers, not money. A staff of educated passionate journalists who work to serve the good of the people can clearly work wonders for a community when developed in an area like Zambia and many others.

Throughout the first half of the interview we had with Mmembe, many of us were struggling to stay engaged. But the last conversation with him about why he loves his job and the strength of his publication uncovered the drive that exists in all successful journalists. Regardless of background, location or challenges, journalists must always remember their purpose (to serve the general public) and why their job is so important. Mmembe is an editor who is constantly striving to improve the paper and further the reach and success of his publication.

“This is my life, I enjoy it,” he said. “We will be here until they kick us out.”

Rebecca Koch is one of 18 students from Ohio University, studying abroad in Zambia over winter intercession, about media, society, and governance, through the Institute for International Journalism.

Rebecca is an Advertising major with a specialization in Marketing/ Sales, and Sociology.

The presence of Black Magic in Zambia

2012-01-01T19:02:00.000-08:00

Bethany Scott

In Lusaka, Zambia

Although Zambia is considered a Christian nation with approximately 87% of the nation proclaiming their Christian faith, there is also a strong presence of a somewhat darker faith that is known as black magic or witchcraft. After researching I was unable to find an actual number of Zambian residents who practice black magic, however through conversations that I had with our bus driver and also learning the history of black magic through “Culture and Customs of Zambia, I was able to discover that there is some sort of presence or at least awareness of the practice of black magic. Similar to voodoo that is practiced in the United States, particularly in New Orleans, black magic is a phenomenon in Zambia that is viewed as a taboo subject. When extreme good luck or bad luck is found, black magic or witchcraft is often to be blamed.

Our bus driver, Jack, tells his story about his experience with black magic

After our first visit to a traditional healer, I had my first discussion about black magic with our bus driver, Jack. Jack explained to me that a few years ago his little boy was sick. After taking him to many local doctors, there was no diagnosis to be found. With no one else to turn to, Jack decided to take his son to a traditional healer. Upon entering the room, Jack said that his son’s eyes began to roll back in his head, and he started convulsing violently. Jack rushed his boy out of the room and started to drive home. Without hesitation, the boy immediately started feeling better. Jack said that to this day his son has no recollection of the events that occurred that day.

Jack described the boy’s reaction to the traditional healer as if “the boy was trying to fight off both good and bad spirits.” Apparently, the good spirits won because the boy immediately began to feel better.

Jack also explained that wizards have the power to capture lightning and power to apparate to different locations within a matter of seconds. Sometimes wizards even pose as traditional healer, which according to Jack, can be dangerous. Unexplained phenomena such as people dying with no cause can be linked to black magic according to Jack.

Another conversation out at the bar

This is not the first conversation that I have during my time in Zambia about black magic. The other week after going out to a bar, a man tapped me on the shoulder and tried to engage in a conversation with me about black magic. He explained to me that the reason could chew glass was due to the fact that he practiced black magic.

Whether one believes in black magic or not, it is evident that it either still is or at one time was practiced in Zambia.

Bethany Scott is one of 18 Ohio University students studying abroad in Zambia with the Institute for International Journalism over Winter intercession.

"Working" for Government

2012-01-01T08:59:00.000-08:00

Tylah Deal
Lusaka, Zambia

Zambia News and Information Services, ZANIS, is a government organization that is charged with the goal of providing news for all of the provinces and districts in Zambia. They describe themselves as “public relations for the government” with the mission of informing citizens about issues related to government affairs while also portraying those in power in a more positive light. During my internship, I was able to get a firsthand account of this self-proclamation.

Part of the Team

Interning for ZANIS was a once in a lifetime opportunity. I was immediately considered a staff member and given the chance to cover and film events as well as write news reports and edit videos that will be aired nationwide. I have never interned for a government institution but it would typically not only be difficult to attain an internship as an international student in the United States but even if awarded the opportunity the tasks given would be trivial, such as fetching coffee and filing papers. It was refreshing to feel like a “real reporter” and actually contribute to a news outlet that covered issues for the entire country.

Acquiring New Skills

In the three short weeks that I worked for ZANIS, I learned how to operate a video camera, edit and write for broadcast. As a magazine major, I was introduced to these skills in a few of my courses but never given the opportunity to put these skills to use. I attended events in honor of 16 days of activism against gender violence, which is celebrated internationally and helped to compile a report. I also was allowed VIP access at the airport and was able to film President Sata’s first international departure. Aside from learning to perfect skills through experience I also value the connections that I have made with the ZANIS team.

About ZANIS

ZANIS is a unique organization in that the reporters gather news that is then used or aired at many different radio stations, television programs and newspapers throughout the country but the shocking fact is that the majority of “employees” are actually unpaid interns. The situation at ZANIS is just a small example of the struggles of journalists in Zambia to find work, work that pays, to be more specific. Journalists in the U.S. work to get paid and reveal the truth to viewers but what is the passion behind working in this field if the whole truth cannot always be disclosed in fear of losing a job and on top of the pressure to please your “boss,” you are not on payroll? The passion comes from the hope that they can spark the flame that burns down the current structure that’s restricting the press, and from those ashes, bringing to life a true freedom of expression creating an entire new world of Journalism with greater opportunities.

Tylah Deal, magazine major, is one of 18 Ohio University students studying abroad in Zambia with the Institute for International Journalism over Winter intercession.

The construction of the Zambian family

2012-01-01T00:09:00.000-08:00

By Sara Rice

In Lusaka, Zambia

If you ask individuals to define their family, you will find a variety of descriptions across a variety of backgrounds. Some may include close friends in their family, or members of their church. Within each individual culture, the structure of the family remains relatively consistent. In Zambia, the definition of “family” far extends the traditional American understanding of what defines a family.

Defining the American family

My family tree starting with my mother's parents and moving down the tree.

In the United States, there is a careful and organized layout of each family commonly referred to as a “family tree.” A family is typically divided in two categories: the immediate family and the distant relatives. There is no argument when it comes to your second cousin, once removed. That simply means that your mother’s cousin got married and eventually divorced your second cousin, once removed. In other words, this member would be a part of your extended family.

Defining the Zambian family

Moygamme and Kelly have two different birth mothers but call

Gurtrude, their caregiver "Momma."

When it comes to the construction of the Zambian family, the lines are grayed and more simply defined. The definition of “brother” or “sister” is simply defined by whether or not the children have the same guardian. Because of the high rate of HIV/Aids that leaves children orphaned, the Zambian family takes on a new shape.

When all of the birth parents are still alive, there is an interesting dynamic that develops between what U.S. citizens would define as first cousins. If the children were born from sisters, they would not define themselves as cousins, instead they would be siblings. If the children were born from a brother of a sister, they would be cousins.

While working at Chikumbuso, the widows and orphans project in Lusaka, I noticed that even though the children were all orphaned, they talked about living with their “Momma.” The Zambian family takes on the form that it has to. The Mother is the woman that runs the home and a child’s brothers and sisters are the ones that share their beds and nshima (a meal called posho in English, which is made out of corn flour). The Zambian family is built on the concept of love and protection. The communities face the same pains brought on by the HIV/Aids epidemic and therefore create families of thousands.

Sara Rice is one of 18 students from Ohio University, studying abroad in Zambia over winter intercession, about media, society, and governance, through the Institute for International Journalism

Americans Through African’s Imagination

2011-12-30T11:05:00.000-08:00

Amber Skorpenske
Journalism Major

Internship Lessons

At the first day of my internship at World Vision my supervisor Kwenda Paipi took note of the interns (myself and my colleagues) names and commented, “These do not sound like American names! Why?”

It’s true. Flango, Dubois and Skorpenske are not exactly your all-American names. This would be the first (but not the last time) that our supervisor began to ask us questions about America. Through studying here and working with locals I have encountered a lot of questions about the place I call home. I was usually a little nervous during these because I did not want to sound ignorant or give the wrong information, but many of the questions seemed to be about the average American person and their day-to-day life.

My supervisor had a love for country music and western movies and would

continuously ask us about the status of cowboy’s and Indians and if they were still fighting in Texas. At first this struck me as odd because in my own “self-centered American way” I thought that all people knew these kinds of events were in the past and were long over.

Dependence on Movies

I realized that the average Zambian loves movies and in turn, they are exposed to American movies – most of which are older. It dawned on me that the main exposure that Zambians have to Americans are through movies and television shows.

This is both a good and bad thing. When Kwenda realized I was Mexican he said, “Oh yes! Mexicans are very involved in their extended family, I saw it in a movie.” However, in the same breath he also stated, “White-Americans are not…most of their movies only show the husband and wife.”

It was interesting to me how he believed wholeheartedly everything that he saw in the movies as a truthful interpretation of American life. But when asked if he thought Americans were cold to one another he repeatedly said that he just thought they were “hard-working” and “dedicated.” These characteristics are shown in movies that illustrate the struggle for the “American dream” or any action movie that shows a super-hero fighting for good.

Issues with relying on Movies

However, this practice might have a huge downfall. While there are a lot of great classic movies there are also television shows like “Jersey Shore” and movies like “Talladega Nights” in which Americans are portrayed as ignorant, rich, wasteful and “easy.” If a Zambian were to see this and if they truly believed what they saw on their television their perceptions of us would be a lot different and in turn, their actions toward us might change.

While this began to worry me, my supervisor assured me that most Zambians see “muzungu’s” or “white people” as a symbol of hope, as someone who is coming to help their country and as a nation that supports them.

Amber Skorpenske is one of 18 Ohio University students studying abroad in Zambia with the Institute for International Journalism over Winter intercession.

Lessons Behind the Camera: Interning at ZNBC

2011-12-28T19:48:00.000-08:00

By Danielle Parker

In Lusaka, Zambia

For three weeks, I interned at ZambianNational Broadcasting Company (ZNBC). Housed within the national media complex, ZNBCis the nation's largest TV and radio hub with one main urban andseveral regional stations. Through my internship, I learned many things about Zambian culture, international journalism, and politics.

Despite its wide range, ZNBCis government-owned, meaning much of the coverage doubles as a publicrelations boost for the party in power. However the new PatrioticFront government made many promises during the campaign season tobegin the process of liberating the media from government control: acommitment that has yet to show fruit.

My internship experience highlightedthe particular challenges that arise when working as agovernment-owned media source in a developing country. However, to mysurprise, this experience taught me more about the Zambian peoplethan I would learn throughout my entire 3-week stay.

The week in the newsroom

A normal day at ZNBCbegins with a morning meeting beginning roughly at 8:15, althoughreporters appear in the main newsroom anywhere between then and 9:00a.m. Each journalist then gives an update on what they worked on theday before, their plans for that day, and any developing ideas beforerushing off to their daily assignments.

Fellow intern, Molly Nocheck editing in the ZNBC newsroom.

My first week on the job was spentstrictly in the newsroom where I observed both TVand radioproduction. My training in keyboarding was at a premium as even theeditors were forced to type with index fingers, severely delaying theturn-around of stories. I saw the main TV bulletin produced without ateleprompter and stories thrown out because of poor Internetconnection. The number of story ideas was never the issue; it was thelack of resources to cultivate them. As a result, the editors oftenended up padding the programs with stories from the BBCor other media sources.

Meanwhile, the only evidence of amanaging editor was the smell of cigarette smoke that crept from hisoffice and the occasional walk through the newsroom to say hello.After 16 hours of sitting in the adjoining newsroom, I still had noidea about his job description.

Out in the field

After some pressure on my supervisorsfrom my program director, I was finally sent out on an assignmentwith one of the reporters.

A lack of resources demands strategic planning as ZNBC vehicles
wait for their next assignments outside of the Media Complex.

One of the largest issues I observedwas the severe lack of both transport and modern equipment. For astaff of about 20 reporters, there are only three available cars anddrivers and three cameras. As a result, reporters go into the fieldin groups, with the car dropping off and picking up as necessary.

As if the coordination is not enough,many of the events being covered run up to an hour late, leaving oneor more reporters out of a ride and sometimes out of a story. I oncewaited with a reporter and cameraman for a minister that appearedalmost 1 ½ hours late: time that could have been spent oncultivating another journalist's story.

Beyond the newsroom

However, despite the severe lack ofresources and journalistic freedom, the reporters at ZNBCmanage every day to widen the perspectives of Zambians across thenation. I learned that what they lack in resources, they make up indrive. The people I met taught me lessons not only aboutinternational journalism, but also about the Zambian people andculture.

Ellen Hambuba isa brilliant beauty that acts as one of the leading reporters. It wasshe who let me write and read the story that aired on the main newsbulletin. She taught me that excellence and professionalism existeverywhere, no matter what level of resources are available and thata girl should never be without her face powder.

BarbaraMalilwe,another leading reporter, bought me nshimafor lunch and made me eat it all even though I was full. She taughtme that Zambianculture centers around family, hospitality and most importantly:relationships.

Mr. Voster, adriver for the station, taught me that pride in one's work is themost important characteristic of a productive employee.

These are just afew examples of the wonderful reporters, cameramen, producers, andsupport staff that I met while working in the Media Complex.In the newsroom where gospel music and the BBCnews were in constant supply, I discovered the beauty of the Zambianpeople. Their values and zest for life far surpass those of any groupof people I've ever encountered in the developed world.

From myinternship, I learned that the power of knowledge far surpasses thatof money. The ability for the frequent, open, and smooth flow ofrelevant information is what distinguishes independent U.S. media from government-owned Zambian,and the haves from the have -less'.

DanielleParker is one of 18 students from Ohio University, studying abroad inZambia over winter intercession, about media, society, andgovernance, through the Institutefor International Journalism.

The Strength of Africa

2011-12-28T15:53:00.000-08:00

By Brooke Bunce

In Lusaka, Zambia

When I asked Beauty, one of the widows at the Chikumbuso Women’s and Orphans Project in Lusaka, Zambia, how the women in Africa carry things on their heads so effortlessly, she laughed a hearty chuckle and simply said, “It’s tradition!” Seeing the baffled look on my face, she explained further. “I’ve always done it, even when I was a little girl. It’s much easier that way. And if it falls off, I just pick it up and keep going.” Beauty’s anecdote epitomizes the natural strength the women of Zambia convey each day. From carrying babies on their backs wrapped in chitenges, to cooking steaming hot nshima for several friends and family members, to the infamous loads of goods they rest upon their crowns, these women are the true warriors of Zambia.

Limitations

During my internship, I have witnessed hard work and perseverance of African women. The widows and single mothers resort to Chikumbuso because Zambian life is difficult for them on their own. Society and lifestyle do not easily support women, even with development and independence. Many women that I have spoken with do not go past grade 8 in the Zambian school system. They become employed in hair plaiting (braiding), maid service or not at all. One of the girls that I spoke with at Chikumbuso named Elida enjoys repairing bicycles, though she confided in me that it is difficult for her to be taken seriously when she does because of her gender.

Our encounter with Chief Nkana also shed light on some of the conditions women face in Zambia. He spoke of the tradition of having several wives, and though he felt that 10 or 12 were too many, two or three were still acceptable. The Chief also brought up the situation of young girls drinking and having sex, cautioning against such activities, as though females were solely responsible for unprotected sex. His views were far different from ours, as we could see when he pointed out that our shorts were also too short; and then questioned how our fathers ever let us out of the house!

Unfair Expectations

When we visited the village of Mazabuka and were given tours by women of the village, they also spoke of the hardships that are faced by Zambian women. Men often take several wives, though they can “drop” them at any time. When I asked if the dropped wives could remarry, our village tour guides laughed as if I were a lunatic. When they noticed that I didn't understand, they exchanged a subtle glance. One of the women, Patricia, said, “Well yes, they can but… they normally don’t.”

It is impossible for me to comprehend marrying someone with several husbands, let alone being “dropped” at any point and then being barred from remarrying. It still seems as though the U.S. has a long way to go when it comes to women’s rights, it may be that Zambia has an even longer way to go. Traditional thinking about gender roles that exists in rural villages is beginning to clash with more modern, urban ideals. It is believed that women are not allowed to smoke in public; however, at a popular urban bar in Lusaka, I noticed a woman enjoying a cigarette outside (though it was the first and only time I witnessed it).

A Warrior’s Heart

Women are the driving force of the Zambian family. While men enjoy rest time during the day, married women gather food, cook it, and then clean up afterwards and continually throughout the day. All the while, the husbands sit outside their homes and wait for this process to take place. Seeing these women work so arduously and selflessly fills me with admiration. Though they face tragedy each day, these women possess a resilience that is untouchable.

When women at Chikumbuso received news that a community member died in an auto accident, many of them mourned together and left the compound. The next day, however, they were back making bags, sewing fabric and earning a living for themselves. In the face of Africa’s most brutal hardships, Zambian women stare the fiercest lion right in the face and challenge it.

Brooke Bunce is one of 18 students from Ohio University, studying abroad in Zambia over winter intercession about media, society, and governance, through the Institute for International Journalism.

She is a sophomore magazine journalism major with a specialization in women and gender studies.

Kids Just Want To Have Fun

2011-12-28T14:27:00.000-08:00

By Adam Flango

In Lusaka, Zambia

A child plays with toys outside of Chikumbuso Widows and Orphans Project in Lusaka

A large group of girls shows up and immediately the boys started to show off. They flex muscles, dance wildly and smile mischievously. Some shyly hide, peaking from behind a shrub before catching the young lady's eye and returning to safety. Others push and shove, jockeying for the fleeting affection of the pretty ladies waving at them.

Place that scene in any country and it fits. Boys act like boys, whether it is in Zambia, the United States or any other country. No matter the economic conditions or social status surrounding a child, the basic dynamic between children is the same.

I came to Zambia with the idea that it could be true, that children, in particular boys, fundamentally act the same at a young age. I had no sociological or scientific basis for my conclusion; no study that I read pointed me in that direction. Instead, it was through interacting my younger cousins and talking to those that work with children that peaked my interest.

In Zambia, we have spent time observing and interacting with children in a casual play setting and characteristics common on American playgrounds are present here as well. There are bullies shoving kids down, “nerds” watching from the outside and every character in between.

In every village we have visited, boys puff out their chests when they see our group. Like most children, they try to put on a show for us either through song, dance or even playing sports.

A typical soccer goal in rural village in Zambia's Central Province

Sport: The Universal Language

While playing soccer with boys at the Kasisi Orphange, there was an older boy named Moses who played the role of star player perfectly. He tried to kick harder and run faster than the other boys. At the age of seven, he was confident enough to run at me every time I touched the ball, the only child to do so. It was the same kind of cockiness that I had at his age.

Then there was another boy, who spoke too softly for his name to be heard, that played the foil to Moses. He was smaller and most likely younger than the other boys. Each time he ran for the ball, a younger boy shoved him down. Undeterred, he stood up and tried again. Walk onto any youth soccer or any sport field in the United States and you will find this same little-engine-that-could kid.

Though the resources are vastly different, it is fascinating to see the same kind of reactions and roles played by children. Kids playing on dirt without shoes in donated clothes still act like the kids playing on manicured lawns wearing the latest Adidas. Though I grew up exponentially more fortunate economically than the children at Kasisi, I recognized the expression on their faces when they kicked around the soccer ball. It's the same happy, carefree face I wore while playing soccer as a child and still have when I kick the ball around.

There are seemingly countless differences between Zambia and the United States: the size, the health concerns, the economy, etc. But next time you visit a foreign country, try to embrace the similarities instead of the differences. Visiting several villages and playing soccer at Kasisi opened my eyes to how similar people who appear different can be and it was an incredibly rewarding experience.

Adam Flango is one of 18 students from Ohio University, studying abroad in Zambia over winter intercession, about media, society, and governance, through the Institute for International Journalism.

He is a senior magazine journalism major.

Zambian Road Tripping

2011-12-28T08:21:00.000-08:00

By Tom Ginley

in Lusaka, Zambia

For most Americans, the road trip is a family pastime. Everyone packs into a car, often uncomfortably, and travels for hours to a vacation destination. Personally, I loathe long car rides. In the United States, any ride over three hours very quickly gets boring and old to me. The highways in the U.S. are not very scenic for the most part; with many of my childhood vacations spent looking out the window at urban areas. I guess part of my dislike for long road trips is that I cannot fall asleep very easily in vehicles, so my only option is to take in the scenes of houses, more traffic, and the occasional farm as we speed towards are destination.

When I initially reviewed our itinerary for our program, one of the first things I noticed was the long hours of travelling by bus to different areas of Zambia. I obviously realized that this would be my most dreaded part of the trip; cramming into a bus with seventeen other students and our luggage for 7 hours was not ideal. The only sense of relief I had was the destination would be different and exciting to experience. However, once we passed the outer city limits of Lusaka, I was pleasantly surprised.

Low clouds hover over the busy Soweto Market

Scenic Zambia

The scenery in Zambia is like nothing I have ever experienced. The land is sprawling for as far as one can see, with rolling hills covered in tall grass, trees, village huts and various animals. However, the

one aspect that really intrigues me is the sky. Clouds here in Zambia are unlike anything I have ever seen in the U.S. Not only are they vastly more present, but also much greater in size. The cloud ceiling covers the sky as far as I can see, and I have found myself spending much of our

road trips simply marveling at the sky. The clouds seem endless, with all different shapes and sizes. With the rain season in full swing, the thunderstorm clouds and lightning create an eerie yet intriguing visual. At night, the giant clouds become backlit with lightning that warns of the impending showers.

Clouds hover over the Victoria Falls in Livingstone.

All this, with the addition to the foreign absence of planes marking the skies like in the U.S., Zambian road trips are much more enjoyable for me than normal ones in America. While I may still be a bit crammed, uncomfortable, and unable to sleep, I am at least able to take in beautiful scenery that rivals any I have ever experienced back in the U.S. Because of this, I actually began to look forward to our road trips instead of hating them as I do back home.

Tom Ginley is one of 18 students from Ohio University, studying abroad in Zambia over winter intercession, about media, society, and governance, through the Institute for International Journalism

The Kurrum blockade

2011-12-28T07:30:00.000-08:00

Syed Irfan Ashraf
A DAY before the Thall-Parachinar road reopened, I was at the Peshawar Airport along with other passengers climbing aboard an eight-seater Cessna belonging to a private flying club, with what appeared to be a trainee pilot at the controls.

As the aircraft took off, I looked around to inspect the passengers. It did not appear that all of them could have easily afforded what is probably the most expensive commuter service in the country. I learnt later that the small fleet of four aircraft, which regularly travel between Peshawar and Parachinar, was utilised out of acute necessity.

To understand the few travelling options in this part of the country, one has to go back to late 2007 when sectarian Sunni-Shia rivalry in Kurram Agency spun out of control leading to the closure of the main Thall-Parachinar road. Resultantly, insecurity severed physical communication between upper Kurram and the rest of the country. Ever since then, the half-a-million people of Parachinar have lived in isolation, using irregular routes to travel down country. Despite the recent peace deal between the rival tribes (predominantly Bangash and Turi), there is still an environment of fear, and many people remain reluctant to travel on the road.

Initially, the Paktia-Gardez-Kabul-Torkham route was used to enter Pakistan via Afghanistan. It was a difficult and costly option. Normally, the 250km distance between Peshawar and Parachinar takes less than four hours. However, because of the violence, in which the Taliban — both Afghan and Pakistani — had a big hand, people found themselves having to travel via Afghanistan, the journey taking some 18 hours. Over a period of time, this route has also become increasingly insecure. More than 40 people have been killed so far on this route in different terror-related incidents.

In a bid to break the isolation, some well-off people from Parachinar introduced a jet service in 2008. Later, three more aircraft were added to make up the small fleet that carries passengers between upper Kurram and Peshawar. Under normal circumstances, one-way travel is Rs9,200 per person and at least 14 two-way flights, halted during bad weather, are undertaken daily. However, airfares and flight operations also depend on the situation on the ground. Some passengers say that airfares can reach Rs50,000 per person if all other land routes are closed.

In late 2008, Kurram’s Shia and Sunni tribes inked the Murree pact, following which the Thall-Parachinar road was reopened for traffic. Rival tribesmen exchanged visits and garlanded one another. This pleasant development brought down the number of passengers taking advantage of the air service. However, barely a month had passed when a bloody incident dashed hopes for durable peace. Two brothers travelling from Parachinar to Peshawar were killed and their relatives kidnapped when their vehicle came under attack. This deadly blow rendered the Murree accord ineffective and the key road was closed again.

The uncertainty on the ground boosted air travel, but within a month the road’s blockade was removed. This time the security forces took control of the land route. They were tasked with providing security to private convoys, usually transporting goods — and were authorised to charge Rs500-1,000 per traveller who generally had no recourse other than to travel on military vehicles. Yet, this could not keep criminal and militant elements away. In February 2010, a suicide attack on a private convoy killed 15 civilians. Kidnapping incidents in the agency also increased.

Such hurdles have created huge difficulties for civilians. Exorbitant fares at a time of inflation have increased economic woes in upper Kurram. In 2007, those journeying by road paid Rs200 to travel between Parachinar and Peshawar. After November 2007, Rs1,500 was charged for the same distance.

Protests were the natural outcome of this frustration. In August 2011, a convoy was delayed for many days due to militants’ threat. It prompted hundreds of students — who were returning to their respective educational institutes after Eid holidays — to create a law-and-order situation. Security forces were called in to control the protest and, subsequently, special convoys were arranged to transport students down country.

In such an atmosphere, the jet service appeared effective and the only alternative despite its hefty fares and the absence of proper ticketing facilities at Parachinar airport and a case of crash landing. PIA started flights to Parachinar in 1989, but these were closed in the early part of 2000. At one point, the political agent was informed about a plot to shoot down the aircraft.

Considering the situation there is a need to ensure safe, affordable air travel and to restart a regular PIA service for Kurram Agency, even as the state strives to secure road travel services for the citizens of Parachinar.

There was general relief recently when the Kurram peace jirga — representing 50 members each from the Sunni and Shia communities —apparently settled misgivings regarding the Murree accord. The Thall-Parachinar road has now been reopened with troops manning military check posts keeping an eye on the area while the resolution of other thorny issues like displacement and rehabilitation is supposed to be settled shortly.

What has also been a welcome development is that, unlike the past, this time the militants were not part of the consultations that led to the patch-up between the tribes. While this is no doubt a positive sign, the question that still looms is whether peace can indeed be given a chance without defanging the third party — the Taliban — which appears to be the most powerful stakeholder in the Kurram Agency conflict.

The writer teaches at Peshawar University.

Achieving Effective Public Relations, without New Media

2011-12-27T20:16:00.000-08:00

By Lauren Nolan

Lusaka, Zambia

New Media signifies on-demand access to content on a variety of digital devices. New Media is interactive. Professor Kenny Makungu, a senior lecturer in the department of mass communication at The University of Zambia, defines new media as “a concept that encompasses the coming together of traditional media with the interactive power of computer and communications technology and computer-enabled consumer devices.”

Challenges of New Media in Zambia

As an Ohio University student studying journalism and public relations I have worked on multiple campaigns for clients such as the Miss Universe Organization, Cardinal Health, College Book Store, and Soul of Athens, to name a few. The clients and organizations I have worked with rely heavily on the use of ‘New Media’ to inform and engage their audiences. Understanding and utilizing New Media in public relations tactics is continually emphasized in academic classrooms, student organizations, and at most internship attachments. I have witnessed how valuable New Media, specifically social media, media entertainment, and networking sites including Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube, can be a way to have meaningful connections with the publics. For instance, while interning at the Miss Universe Organization some of my responsibilities included working to develop mobile messaging campaign content, writing speaking points used for tweets from titleholders, and monitoring social media outreach. At Ohio University, working with ImPRessions, a student-run PR firm, client, Cardinal Health, our team constantly uses Twitter to encourage live chats, spread awareness of our Generation Rx campaign, and Facebook to gain attention for on campus events.

Interning at GOMAN ADVERTISING LTD, an advertising firm in Lusaka, Zambia, posed a new question for me: are U.S. citizens too reliant on New Media as an effective public relations tactic? During my time at GOMAN I was assigned to create a public relations plan for Bonnita. Bonnita long life full cream milk is a product byParmalat, Zambia’s largest producer and processor of milk and dairy products. I was excited to work on a PR plan for this product, however, reaching the intended audiences greatly limited my options for effective outreach. The product, released in Zambia in November 2011, is specifically crafted for Zambians on very low incomes. Milk is somewhat of a luxury product for Zambians, many cannot afford milk or do not have refrigerators to store milk and dairy products. Bonnita allows for impoverished Zambians to have access to quality, nutrient rich milk to feed their families, while keeping money in their pockets. Because it is long-life milk it can be stored at room temperature for up to three months from the date of production without getting spoilt.

Gaining Awareness without New Media

In order to spread awareness of Bonnita, I was assigned to develop PR tactics. If this product was for Americans, social media may be of use to help with community outreach. As even those in the lowest income brackets in the United States still have some access to New Media. However, reaching those publics in Zambia requires a lot more thought and ideas of using New Media can be thrown out completely. Due to lack of Internet infrastructure in Zambia, very few people access the Internet. Furthermore the cost of Internet access is high. Internet connection is seen as a luxury. For instance, social networking statistics show that Facebook penetration in Zambia is 1.35 percent of the country’s population and 19.89 percent, among Internet users in Zambia.

A village, without any access to New Media, and only minimal access to electricity, that the awareness and consumption of Bonnita would be beneficial.

Inside one of the homes in the village. This home has no electricity, no running water, and certainly no access to New Media.

The lack of New Media in Zambia challenged me to focus and develop some “old school” tactics to reach out to the desired publics, effectively communicating the benefits Bonnita can provide to them. While developing a proposal for the product I gained a deeper understanding of effective public relations without relying on New Media, and the challenges of working in international media systems. After multiple brainstorming sessions, researching Zambian media outlets and media consumption patterns, I was able to successfully develop enough tactics for a meaningful PR plan to present to Parmalat on behalf on GOMAN.

Reviving Public Relations Fundamentals

Instead of relying on Facebook fan pages or a Twitter handle for Parmalat or Bonnita, I focused my plan on traditional print and guerilla marketing. Distributing handbills, painting advertisements on buildings and Parmalat containers in compounds and the rural villages the product is made to serve, and setting up interviews for Parmalat spokes persons at rural radio and news stations around Zambia were just a few of the tactics outlined in the PR plan presented to Parmalat.

My internship in Zambia reminded me of the fundamental proponents of public relations and strategic communication. Public relation practitioners in the U.S. should be conscious not to rely too heavily on New Media, and to consider the importance of developing and maintaining meaningful relationships with journalists, who pick up pitches, clients, who’s products are worthy of time to advocate for, and their publics, whom are the consumers of information and interpreters of messages. New Media is a great tool, but not one that should be so heavily relied on by public relations practitioners.

At GOMAN ADVERTISING LTD with my colleagues.

Andre and Capalo hard at work creating promotional materials for Parmalat in the studio at GOMAN.

Andre, a graphic designer at GOMAN, and I, inside the studio where all the advertisements and PR materials are produced.

Lauren Nolan is one of 18 students from Ohio University, studying abroad in Zambia over winter intercession, about media, society, and governance, through the Institute for International Journalism.

The business of being wasteful

2011-12-27T17:01:00.000-08:00

By: Molly Nocheck
In Lusaka, Zambia

Zambia may be a unique and picturesque place, but the beauty of the land is oftentimes hindered by an endless amount of trash that litters roadways, villages and markets. Though the abundance of trash is apparent, there seem to not be an effective government waste management system in place. In fact, I found it difficult to find trash reciprocals throughout Lusaka and the ones I did manage to find were usually overflown with litter. The biggest wake up call regarding litter that I experienced was seeing a pig eating trash at the busy Soweto Market.

The amount trash may have shocked me but it certainly did not surprise me.

In Zambia, plastic bags are given for every purchase. For instance, if I ordered food at a take out or fast food restaurant, I would be given a bag for my food and a separate bag for my drink. It is usually difficult to find a place to dispose of trash, even at developed shopping centers like Manda Hill.

Waste management systems?

After observing locals, I learned that trash is simply left wherever and will eventually be picked up. Unfortunately, a trash pick up system is not available to everyone in Zambia. The 2004 National Solid Waste Management Strategy for Zambia says,

“Waste components are usually mixed and dumped in places that are not designated for disposal. Much of this type of waste is generated from residential areas and at the moment less than 10% on average of residential areas in the country are serviced as regards waste management.”

This depressing statistic signals a need for change in Zambia's waste management mentality. Not only does an effective waste management system need to be put into place, but also a complete overhaul of the attitudes toward litter control. There needs to be more of an effort put into reducing, reusing, and recycling. The availability of rubbish bins could certainly be improved, as could the amount of bags being used.

A local perspective

The need of a waste management overhaul is emphasized in a recent article in the Times of Zambia which profiles residents' apprehensions about the current trash situation.. The article explains that the lack of an official waste management system leads to many residents to utilize private waste collectors. According to a Times of Zambia report by Lillian Banda, the use of illegal trash collectors is a potential threat to the environment, as trash is not being properly disposed of. Taking control of the waste in Zambia would lead to a healthier environmental future.

Molly Nocheck is one of 18 students from Ohio University who studied abroad in Zambia over winter intercession through the Institute for International Journalism.

She is a junior broadcast journalism major.

A Different (News) Culture

2011-12-27T16:19:00.000-08:00

By Jenna Miller

In Lusaka, Zambia

During my time in Zambia, I interned with one of the only private broadcast news stations: MUVI TV. As these 3 weeks have flown by, I’ve taken notice of the differences between Zambian and American news operations. While there’s a plethora to choose from, I will only highlight the two main distinctions I have made that separates the job of a reporter in each country.

One Car Band

Whenever reporters go out in the field, they do not go by themselves. They pack a car with 2-3 reporters, a cameraman, and a driver. The driver takes everyone to each reporter’s story. As the designated reporter and cameraman do their thing, the rest just wait in the car. Some stories can even take more than an hour, but everyone still waits in the car for the reporter and cameraman to finish. Occasionally, they will drop a reporter off at a location if it does not require a camera, but for every other story everyone waits. It took awhile for me to get used to this concept.

As a journalism student, I’m told reporters these days are “one man bands.” The reporter does everything including his or her own camera work. But in Zambia, it’s more like a one car band. Not only do the reporters get a cameraman, but they also have other reporters on hand if they need help. It might not be the best use of resources or money to send 3 reporters out with a cameraman and a driver, but it definitely makes a reporter’s life less stressful and gives a few more people jobs.

Reporters Helping Reporters

MUVI TV is not the only news organization that sends teams of reporters out together. Not only that, but these different news teams actually work with one another. One of the reporters from MUVI told me that, if her friend at The Daily Mail gets a tip, he will call her right away to tell her about it and if she has heard anything. When they are out in the field at the same story, the group of reporters (from MUVI, MOBI, ZNBC, ZANIS, and all of the newspapers) joke around with one another and someone will even offer to go on a food run for the group. They will ask each other how their story is going and offer any information they think the other reporter might need.

This would never happen in the United States. Sure, reporters might sometimes develop a relationship with another reporter from another news organization, but not with every reporter from every news organization. The news industry in the United States is way too competitive and cut throat for reporters to work together like they do here in Zambia. Competition is the main reason why reporters are able to work together. The Zambian media do not really compete with one another. Each outlet has its own niche. Of course, each station wants to see what the other is covering, but in Zambia it is also about sharing news to ensure that they have not missed anything for their viewers.

Different Packages

While there are still extraneous differences I could mention (like 30+ second stand-ups or having only one computer with internet in the newsroom), I chose the above two because I think it truly creates a world of difference. I have found the job of a Zambian reporter to be more laid-back than that of American journalists. I also feel as if Zambian reporters have more passion for their work and show more enthusiasm for the stories they cover – even the dull stories than their U.S. counterparts. It is that laid-back atmosphere that keeps this enthusiasm and motivation instilled in Zambian reporters.

I believe reporters in both countries share the same ideals and passion for journalism, but the environment in which Zambian reporters work allows for more longevity in the media world. A lot of American reporters burn out within a couple years because of the stress of competition and meeting deadlines. In Zambia, competition is not an issue and deadlines rarely interfere with quality work. U.S. journalists should take note of the Zambian reporters. They might produce a slightly different package than most American journalists, but the passion and commitment to the public I think resonates with reporters from both countries.

Jenna Miller is one of 18 students from Ohio University, who studied abroad in Zambia over winter intercession through the Institute for International Journalism.

She is a senior broadcast journalism major with a certificate in the Global Leadership Center and a specialization in German.

#Zambiaproblems

2011-12-27T08:31:00.000-08:00

By Chelsea Molder
In Lusaka, Zambia

During our time in Zambia we tweeted and shared our experiences we had. One trend that we are are starting is #zambiaproblems. For example Lindsay Boyle tweeted "My lion scratch hurts #zambiaproblems". This is not a problem to local Zambians as visitors but as new comers to the country, we found many things that differed from our everyday life back in the United States. Most of our “Zambia problems” are not real concerns or problems of the country but things as Americans we find different or troubling to us.

One of my #zambiaproblems was that everything and everyone is much slower or at a slower pace. We joked around and said we are on Zambian time, which is when you are running late you can just blame it on Zambian time. Everything was slower than we were used to in the United States.

But on a serious note, there are real problems that I noticed. One of the biggest for me was the amount of garbage and lack of disposal cans. I can understand how in some underdeveloped places and compounds they do not have the resources to properly dispose of the waste but even at nice public places and areas you will not find a place to put garbage.

Many of our “zambia problems” seemed crazy to the locals and were probably cultural differences or the way things are in Zambia. I am sure if they came to the United States they would find many “U.S. problems”.

Chelsea Molder is one of 18 Ohio University students studying abroad in Zambia with the Institute for International Journalism over Winter intercession.

A step back in time

2011-12-26T15:50:00.000-08:00

By Lindsay Boyle

In Lusaka, Zambia

For some U.S. citizens, some aspects of Zambian culture and development may seem immature, inappropriate or simply ignorant.

Zambia ~50 years post-independence

Though the United States is far from a global leader in education, Zambia is even worse than the U.S.; only 1.5 percent of their GDP is put toward education, according to The World Factbook, While the average American will attend public schooling for about 16 years and complete high school, the average Zambian is likely to go to school for just 7 years, receiving only an elementary level education.

At some “schools,” such as Shampande Middle Basic School, classrooms consist of nothing more than makeshift chairs composed of piles of bricks scattered under a tree that some children have to walk 10 to 15 miles (16.5 to 25 km) to get to*.

The disparity between the developed and undeveloped areas of Zambia is huge. In the heart of Lusaka, there is electricity, running water, limited Internet access, modern architecture and relatively better road infrastructure than the rural areas. Just on the outskirts of Lusaka as well as in more rural areas, however, little or none of the aforementioned basic infrastructure exists.

Ideology-wise, many Zambians are nowhere near accepting homosexuality and the like as acceptable lifestyles. In some areas, women are still considered lesser than men and are responsible for nearly all “household chores.” In Zambia, that term does not refer to simple cleaning and cooking, but also hard labor tasks such as food and water gathering, which often require spending many hours and traveling many miles.

Some U.S. citizens have expressed a desire to change the way countries in Africa, including Zambia, think about and approach the world, as though they are hopelessly wrong and behind the times.

Honestly, visiting Zambia is like taking a step back in time—the country just gained independence in 1964.

American ~50 years post-independence

Imagine the U.S. only 47 years after it gained independence, in the 1820s. Infrastructure was poor—Native American trails used where roads were not yet existent, plus canals and railroads were just being built.

Technology was not yet very advanced. Inventions such as telescopes, railroads (with horse-drawn cars), and typewriters did not exist until the end of the decade.

In the early 1820s, people in the U.S. were still feeling the effects of the Panic of 1819, a depression that occurred after the economic boom that followed the War of 1812 ended. The U.S. economy was based primarily on agriculture, and thus many people were merely poor farmers.

Society was dominated by white males—women weren’t able to vote or own property and were expected to focus on raising children and performing chores. African Americans (and sometimes other minorities) were condemned to slavery and unequal treatment in many aspects of life. Homosexuality was not considered an acceptable practice.

Even in the U.S., there was a time when the ways of life and thinking were much different than they are now. Becoming an industrialized egalitarian country is a process that takes time. Many critical developments in ideology, technology and infrastructure—including labor laws, methods of communication and inventions—did not occur until the early 1900s, more than one hundred years after gaining independence.

Before U.S. citizens try to tell Zambians the correct things to believe and ways to act, they should take note that post-independence Zambia is so far without any major political and ethno-political conflicts—an attribute the U.S. cannot claim.

Moving forward

It may seem slightly difficult to compare Zambia and the U.S. since they reached independence in different ways. However, they are similar in that they both broke away from colonial rule and were left with a lot of land to develop and opportunity for technological and ideological improvements.

It is apparent that technology, for example, is beginning to ease its way into the Zambian culture, especially in places such as Lusaka. It is already more Westernized than myself and many of my colleagues expected it to be and is likely to continue developing further. With technological improvement, better infrastructure and ideological open-mindedness usually follow.

Although some U.S. citizens would like to come from a point of further development and deliver some kind of revelation to Zambians, they need to realize that things do not work that way. For a truly flourished nation, Zambians will have to grow and learn at their own pace.

Even the U.S. is not yet an ideal nation. U.S. citizens have made their fair share of mistakes along the way and are still learning not to discriminate based on race, gender, orientation, socioeconomic status, religion and other characteristics.

Some people and nations relentlessly strive to develop and to become free from donor-dependency. Yes, there are still nations that seem to be underdeveloped in comparison to the U.S., but given time, some of them will get there.

*An organization called Fountain of Life donated 100 desks to Shampande after hearing of its condition, but other schools in similar situations have not been as fortunate.

Lindsay Boyle is one of 18 students from Ohio University, studying abroad in Zambia over winter intercession, about media, society, and governance, through the Institute for International Journalism.

She is a junior online journalism major with a minor in psychology.

The Zambian HIV/AIDS Cycle

2011-12-26T08:22:00.000-08:00

By Sara DuBois

In Lusaka, Zambia

Every individual who has never visited Africa has a stereotypical perspective of what the continent is like. In the three weeks I have spent in Zambia, I can say that many of those stereotypes can be discredited, except for one. HIV/AIDS has been a common topic of discussion on this trip. I have discovered that this disease is a tough battle to fight due to cultural values and norms, which in turn creates a deadly cycle.

Religion

Over 80% of the Zambian population is of a Christian faith. A common belief of Christians is to wait for marriage to have a sexual partner. However this is not a rule that many people follow. One thing that some religious and cultural denominations discourage is birth control methods due to the idea that sexual interactions are for procreation only. Therefore the majority of the population is rejecting the need to protect themselves from HIV/AIDS because of their religious values.

Marriage

The Zambian culture is becoming very westernized, but despite its rapid depletion of the native culture there are several traditional customs that still remain. One of those customs is the act of polygamy. We have visited several villages and we often hear of polygamy within the families. A man can marry as many women as he desires. It’s not uncommon for a man to have 10 wives. If one wife or the husband were to stray away with another partner and contract the HIV virus then when they return to their partner it will spread to every wife and husband and sometimes children who are born with an HIV positive mother. This creates a rapid exchange of the virus and causes major problems within the village because they often times live in rural areas that do not have access to medical treatment.

Sexual Cleansing

Another factor that contributes to the HIV/AIDS epidemic is this idea of sexual cleansing. This means that when a woman or young girl’s man relative passes away, she must sleep with her relatives brother and marry him in order to be ‘sexually cleansed’. This is another way to spread the virus rapidly, especially if polygamy is a factor. Although this practice is slowly declining it is still an issue within villages.

Women’s Rights

By observation I have noticed several things about women and their rights. In most villages women are responsible for catching and cooking the food while also carrying their children around with them. They carry objects on their heads because it is easier on their body since they don’t have men helping with the heavy lifting. Women also are the last to take a bath within the family and as Chief Nkana said, “Women must do their duties and save the biggest piece of chicken for the man of the house”. These methods are frustrating to see and hear. Women do not have a choice if their husbands want to marry another woman, the men in the remote villages of Zambia do not support the government’s efforts of gender equality and empowerment, which include affirmative actions for women to become leaders in many villages. In many villages a young woman’s parents can chose who to marry her off as young as 13 years old to an older man. These inequalities make it impossible to structure safe sex practices because of the male dominance.

When I went to the central province with World Vision staff to check on a rural project I noticed there were no men around. When I asked them where the men were they laughed and simply said that they go out drinking during the day. I asked the women how they feel about that and they know that it’s an injustice, no matter how long it has been going on. They feel no empowerment and no partnership in marriage. Seeing this made me realize how strong the women are here because despite their inequalities, they are the ones in my opinion that keep the nation running.

Much work has been done towards AIDS relief and prevention, but it’s still a battle that will take years of healthy living fixtures. Cultural and social norms and values cannot be easily erased. When we went to the University Teaching Hospital of Zambia we discovered that the number one cause of death is from HIV/AIDS. That was a shocking discovery considering that it is the largest hospital in Zambia and there was nothing they could do to assist those who have the virus. In my discoveries Africa suffers from this horrible HIV/AIDS disease and to see it firsthand really gives a perspective of a need for change. Mean-time people are striving to create a positive and healthy change that doesn’t affect people’s cultures or values and overall lessen the number of causalities in this disease.

Sara DuBois is one of 18 students from Ohio University who studied abroad in Zambia over winter intercession through the Institute for International Journalism.

She is a senior Communication Studies major with related areas in Public Relations and Health.

Wellbeing Zambia Style

2011-12-24T10:50:00.000-08:00

By Alisha Estabrook

In Lusaka, Zambia

The University Teaching Hospital (UTH) has a mission “to provide affordable quality health care, function as a referral center, train health providers, conduct research to find solutions to existing health problems, and for the development of science.” Located in the capital of Zambia, Lusaka, people travel from all over the country to be treated within its walls. And like the name suggests, it teaches students how to become medical professionals.

UTH is the biggest hospital in Zambia. This blog post cannot possibly encompass everything the hospital does and is focused on my personal experiences and observations within my internship with UTH’s Public Relations Department.

Observations

The hospital is huge, and I find it easy to get lost. Luckily, there are signs to point out the way, but usually they do not seem to help me out much. The hospital is more horizontal than vertical. Most of it does not pass the third floor, although a few sections reach four floors.

Parking is limited, and people come to visit travel by bus and taxi. Visiting hours last for one hour in the early morning, and one hour in the early afternoon. Otherwise, the hospital would be even more overcrowded.

Waiting areas are basically non-existent. The waiting area for the maternity wing is outside under some trees. Only the more costly areas of the hospital have waiting areas.

Like many other buildings in Lusaka, every window and door is blocked by bars, leaving an uninviting atmosphere to outsiders. Laundry hangs off balconies to dry in the African air and doors are locked with old fashioned keys. When someone is not in the office, it can be quite difficult to contact them. Personal cellphones are used over office phones that are broken and pushed to the side.

At one point I saw a “wheelchair.” It was a plastic chair, one that people in the U.S. put on their decks for a sunny day, attached to a frame with wheels. (Other wheelchairs were actual wheelchairs, I merely wanted to point out that resources are sometimes scarce.)

The air within the hospital is thick. Doors are left open to the outdoor walkways that connect sections of the hospital. Other parts of the hospital are a parking lot away. Only special areas have air conditioning. Certain parts of the hospital reek to an outsider, but no one can complain, because at least they are not the sick one.

Tucked away in a small corner is a door with a sheet of paper taped to it that says “Customer Relations Officer.” It is located near two elevators, of which only one elevator in the whole complex was working last June. The beige walls are offset by the sea foam green and black checkered tiles. A small desk is the only working space available, and electric cords hang out everywhere from the ceiling (if the electric company came and found she worked in that condition, the hospital would be fined). The only light comes from two small windows near the ceiling. But Natalie makes do with what she has. She is the public relations officer of the obstetrics and gynecology section.

Patients

UTH is a referral hospital. Patients need a referral from their local clinic to be treated. Local clinics send people they cannot treat, but easier cases that they can treat cuts down on the already swamped and overcrowded UTH by keeping patients at local clinics.

Patients can come to UTH if they do not have a referral, but then they are charged an extra fee.

When a person first comes to the hospital, they have to pick High Cost or Low Cost. It is up to the patient. Low Cost is free to patients (unless they have to pay the bypass fee). High Cost is for patients that can pay the money. The care is technically the same for both areas, but Low Cost is crowded. Beds are lined up with no privacy from other patients. When bed space runs out, beds are placed on the floor.

Even in the intensive care unit (ICU), Low Cost has beds in an open area with not much privacy (although the area is climate controlled). Beeps from machines echoed one another as multiple could be heard at once. High Cost had their own rooms in ICU, with curtains covering all the windows.

High Cost is not much better. The beds are more spaced out, and there is a bit more privacy. The VIP area is more like the hospitals I have seen in the United States. They are single rooms with TVs, radios, air conditioners, and nice linens on the beds. These special patients get cards, sort of like insurance cards, to show the hospital when they come in.

Men are separated from women. They are on opposite sides of a section or in different wings.

Working on a story for UTH's next magazine

Public Relations

The PR department has a magazine (it could use some work, but it’s a step in the right direction), a website (so I have been told, but cannot find it and someone told me it was outdated), and the department talks to patients and families. They also give tours, which is something I found odd. I even helped give a tour to a Chinese family. While photos of patients are not allowed, the tours walk right through areas filled with patients. This must disrupt the already short-staffed doctors and nurses.

My group of 18 from Ohio University went on such a tour. We saw the overcrowded Low Cost, the only slightly better High Cost and way too many sick people. We were even told to make ourselves at home, but we were all out of place and felt like we were invading people’s privacy.

I was told the biggest complaint the PR department gets is rudeness, ignorance, or attitude. There are not enough employees to attend to everyone in a timely manner. So family and friends complain about the inadequate treatment. In the past, people have attacked nurses for these complaints. There are signs within the hospital that say “Don’t Harass.”

Separate Entities

Near UTH are a few other buildings that are not necessarily part of the hospital, but are entities that are somehow associated with UTH and do good work for people. The Cancer Disease Hospital is on UTH grounds, and treats all kinds of cancers. It has helped people with a variety of treatments.

The Nursing school is just a short distance away from the hospital. It teaches students how to become nurses, and then allows them to practice their skills in UTH.

The laundry center takes care of all the linens UTH uses. When I visited, piles upon piles of laundry needed to be washed and dried. I never thought of how hospitals keep up with such large amounts of laundry.

UTH has a gym attached to the side of the hospital that is open to the public to promote healthy habits.

My favorite building was a workshop just up a hill from the hospital. People, who suffer from polio, work there to make structures and toys out of cardboard and papier-mâché. These items help children with cerebral palsy and structures are fitted to each child specifically to help build muscles.

In the papier-mâché workshop, Natalie is on the far right

Further “Enquiries”

In working with UTH, I have not learned all there is to know about the hospital. Some things have made me curious, and I am curious about a few observations I have made.

First, is how does the hospital deal with the issue of clean water? I have not been able to figure it out. Along with that, what about overall cleanliness of the hospital? Bugs crawled up and down the walls of offices where I was placed, so I can imagine what underlying cleanliness issues is a problem.

Natalie told me that people from all over come to UTH to get the best care (I even saw the VIP card of the son of the first president of Zambia). She told me if people wanted to go somewhere else and had the money to get care, they went to India. That probably should not have surprised me, but I would have guessed somewhere closer. What kinds of problems send people to India?

Abortions are illegal in Zambia, unless the mother’s life is in danger. Zambia is declared a Christian nation, so religion influences people in thoughts. Most people I encountered do not believe abortions should ever take place, but a hospital worker told me that they do happen within the hospital on an underground level.

HIV/AIDS is undoubtedly the number one cause of death, followed by malaria, and then vehicle accidents. One nurse explained that if someone comes into the hospital needing medical attention and has HIV/AIDS, the hospital treats the overlying issue first. Say this person has malaria and HIV/AIDS. The person would be treated for malaria. If he/she did not survive, the death certificate would say “Cause of Death: Malaria” as a way to not make the family or deceased ashamed. This makes me wonder how numbers are affected of how many people have HIV/AIDS and how many people die because of the disease.

Alisha Estabrook is one of 18 students from Ohio University, studying abroad in Zambia over winter intercession, about media, society, and governance, through the Institute for International Journalism

Government-owned Media: The Zambia Daily Mail

2011-12-23T08:51:00.000-08:00

By Brenda Evans

In Lusaka, Zambia

I am by no means a weathered journalist nor do I claim to know all the answers, I am still a student. I did not know what to expect when I came to intern at a government-owned paper in Zambia. The concept of a government-owned media was foreign to me, especially in a nation that claims to be democratic. Would they be showing me the ropes, or I teaching them? There were so many doubts that I had of what role I would play at a government-owned paper.

Quality Control

Daily Mail newsroom

From my experience at TheZambia Daily Mail and what I have heard from The Times of Zambia, the quality of journalism within the government-owned media reflects the conditions in which they conduct business. The internet is unreliable, the pay is unfavorable, the news meetings are held at no particular time, and the energy level is very low. I have not worked in a newsroom in the United States yet, but from what I know they do not typically follow those traits. That is not to say that in order to produce a quality paper they must follow our guidelines, but they need to find a way to produce clean, efficient reports to their readers. The problems they face can be simply attributed to their lack of resources. These papers do not have the funds to acquire either top writers or materials desired for a fully functioning newsroom.

Jagged layout

Although I never received a straight answer of where their funding comes from, it is fair to assume that because Daily Mail is a government paper, it has a smaller readership, therefore receiving less revenue. Whether this affects the quality of the paper or vice versa, I am not sure. But I know that there are talented journalists in Zambia that could make the government-owned media far superior to what it currently is. The issue comes back to funding because the skilled reporters move on to work for organizations with better pay rates. This lack of quality control leads to both poor editorial and design decisions. There are plenty of positive things that Daily Mail does, but layout is definitely not one of them.

Unintentional Bias

The lack of energy and enthusiasm shows in the reporters’ stories. There is little drive to compete for readership with other papers and because stories are fed to reporters by government outlets they do not have to dig very deep. This shows in the news meetings, but also out in the field where they ask government officials safe questions and seem to know what they want to be asked. On an assignment with a reporter, the minister of health thanked the reporter I was with for helping out at his inauguration. This type of political involvement with officials would never result in a reporter covering any topic, which that official is involved. This creates a conflict of interest, but that issue does not raise red flags at a government-owned paper. These media outlets are practicing shallow journalism that borders on the line of public relations, which the Zambia News and Information Service (ZANIS) does not shy away from admitting.

Competitors Advantage

The Post's design desk

This does not seem to be the case at all media outlets. Our visit to the independent and most popular paper, ThePost, blew my mind after working with TheDaily Mail for three weeks. They had new Macs, clean, modern offices, a very large property, and the staff is the highest paid in the industry. While I clearly saw the disparities in the quality of the products between independent and government media, the stories they covered hardly varied in content. Maybe I have just been in Zambia during Sata’s honeymoon phase and the independent media does not have much to criticize yet, or things really have loosened up with press freedom. It is too early to tell, but many people at the Daily Mail seemed hopeful. Not everyone who works there is a government puppet or uneducated and hopefully those who are will eventually diminish. But there needs to be an incentive to draw the talent in and make the government owned papers more competitive and less concerned with chewing up and spitting out every story the government hands them.

Brenda Evans is one of 18 students from Ohio University, who studied abroad in Zambia over winter intercession through the Institute for International Journalism.

She is a senior online journalism major with a certificate in Environmental Studies and a specialization in political science and geography.

Music: The universal language

2011-12-21T08:04:00.000-08:00

By Heather Farr

In Lusaka, Zambia

"The March" by Robert Randolph and the Family Band is one of my favorite songs to hear performed live. The song/dance has no words, no set steps, and no rules but to move your body. In the words of Randolph, “as long as you’re moving, you’re doing it right.” Each time I see this song performed, I imagine him playing it all over the world. I imagine different crowds of people, of all colors, shapes and sizes, dancing separately but together. They might not dance the same dance, share the same beliefs or even speak the same language, but in that moment, they all share the music.

Music is an important and apparent part of everyday life in Zambia and has served as not only a common ground between our group and locals, but also as a way for many to connect and interact in a way that would not have been possible otherwise. From Catholic churches and rural villages to nearly any bar, restaurant or club, the sound of music welcomed us to Zambia in many forms.

Something borrowed, something new

Music in Zambia can best be described as eclectic. Similar to many other aspects of the country’s culture, the music embodies a mix of tradition and outside influence. Music classified as "Zambian music" incorporates distinct outside influences – from Rumba, jazz and reggae to rap, hip hop and gospel – but contains few distinctly Zambian elements aside from Zambian language. Nearly all restaurants and bars are music-oriented, and clubs often house a band or a DJ playing a mix of American hip hop, European techno and other African rhythms.

Along with singing and drumming, dancing is a huge part of everything from cultural celebrations and ceremonies to entertainment. Like music, dances are a mix of contemporary and reinvented or recovered traditional styles (many traditional dances were discouraged and lost during the colonial period as they were seen as threatening to authority and evil). Zambians dance to remember their roots, to attract visitors and, most importantly, to celebrate.

The connection point

As a self-proclaimed concert addict and a former competitive dancer of 14 years, I understand the connection one can have with another person or group through music and dance. However, I never expected to feel this type of connection through music in Africa. According to Augustine Phiri, the Lusaka-based dance instructor who trained our group in African dance once a week, dancing together allows people to interact on a different, fun and less intimidating scale.

“Those I teach and I are on different levels in life, but when we dance together, we can come up or down to meet each other,” Phiri said. “While I am teaching them, they are also teaching me. There is so much we can learn from each other in such a simple exchange.”

Similar exchanges happened when the comforting sound of familiar songs appeared at internships and other locations in Lusaka, sparking conversations and music file swaps. With the expansion of new media in Africa and elsewhere, the same song can be enjoyed by people literally half a world away. This makes music an instant connection point, no matter who you are.

More than words

Although English is the official language of Zambia, communication between foreigners and locals is sometimes lost in accents, foreign phrases and, of course, indigenous languages. This is where music broke the barrier several times throughout our trip.

We visited the Kasisi orphanage and many kids were shy or did not speak English, but soon opened up when they were given the opportunity to learn a new song or teach us one of their own – it’s amazing how far a little “Hokey Pokey” can go. Similarly, many widows at the Chikumbuso compound could not communicate with us using words, but touched us so immensely with their gospel-like and harmonized songs full of hope and joy.

“Using music, whether it be song or dance, to communicate is an easy way to reach common ground when there may be a language barrier or a cultural misunderstanding,” senior advertising major Rebecca Koch said. “It just makes the world a little smaller and less intimidating when you can connect by singing a simple song together.”

Heather Farr is one of 18 students from Ohio University, who studied abroad in Zambia over winter intercession through the Institute for International Journalism.

She is a senior public relations major with a certificate in the Global Leadership Center and a specialization is sociology.

The Real Super Powers

2011-12-10T07:38:00.000-08:00

By Jenna Miller

in Lusaka, Zambia

The United States might be referred to as a “super power,” but if you want to compare individuals, Zambians are the real super powers. There is no start or end to my bewilderment of the Zambian people. Not only have I found them to be the most sincere and happiest people I’ve ever met.

On Being Sincere

The very first thing I noticed about the people I’ve met is their sincerity when they say hello. Back in

the U.S., strangers can pass by and absent-mindedly say hello, but they don’t really take notice of the other person. In Zambia people actually look at you, smile, and say hello as if you’re an old friend. They are genuinely happy to see you and want to talk and have a conversation. I’ve found the Zambian people to also be extremely patient with everything. Although sometimes it may be frustrating as an American when they don’t “rush” to do certain things, I truly admire how at ease the

y are with everything. I think as Americans we find ourselves always in a hurry to get somewhere or rushing to finish something. We often forget to take the time to appreciate life and relax.

On Working Hard

Despite doing most things at their leisure, Zambians are one of the hardest working people inside and out. No matter the type of job, Zambians work from the time they get up to the time they go to bed – and they do it with a smile on their face. They don’t complain abo

ut having to go to work in the morning or fixing dinner at night. The people I’ve worked with in my internship, for example, are excited to see everyone at the office in the morning, about the stories they’ll cover, and about going home at the end of the day to see their “babies.” The reason they are able to maintain this sort of perpetual enthusiasm…because they take the time to do things. They take time throughout the day to rest and relax. They don’t try to cram all of their work into a few hours.

On Living the Good Life

At the same time Zambians have these admirable qualities, many are living in conditions that most Americans can’t fathom. Whole families squeeze everything they have into one-room houses. College students live eight to a dorm room. Even more privileged Zambians still live in smaller quarters than most “poor” Americans. But in a sense, I think that’s what makes the people of Lusaka so sincere. They are truly grateful for everything they have and don’t take anything for granted. And they are proud of what they have and what they do. They want to show you how good this life is.

There are not enough words I could write that could describe the people of Zambia. What I can say is that meeting these people has left me with more than just souvenirs to take back to the United States. Driving through the city and meeting these people has made me appreciate the life I have so much more. Zambia has given mea new sense of happiness, sincerity, and enthusiasm for my life.

Jenna Miller is one of 18 students from Ohio University, studying abroad in Zambia over winter intercession about media, society, and governance, through the Institute for International Journalism.

SOS Children's Village in Lusaka - Zambia

2011-12-07T22:17:00.000-08:00

By Chelsea Molder,

in Lusaka, Zambia

Many of us who have not experienced working with children in other countries might think that the Zambian children are not enjoying life. This is not true. The S.O.S children’s Village in Lusaka, Zambia is a village for orphans that can grow up in a traditional home raised environment. There are about 18 host mothers that manage the homes with children of all ages, ranging from newborn to 18 years of age. The host mothers are then on their own to raise their twelve children. The new “family” then works like a normal family. The kids do chores, run errands, grow gardens, play, and attend school.

The kids at the S.O.S. Children’s Village are just like any other kid in the United States. They are actually much stronger since they are on their own. Yes they do have their host mothers, but this organization teaches them to be strong and develop personal responsibility at a young age. In the United States, when a child goes too close to danger, we run to them and pull them away to make sure they are out of harm. With these children, there is no one to stop them; they have to learn on their own. All of the children were very independent and this makes them stronger individuals.

There were so many similarities from the personalities of the Zambian children to American children. There was the troublemaker, the boy who everyone likes, the one always playing sports, and the girl who chatted with her girlfriends in a circle. These children are living their life to the fullest. They do not know that most people look at them in a sad way, wondering how they manage and live a happy life. The kids at the Village are taking what they have and making the best out it. I think that most people do not live their lives to the fullest with what they have and should keep these children in mind and be thankful for even the littlest things in life.

Chelsea Molder is one of 18 students from Ohio University, studying abroad in Zambia over winter intercession about media, society, and governance, through the Institute for International Journalism.

Culture Shock: Evidence of Economic Disparity

2011-12-07T21:58:00.001-08:00

By Danielle Parker

in Lusaka, Zambia

Soweto Market lies in the western part of Lusaka, just next to the city's Town Center. An extension of its namesake the Soweto Compound where many of the sellers live, we were taken to get a glimpse of one of Zambia's many markets. Anticipation met reality the moment our group of touring students stepped off the bus. We were instantly greeted with stagnant water and feces swirled throughout the dusty ground. Zambian friends grabbed our arms tightly, warning us to stay close.

Rows of sellers wait by their goods. Photo by Loren Nolan

The market is a large maze of many rows of stands and sellers, all with similar goods: second-hand clothing, dried corn, and small fish. The dirt and smell of the sun-exposed fish and human waste surrounded us as we inched past the stands and sellers. I tried to maintain composure,but periodically retreated to the inside of my shirt where at least the smells were familiar. Someone pointed out that despite each of these long rows of sellers, we seemed to be the only buyers.

Just off the main road lies a large road that leads further into the neighborhood of the market's sellers. Large puddles of stagnant water coupled with the resulting mud serves as a mask, disguising the road from its true identity. A Zambian colleague explained that despite campaign promises, government officials do not see infrastructure in these areas as a priority.“They are not aware of their job. People shouldn't live like this,” she said.

Ineffective sewage systems produce trails of garbage
and mud like this one that runs through the market.
Photo by Loren Nolan

As we continued through the market, we discovered that within in this community, overlooked by government officials, there was evidence of a complex societal norms through one of the most basic human realities: dress. I was forewarned by my Zambian friend in the bus that my ¾ length shorts may be unacceptable and tied my sweater around my waist. People still looked disapprovingly.One of my group members was surrounded by a large group of women screaming in their local language. We later learned that these “call boys” were acting as watchdogs of the community claiming that, according to their standards, her skirt was too short.

We finally found solace past the main roads, on a quieter side-street with a short row of sellers. They were mostly women, which seemed to make a world of difference because with the subtraction of the smell and chaos, it felt like a different world. There, we found a stand with traditional Zambian skirts that we later learned were called “chitenge,”and bartered until the price decreased 1,000 kwacha,the equivalent 20 cents. We retreated to the bus we left just minutes before changed.

From the market, we saw evidence of the disparity between the Zambian haves and have-nots and how the government reacts to the latter. Blatantly faced with the reality of the culture in Lusaka, we were faced with a wider perspective of this complex country: Zambia.

Danielle Parker is one of 18 students from Ohio University, studying abroad in Zambia over winter intercession, about media, society, and governance, through the Institute for International Journalism.

The Religion of Giving in Zambia

2011-12-07T21:07:00.001-08:00

By Brooke Bunce

in Lusaka, Zambia

After a week in Africa, I’ve begun to just scratch the surface of its generosity. As an intern with Chikumbuso, I have come to see the role that religion plays in the lives of the widows, orphans and leaders of such an organization, as well as the impact of Christianity on the lives of those residing in Lusaka, Zambia. Simply driving around the city will make this apparent, as pictures of Jesus Christ are presented proudly on the back of public transit and words of praise are painted pristinely on buildings.

A Warm Welcome

As soon as I walked through the gates of the compound (or rather, was driven) I saw that underneath Chikumbuso was the word “remembrance.” The compound is a place to remember the gift of hope and to remember those who have passed.

The Chikumbuso Project and several other non-profit organizations in Zambia, Africa are largely driven by Christian beliefs and the will to help others who are less fortunate. The aforementioned program gives free schooling to orphans or underprivileged youth and teaches widows to be self-sustainable economically through bag making, tailoring and cooking.

During my time at Chikumbuso, I’ve observed the religious devotion that steers the children’s lives and guides their behavior. In art class, so many of them drew pictures of doves, Jesus, verses from the Bible and sprinkled phrases of blessings alongside their artwork. Their mornings start with a communal prayer and devotion is a structured part of the program’s curriculum.

Religious Glue

The truth is, religion is the cement that holds the lives of these widows and orphans together and gives them strength in times of disparity. It is their will to live, essentially. What is heart-breaking is that most of these children are HIV positive- and know that they are. The children will often discuss how they openly are infected and how they know they will eventually die from the disease.

One of the single moms that lives on the Ckumbuso Property is named Elida. What I found most striking is that she is my age, 20 years old, and yet she has already been through so much. She spoke about deaths in her family due to HIV so casually, yet she told me that she prays every night before sleep and is thankful that she is able to wake up each morning.

Elida and I chatted about music, boys, hair, family and nail polish; typical 20 year old subjects. Even though we may live on opposite sides of the world and have lifestyles that may be completely opposite, Elida and I were still people and able to relate on the most basic, and even mundane, subjects.

A Christian Nation

As one of guest lecturers Leonard Chitni explained, under the late President Frederick Chiluba Zambia was officially declared a “Christian Nation.” Because of this, prominent leaders are expected to act in the Christian ideal, but this of course does not always happen. Chitni reasoned that leaps and bounds could be taken in government if only Zambian leaders were to practice basic Christian principles. The country enjoys a variety of sectors of religion, including Hinduism and Islam, and practices great religious tolerance, even with this label.

Compared to the U.S., though we enjoy great religious tolerance and diversity, there was much controversy over the “Christian Nation” label that was present at one time. Though the majority of the population is in fact of the Christian faith, this label simply was not acceptable.

The children of Chikumbuso are the most disciplined, respectful, generous and giving I’ve ever met. They do not talk out of turn or argue with one another, always say thank you and are exceptionally clean, constantly sweeping the classrooms and the compound. When I first met Wilkinson, the founder, and told her that I loved it there, she responded, “Chikumbuso does that; it has a way of getting into your heart.” She was more than right.

Brooke Bunce is one of 18 students from Ohio University, studying abroad in Zambia over winter intercession about media, society, and governance, through the Institute for International Journalism.

She is a sophomore magazine journalism major with a specialization in women and gender studies.

HIV/Aids leaves children stranded in Zambia

2011-12-07T20:52:00.000-08:00

By Sara Rice

There are emotions that people experience when they travel to a new country: Anxiety, fear, excitement, anticipation, and more. As I stepped out of the United States for the first time, I experienced many of those emotions. However, I never imagined the lessons that I would learn about the emotional toll HIV/Aids takes on a community of children halfway around the world.

As a student, I have learned about the statistics of HIV/Aids in other countries and know the symptoms of those infected. As a student in Zambia, I am beginning to understand the emotions that are felt when you make a connection with someone, or a community of people, infected with the disease.

The Problem

Elijah, a child that attends school at the project,

spends a lot of time to himself on the water wheel.

I have had the incredible opportunity to work with the children and widows at the Chikumbuso project in Lusaka, Zambia. Many of these children are orphaned by HIV/Aids and as a result, are infected with the disease. At the school they attend through the orphanage, the teachers and program directors strive to encourage a positive environment despite the tragic and inevitable lifespan of the children they work with and grow to love every day.

Tackling the affect of HIV/Aids

Through extensive counseling services and funding the expenses for the HIV/Aids medication, Gertrude, the director that lives at the school and Linda, the founder of the Chikumbuso project, have created a safe haven for children that feel as though their life does not have meaning or much of a future.

At the compound, pods of children develop where they discuss their feelings on their situation in private. The teachers and program directors at the school seek out the pods and try to break them up. The biggest influences on the positive atmosphere at the school are the student’s peers. The teachers are committed to building up students and maintaining a positive and encouraging environment.

Important Lessons

The smiles at the project are contagious. There is something about a child’s smile that pierces straight through me. During my time here, I have learned the important lesson that these children were taught at a much younger age; there is meaning to life no matter how short it may be. There is a beauty in life that cannot be seen no matter what circumstances you are presented. There is always a reason to smile, even when it may not be easy.

The children of the Chikumbuso project outside the art room.

I cannot wait to see where the next two weeks take me. If this experience continues as it has started, my heart will continue to change and my perspective will continue to become clearer.

Being the Minority in Zambia

2011-12-07T16:33:00.000-08:00

By Sara DuBois,

In Lusaka, Zambia

Almost every Zambian I have spoken to during this trip has asked the question, “Is Africa what you expected?” My response is vague with a yes and no. My thoughts on Africa before the Zambia program were stereotypical and inaccurate. I assumed that life was unfortunate and unjust. Although some of my assumptions were seen here, I was wrong on many of my thoughts. People here are so friendly and can’t help but smile at you. Life is beautiful here and people’s situations don’t always affect their attitudes. I also was shocked to experience all the western influence here. On the radio and television is American style entertainment along with several local Zambian stations.

The Culture Shock

What shocked me the most about being here is that for the first time in my life I am the minority. In the United States being a white woman is nothing to look at in curiosity. In Zambia, everywhere I have been heads have turned in oddity. During my lunch break the other day I was sitting with two other white students and three Zambians came and slyly sat a close distance from us and had their picture taken with us in the background. Their giggles were more than enough to understand what they were doing and it was all in good measure. However within the first few days we have been here I have experienced more looks and shouts than I ever have in my life.

What The Majority Thinks

With Zambia’s population being almost 90% black it leaves around 10% for white, Chinese and Indian native minorities. When we toured The University of Zambia (UNZA) I did not see one white person. A lot of looks were shared because undoubtedly we look at black Zambians and take pictures of them just as much as they do to us. When I spoke to my internship coordinator at World Vision International-Zambia I asked him if black Zambians are prejudice of the minorities and he said no. He continued by saying that everyone is looked at equally in Zambia and although they see you white Americans and stare they see you as a sign of hope for them. They are grateful for you to travel such a long way just to help them and make their situation better.

Life Lessons

Being the minority for the first time in my life has really taught me a huge lesson. And that is to be understanding of what minorities are experiencing whether it’s racial, political, religious or any other categories. I have my own beliefs and morals but despite what I think about life it's important to be tolerant to what others think. The world is a unique place in that we are all different. Zambians get along so well I think because they enjoy themselves and make the most of life and each other’s differences. I think if a lot more people were to experience being part of a minority they would appreciate their own lives and also have empathy and understanding for others. So while I am here I want to learn as much as I can and hopefully will be transformed by the Zambian culture and its people that make this place so welcoming to others.

This is baby Ruth and her mom, she was curious to touch my skin.

Sara DuBois is one of 18 students from Ohio University, studying abroad in Zambia over winter intercession, about media, society, and governance, through the Institute for International Journalism.

She is a Senior, Communication Studies major

Related Area: Public Relations/Health

Pride through Poverty in Zambia

2011-12-07T16:12:00.000-08:00

By Tom Ginley

in Lusaka, Zambia

Driving down the long dirt road, our driver constantly dodging pedestrians, we finally found an area to park our bus at the Soweto market in Lusaka. The brief glimpses I gathered as we drove towards our spot were merely a preview of the experience we were about to dive head first into. The amount of people flowing in different directions made our travel to our parking space quite a challenge.

The Soweto market exemplified the areas of Africa I came on this trip to experience. The accommodations and restaurants provided thus far for the program were, for the most part, on par with many American counterparts. However, to experience the true essence of Zambia, I wanted to visit areas such as Soweto to interact and understand the people and their ways of life. Walking through the market, seeing the people selling and buy produce amongst mud and garbage, truly humbled me to realize how blessed I am to live the way I do.

Smile and Powerthrough

However, one thing that I noticed about the Zambian culture is that despite their destitute living conditions, the people are very exuberant. It is difficult to see a child selling fruit while covered in mud and flies, yet a bright white smile flashing through. At the Soweto market and in my other interactions with Zambians, it truly amazes me how overly helpful and pleasant the people are. I cannot imagine living in many the conditions that I saw, so seeing how happy and pleasant the people of the country are while enduring their struggles made me really realize how trivial many of my everyday “problems” are back home. At the market it wasn’t uncommon to see people in used and tattered clothes, but it was just as common to see those people laughing and having a good time as well.

The atmosphere and interactions I experienced at the Soweto market make a perfect snapshot of the attitude of the Zambian culture. I am glad that my time spent in Zambia will help me put my own personal struggles in perspective. If the people of Zambia can endure and smile through it all, I hope that I can too.

Navigating Zambia

2011-12-07T14:49:00.001-08:00

By Alisha Estabrook, in Lusaka

Currently, Ohio University students studying abroad in Zambia since Nov. 26 have so far noticed some differences between the way people here run media, society and government versus the United States.

It is important to keep in mind that while these observations are comparing two nations, they are vastly different nations, on opposite hemispheres. Zambia is seven hours ahead of United States Eastern Standard Time on Daylight Savings. It took traveling across the Atlantic Ocean and crossing the Prime Meridian and Equator to skip forward in time. As someone who comes from a small town in the United States, I should point out that even big cities in the U.S. are strange territory for me.

This is Zambia in my opinion and its differences:

Transportation

In the first leg of our journey, I noticed quite a few differences in how people utilize transportation here in terms of personal vehicles, buses and walking.

In Zambia, previously a British colony, people drive on the left side of the road. Driving is crazy. I have not seen an accident and am amazed every day that I have not. Zambians are good drivers, but roads are very congested. Cars seem to have a magical force behind them, helping them to maneuver in and out of really tight places or over rough roads.

I have noticed that most vehicles have large license plates. They are taller than the ones found in the U.S., unless the plate is on a truck, then it is thin and long. For identification, the plates have three letters followed by a second line of four numbers.

Many people use buses to get around. They have short fronts that enable them to keep up with the congested traffic. They cram as many pedestrians into the bus as possible. People are packed in like sardines. The bus will even have people lying across people to squeeze in more bodies.

Bus stops are all over Lusaka, the capital of Zambia. They have pull-off areas connected to the road to pick people up. Many buses can occupy one pull-off area, making buses stick out into oncoming traffic. This is the cause of quite a bit of honking, but not the only honking. It seems that horns are constantly sounding, so much that we do not know why people honk half of the time.

Traffic never seems to slow down, unless there’s a jam. Merging on to a road seems dangerous, as it is not uncommon for cars behind you to not slow down. Certain times during the day, like when people travel to work, are busier than other times. Here, a traffic jam is part of the daily routine.

Main roads are paved, but side roads aren’t necessarily. Most vehicles are capable of off-roading. It has surprised me what the University of Zambia bus, our designated transportation for this trip, can make it though. I’m not sure if a typical bus driver from the U.S. would attempt half the things our driver has accomplished.

It took a few days before we saw a stoplight, and even longer before we came across a stop sign. Instead, Lusaka has many roundabouts. The stoplights and stop signs seem to be saved for the middle of the city, or less busy areas. But even then, you have to beware of traffic disregarding the signal.

Many road signs don’t have words on them. The outline and color of a yield sign is enough to get the message across. Street signs are limited. Usually bigger roads have names pointed out. The roundabouts are more likely to have the street names before the intersection, but in the case of smaller roads, I usually can’t find a street sign.

I have also noticed many speed bumps all over Lusaka as a way to help slow down traffic.

Not once have I seen any sort of handicapped parking space. I’m not sure if this is attributed to the fact that Zambians don’t live as long as people in the U.S. or not. I haven’t seen any elderly people out and about either, so there doesn’t seem to be a real need for them.

On Foot

People can be seen walking at any time of day. Pathways cut across the country or through fences. Footbridges are available so people can cross above busy streets. Sidewalks are generally found on busy streets either beside the road, separated by bumper strips or grass.

Young children travel on the backs of mothers wrapped in cloth that is tied in front of the woman’s chest.

They aren’t really crosswalks like the U.S. utilizes, and there is no concept of “jaywalking” (even though many people in the U.S. disregard that law too). People cross in front of traffic all the time, even when vehicles are traveling towards them. Vehicles drive alongside people, most of the time in really close proximity. I’m surprised people aren’t hit more often. Many people also stand in the middle of the road, attempting to sell newspapers or cell phone minutes to drivers and passengers. Lots of people also clean the sides of the roads as vehicles speed beside them.

Generally, most of these practices seem like a hazard to me. Coming from the U.S., I notice these things as differences from how the general public or I travel. Somehow, it works for Zambia.

Note these observations are only from Lusaka. I am looking forward to traveling outside of the capital to see how highways and other cities work with transportation.

Alisha Estabrook is one of 18 students from Ohio University, studying abroad in Zambia over winter intercession, about media, society, and governance, through the Institute for International Journalism

Smile Like You Mean It: Lessons from Zambia

2011-12-07T14:48:00.000-08:00

By Adam Flango

in Lusaka, Zambia

A child smiles outside the door of a traditional healer

The Zambian customs agent took a look at my passport picture, which featured my stoic head shot, and laughed. “You Americans, you look so serious in your photos,” he said, flashing a wide grin. After a 25 hour trip, the comment barely registered on my disoriented, jet-lagged radar. I thought, a smile is just a smile, a sign of happiness, nothing more. In the United States, they are a welcome reprieve from the hectic, stress-filled everyday lifestyle that shows Americans with expressionless mouths. I soon found that in Zambia, it is not the same.

As I began to explore the country throughout the first week, it dawned on me that smiling is simply second nature to Zambians. It is a country full of toothy grins, shy smirks, and heartwarming smiles. The customs agent was not an overtly friendly guy by Zambian standards. He was simply a Zambian, a title that carries with it an aura of happiness and contentment.

Most residents of the hardly metropolitan but surprisingly developed capital city of Lusaka walk between cars, on sides of roads, on university campuses and through markets. A wave to a shoeless child playing in dirt is typically met by eyes lighting up and a bright smile. Maybe it's out of fascination or confusion, but with each day it seems that the happy demeanor of Lusaka's residents is a standard that trumps any place I have visited.

When Americans ask each other questions, they look for the quickest response possible. Yet every time I ask a question to a Zambian, be it a naïve cultural query or a practical one, it is met simply by a smile and a genuine answer.

It may not seem like a lot. I understand Americans are not robots and do smile and laugh. But the pervasiveness of the seemingly happy expressions on Zambian faces has a different effect.

Zambians live in a developing country roughly the size of Texas. Nearly 14% of residents are afflicted with HIV/AIDS, one of the highest percentages in the world. Over 60% of the country lives in poverty.

Yet smiles still abound, both in the poverty-stricken sections of town and in the wealthy parts.

A child at the Kasisi Orphanage, just outside Lusaka

Behind the Smiles

But the smiles also harrowingly magnify the few frowns on the faces of those in the streets and economically depressed compounds. Frowns of children crying while mothers try to shield them from the early morning heat. Frowns of vendors at the Soweto market trying to survive by selling fly-covered dried caterpillars or fruit.

I am quickly learning that Zambians smile by nature. But while the smiles cheer you up, it is the frowns bring you back to reality.

He is a senior magazine journalism major.

Africa’s Poor: The Perceptions and Realities

2011-12-07T14:42:00.000-08:00

By Brenda Evans in Lusaka, Zambia

Lusaka, Zambia

Many Americans have the notion that Africa is only mud huts and subsistence farming because of how the media portray it. Although many streets are overrun with litter and the average Zambian makes about $100 per month, this vast land is so much more than the images of hungry, eager children we see on UNICEF commercials. The cities have sky scrapers full of international companies; the malls are packed with busy shoppers and western clothes; and traffics jams are as frequent as they are in any U.S. city. The image of abject poverty is not a mirage, but it should not define a continent. There is so much that Americans don’t see of Africa due to our perceptions being influenced by the media and so much we do not understand about what poverty means to Africans.

A Small World

When I first arrived in Zambia, I didn’t feel like I was in Africa. We went from an airport to a high-end hotel and even the accents made me feel like I was in the British Virgin Islands.

The image I had in my head of the savanna and villages immediately was shaken and I realized that the world isn’t so big after all. I felt entirely comfortable, not at all like I had just traveled over 20 hours across the world. Although I knew that Lusaka was a more developed city, I had been preparing myself to be in complete culture shock. Instead I was greeted with a disappointingly western atmosphere.

The Face of Poverty

As we have gradually gotten deeper into the program, I have begun to see glimpses of the poverty that I had imagined. The market in Soweto was bustling with farmers and merchants hoping for the next purchase in order to get just enough kwacha to survive. But all they seemed to focus on anyway was surviving and family. Until I came to Zambia I didn’t know what poverty was truly like. Just like in the states, there are wealthy Zambians, middle class, and poor Zambians. But the disparities between the classes in the two nations are immense.

Home in Kalingalinga

When I walked into a man’s home in a village it was about the size of an Ohio University single-occupancy dorm room. The contents in this home were a bed, chair and decorations on the wall. Despite it all he was so kind to us. America’s poor often have televisions, refrigerators and all utilities. Even one of the wealthiest Zambians’ homes, which former President Kaunda lived in, was smaller than a good portion of the homes of the poor in America. I am curious to see a more modern home of a wealthy Zambian to compare the wealthiest citizens of both countries.

Zambia is home to a diverse class of people. The poor walk amongst the businessmen and women in traditional dress mix with those in westernized outfits of jeans and flip-flops. This mash-up makes Zambia stand out to me in a new way that is not defined by the media’s depiction. The amazing mix of class and culture has given way to a new form of development. I can only hope that the traditional culture is not lost in its move forward.

Brenda Evans is one of 18 students from Ohio University, studying abroad in Zambia over winter intercession, about media, society, and governance, through the Institute for International Journalism

SOS Children's Village in Lusaka, Zambia

2011-12-07T14:15:00.000-08:00

By Bethany Scott

in Lusaka, Zambia

When I thought about orphanages, I imagined small, crowded rooms full of children with three or four caretakers chasing after them. This thought was further initiated in my mind when I traveled to Vietnam two years ago and played with children for a few hours at an orphanage in Nha Trang, Vietnam. I assumed when I found out that I would be interning at SOS Children’s Villages in Zambia that I would be met with similar circumstances like Vietnam where there would be overcrowding and a small staff.

However, I knew that I wanted to push myself out of my limits and try to make a difference during my short time in Lusaka, so I decided to sign up to a intern at a non-profit organization even if the experience could potentially be emotionally taxing.

History of SOS Children's Villages

Built in a dangerous area where murders were commonplace, SOS Children’s Village was established in 1996; however the organization began in 1949 in Austria. The SOS Children’s Villlages operate just like real-world villages where there are homes and a school. Twelve children live together in a house operated by a mom. There are currently 531 SOS Children’s Villages in the world with many of the organizations concentrated in Africa. Once the child turns 15, he or she is then placed in a youth facility where the teenagers live together like a roommate where they are also given a stipend to be used for groceries or whatever others items that can be afforded within the budget.

Mothers are given weekly stipends to be used for groceries or whatever items they wish. Once the children are placed in the youth housing, they are also given a stipend to pay for their food. SOS Children’s Villages is a home for children regardless of their situations—some are orphaned, others may be given to the village for concerns of abusive families. Whatever the situation, children are never turned away.

My experience interning at the village

Spending a day at SOS Children’s Villages can give you such a feeling of reassurance that at times I even forget that the children are orphans, however I am always pulled back into reality. The children are so intrigued with my personal life that will ask my questions such as, “Do you have parents?” Forgetting for a brief second that some of them are orphans, I reply, “Yes, but my mother passed away five years ago.” As soon as I was finished with the sentence, I was bombarded with replies of agreement that some of the mothers of the orphans had died as well.

Unless someone asked if the child was an orphan, I strongly believe that it would be strongly difficult for an outsider to discern if the child was an orphan or not. The children at the village are strong willed, intelligent and kind. Chelsea Moulder, my fellow intern and student at Ohio University, played a game with the girls that focused on self-esteem. Before starting the game, we went around the room asking them what they wanted to be when they were older. Without hesitation, almost every girl replied with either nurse, doctor or teacher.

The children at SOS Childrens Villages are without a doubt the nicest children that I have ever met. I love having opportunities volunteering at a non-profit because it reminds me to always stay grateful for what I have in the United States. Before I left the United States, I had the preconceived notion that most countries operated just like in the United States. I now know after traveling in college that this is not true. As the Christmas season approaches, consider sponsoring a child from SOS Children's Villages in Zambia. Can’t wait to see what all else happens in Zambia!

Bethany Scott is one of 18 students from Ohio University, studying abroad in Zambia over winter intercession, about media, society, and governance, through the Institute for International Journalism.

Pursuit of Higher Education: Illusion of Equal Opportunity

2011-12-07T13:52:00.000-08:00

By Lauren Nolan

in Lusaka, Zambia

The college search process is an almost ascertain part of many American students lives as they near the end of their secondary educations. University of California Santa Barbara, Indiana University, University of Tennessee, University of South Florida, Miami University, Ohio University. I visited five different states, thousands of miles apart, over the time-span of a few months, all in the search for a university that would be just the right “fit” for me. Four years and some odd months later, I still remember the college search processclearly. There was a lot of travel, a number of campus tours, meetings with department heads, and speaking to current students about their experiences. I was excited for what my future had in store, and not once did it cross my mind that I would do something after high school other than attend a university.

I feel the expectation to achieve post-secondary educa tion, whether at a four-year university, community college, or vocational school, is fantastically engrained in the culture of the United States. Not only do I believe that many U.S. students take these opportunities for higher education for granted, they fail to seize their education, instead merely sailing through their academic careers. Students in the U.S. also fail to acknowledge that the opportunities for higher education are unequal, domestically and abroad. There is an illusion of equal opportunity.

Furthermore, some students in the U.S. simply attend universities as a result of pressure and expectations from parents, guidance counselors, or peers. A number of freshman students across the country enroll as “undecided” in their major area of study. Even students who do enroll with a selected major will often change it at some point during their undergraduate careers. None of the university students I spoke with in Zambia enrolled as an undecided major, and from what I see, that is the norm.

Attending university in Africa is a major feat, and one that, as far as I can tell, is not undertaken lightly. The students I have spoken with in Lusaka enrolled at The University of Zambia (UNZA) with clear goals. Zambian students take their education seriously, they found the thought of skipping a class outlandish. I find this amusing as I think back to some of my larger lecture classes early on in my college career, where most days I was easily able to find a seat any place I wished, but, when exam day rolled around suddenly the room was jam-packed with students.

UNZA students and Ohio University students mix and mingle while walking to class.

Less schools, less opportunity

Zambia is relative to the size of Texas. While Texas has a complex education system made up of more than 77 universities, Zambia has only about nine universities. Texas has a much larger population than Zambia, about 11 million more people. However, even Illinois, which has about the same size population, at around 12.4 million, has more than 75 universities. To even have the opportunity to attend a university in Zambia is prestigious and a notable accomplishment, as the lack of educational establishments results in a lack of opportunity for attendance.

I find myself highly impressed with the motivation and commitment of the students I met at UNZA. Not to say I am not as equally impressed with some students in the states and at my home university. However, the UNZA students seem fully aware of the fortune of their opportunity for higher education in a country where the school life expectancy is 7 years for females and 8 for males, while U.S. students seemingly take it for granted. I think that level of awareness and appreciation drives them to be successful, motivates them to not skip classes, and learn as much they can, while they can. Many U.S. students don’t bat an eye at the thought of skipping a class, especially if they feel they either don’t need it for the career fields they hope to enter or believe they can successfully pass the course without attending. I think this is a huge mistake on the part of American students. We should all learn from the Zambian students, and try to take away as much as we can from the opportunities we are presented. Therefore, the next time you think about skipping that economics class because you’re majoring in journalism and you “don’t need it,” consider the fact that many people in the world don’t even have the opportunities for such intellectual growth. Advance your knowledge and understanding in any subject area you can, and appreciate the fact that you have the opportunities at all.

I am currently a student at The University of Zambia, attending seminars in Lusaka as a part of an annual journalism study abroad program put on through cooperation with UNZA, Ohio University, The Institute for International Journalism, and the Ohio University Office of Education Abroad.

Brenda Evans, another Ohio University student, and I, on our first day of class at UNZA.

UNZA students sit outside to enjoy the weather between classes.

Another OU colleague, Tom Ginley, and I in front of The University of Zambia campus map.

Luaren Nolan is one of 18 students from Ohio University, studying abroad in Zambia over winter intercession, about media, society, and governance, through the Institute for International Journalism.

Politics of Power in Zambia

2011-12-07T13:48:00.000-08:00

By Molly Nocheck

News is a globalized commodity. It has the power to be far-reaching, poignant and life changing. Power is a precious thing, however and may be controlled to suit agendas. In Zambia, the news creates power- so much power that it creates an environment where anyone who has a dream can realize them.

Challenges in broadcast journalism

At my internship at Zambia National Broadcast Corporation (ZNBC), I was given a first-hand look of the politics of power. ZNBC is a government-run news station. By and large, the newsroom at ZNBC could rival a newsroom in the U.S. There is a suitable number of computers, phones and broadcast equipment. Though the Internet may be slower and technologies like tape-by-tape editing are still being used, it seems that ZNBC is a formidable presence in Zambian news.

The excitement of being involved in a growing newsroom was soon extinguished. I quickly learned that journalists in the ZNBC newsroom faced an insurmountable difficulty that made gathering hard news next to impossible. The lack of resources created the need to ration things like transportation among reporters. I was told that I would be able to do field reporting, but when the time came to actually get to accompany a reporter outside the newsroom, I was told that there was not enough room in the car. Furthermore, there weren't even enough cars for the reporters to go and gather the news. Resources like transportation are limited.

The Zambian government uses power to control the flow of information. By controlling resources given to reporters, the government can effectively monitor the news.

Differences in Reporting

At my internship, I was given a press release to write a story on. The story was about how a Zambian official was starting a campaign to warn women to not talk to strange men, as these men might try to get them to smuggle drugs to different countries. The story had an insultingly patriarchal feel. While reading the story, I wished I had the resources I had while reporting in the US to actually go out and get peoples' responses and reactions. Normally when I do stories based off press releases I am instructed to contact various sources to get quotes and information beyond what is published. At ZNBC, I was simply told to reorganize and rewrite the story. As I looked around the newsroom throughout the day, I realized that hardly any reporters were using the phone trying to dig deeper. In fact, I saw most reporters go online to sites like BBC and copy and paste stories. These reporters were barely scratching the surface of the news.

Ethical?

Posted on the wall behind the reporters was a code of ethics for ZNBC. The code demands balanced news, well-researched pieces, and more importantly- a voice for the people. I don't think the reporters have the ability to fully follow this code of ethics. Without suitable resources and a comprehensive education in journalism, I feel that there is a lack of journalistic integrity.

InterNOT in Lusaka, Zambia

2011-12-07T13:24:00.000-08:00

By Lindsay Boyle

in Lusaka, Zambia

Though I’ve only been in Zambia for four days, it feels as though I’ve been here for weeks. Zambia is full of journalistic inspiration. There are so many thoughts racing through my brain, so many words I wish to put to paper, so many topics I’d like to discuss. One such topic, ironically enough, is keeping me from starting those discussions: Internet accessibility issues.

Hotel Internet Issues

When we were still in the United States, we had been informed that we’d be staying at a four-star hotel where Internet access was available. That was important to us as journalists, as students and, last but not least, as social networking fiends.

Upon arrival, the situation played out a bit differently than we expected. We were each given a one-hour slot of Internet access that could be attained only with a code and password we’d have to ask for each day. Even worse (in the minds of Internet-obsessed college students) was the speed and reliability of the connection: sub-par, at best.

Though it may sound like it, I’m not complaining—I’m just telling it like it is. For many of us, having the Internet literally within an arm’s reach (via our smartphones, iPods, laptops, or whatever else) at all times is a norm, so losing that was quite a culture shock. Personally, I’m glad I’ve been so disconnected because it’s allowed me to focus more on Zambia and, to an extent, empathize with Zambians. From the hotel, however, the Internet issues only worsened.

Internship Internet issues

So far, I’ve had the opportunity to spend a day with both Panos Institute Southern Africa (PSAf) and the government-run Times of Zambia (the Times). At PSAf, my colleague and I were surprised as the workers casually explained they’d been without Internet for three weeks, as though it happened all the time (which it does). It was hard for me to fathom being able to function effectively at a workplace with no Internet access, but they relied heavily on phones and in-person visits.

Surely the Times would be better, right?

Not so much. Upon arrival to the feature reporters’ office, I saw three boxy computers probably dated back to the 90s. I was taken aback considering that the Times is a government organization, but wasn’t truly shocked until I learned that two of the computers wouldn’t even turn on. The remaining one was functioning so slowly it surely had a virus. All of the features reporters had to share that computer.

Zambian Internet issues

When I shared my experiences with other students, several of them had witnessed similar situations at their internships. In the U.S., we don’t often think about the fact that many citizens in other countries not only don’t grow up with good technology—some never see it at all.

According to The World Factbook, there were 14,771 Internet hosts in Zambia as of 2010—a number that ranks 118 out of just over 200 in comparison to the rest of the world. Of the nearly 14 million Zambian citizens, only 816,200 were actively using the Internet as of 2009. That figure ranks 105 amongst the other nations in the world.

To put that in perspective, the U.S. has about 439 million Internet hosts and 245 million Internet users. It does have a much larger population, but the percentage still presents an outstanding difference—the U.S. ranks number one in hosts and number two in users, second only to China.

For me, that point was driven home by a simple incident with big implications. At the Times, I watched as a reporter struggled to re-type an edited article using only his index fingers. I offered to take a turn and he gladly accepted. When I began typing, he and another reporter gathered around to watch because they were amazed at how quickly I typed. In that moment, I realized there are so, so many things I don’t even realize I should be thankful for that I take for granted.

After seeing some of the conditions at the government’s newspaper, I better understand some of the issues with media in Zambia. I can’t imagine regularly trying to create and distribute journalistic pieces without having a sure and stable connection to the Internet and a working (preferably quickly) computer.

Lindsay Boyle is one of 18 students from Ohio University, studying abroad in Zambia over winter intercession, about media, society, and governance, through the Institute for International Journalism.

The Universal Language of Music

2011-12-07T12:44:00.000-08:00

By Rebecca Koch,

In Lusaka, Zambia

Hip-hop and R&B music is littered all over my iTunes, but I never thought that my music preferences and knowledge would help me get to know people in Lusaka, Zambia. From watching popular music videos in our hotel, discussing popular music with the Y&R advertising managing director to running around town, music played a large role in making my adjustment to a foreign country much easier. I’ve broken up the various instances that music has helped me throughout the week in Zambia into the following sections:

The people here really enjoy American music:
This was discussed over lunch with Peter Armstrong, managing director at Y&R advertising. A lot of people in his office listen to popular music throughout the workday. The office environment was laid back while anything from Big Sean to Coldplay is heard through the hallways. Employees take turns choosing different songs and occasionally have brief conversations about the song and what they liked or disliked about it. They dictate the mood of the office by constantly interacting with each other to work and to socialize together.

It’s like a tradeoff:
While establishing our musical preferences with a worker at my internship, we would interject asking each other if we had heard a certain song or artist, while later noting that if we haven’t heard it we should listen soon. “If I give you some of my American music, you should give me some local music,” I finally proposed. Although many people enjoy the popular American music, culture shines through with local and regional tunes. While I am currently experiencing Zambia firsthand, I want to evoke this feeling far after I’m gone. Storing some music on my computer ensures that I will not forget about the learning experience and supplements any pictures or souvenirs that I forget.

We all speak music:
This last section includes more than one experience. The first involves a jog around town. Every morning, I run around the city near our hotel. The city is scattered with individuals walking to school or work and the road is flooded with cars waiting patiently in traffic to reach their destination. As I jog by the cars, the majority of the windows are cracked slightly with the radio blaring. Listening to the tunes playing in the cars nearly convinced me that I was in the States. About eight cars that I passed were playing the same song that is played on American radios, Rihanna “We found Love”. Rihanna was also played in a local village we visited. No one we talked to spoke English, but they danced and hummed to the American music.

The next experience took place at the Soweto market. While the market is a great experience, it is extremely intimidating especially when no one around is speaking my language or talking to me in a different language. The crowded area was filled with unfamiliar people and languages but I was greeted with excitement and comfort when Jay-Z and Kanye West songs were played in numerous portions of the mall. Knowing the music and knowing that the people enjoyed similar music helped ease my nerves and created common ground for the workers and myself.

This common ground demonstrates the power that music has with people. While there are languages that people don’t speak, cultural practices unique to certain areas and countries that some will never visit, music helps connect people in a way that books and transportation cannot. It is an understanding that spans continents and connects people who are seemingly unrelated. And although music does not need a language to be understood, it is a way we can understand each other.

Communication breakdown: Zambia

2011-12-07T12:43:00.000-08:00

By Heather Farr

One of the principles constantly ingrained into public relations majors at the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism is know your audience. If a practitioner fails to listen to the wants, needs and interests of the target audience, he or she might as well pick a communications campaign out of a hat. Every day, people get thousands of messages and ideas thrown at them and the only ones that have a chance at creating an attitude or behavior change are the ones that relate to and reach the audience.

A different kind of restriction

This simple PR idea came full circle the moment I stepped into the advertising agency at which I am interning in Zambia. Many media outlets in Zambia are government owned and even those that are not are still affected by politics. This made me wonder: are strategic communications messages dictated by government agendas or rules? A casual conversation with an employee turned into a journalistic investigation when I asked him whether he felt the impact of the government in his work. He said no, but then explained a situation very different from any I have ever experienced in the U.S.

According to the aforementioned employee, the majority of the Zambian public is functionally literate. Even a poor man on the street can watch an American movie in English and recite it back to you or quote it, he said. Yet, many companies want professional communicators to “dumb down” ideas, restricting the flow of creativity that many professionals in the United States unconsciously enjoy. While ad and PR agencies in the United States are constantly trying to push the envelope and take the audience to the next level, the ad professionals in Zambia may be forced to muzzle their ideas at the request of the client.

Context is key

PR practitioners need to recognize not only the audience when spreading a message, but also the environment and circumstances when deciding what communications methods to use. An American professional might approach a problem in the U.S. with the trending solution of social media, but that solution may not apply to a similar problem in Africa.

“People think we are behind because we aren’t utilizing social media. That is great if it works in the States, but we just aren’t at that point yet,” the same employee said.

Utilizing tactics such as social media would not be effective for many Zambian companies because citizens are not utilizing online social networks at the rate of American citizens. According to the Zambian ad professional, Zambian society is where the United States was three or four years ago in regard to online communications, and that’s okay. The country is progressing at its own rate and does not need to “catch up” to be successful because the networks simply aren’t relevant at this point in time.

Through the eyes of a Zambian

Ethnocentrism sometimes causes foreigners to apply alien practices that simply may not work given the context and environment of another country. For me, this point was cemented with our first project as interns at the Zamban ad agency. Our task was to come up with the outline of a campaign to reduce maternal mortality rates in Zambia by stressing the importance of professional medical care before, during and after a birth. It wasn’t until speaking with a Zambian member of the agency that we realized many problems existed here that we wouldn’t deal with in the United States, such as:

· Many families live in rural areas and don’t have instant access to effective healthcare facilities

· Unlike in the United States, visiting a doctor before, during and after the birth of a child is not understood as typical. In fact, it is custom to give birth at home

· Other traditions, such as having the grandmother present during birth, exist that would keep a woman from leaving the home to give birth

· Women who have children out of wedlock are often ashamed and therefore have their children at home.

Thus far, this experience has made me to realize the importance of audience research, regardless of what or where the campaign. Even the most creative ideas can fall flat if the audience is uninterested or able to get to/understand the message.

Africa Time

2011-12-06T23:08:00.000-08:00

By Amber Skorpenske

Senior Journalism Major

Before traveling to Zambia our group was told of a thing called “Africa Time” – the idea that many Africans are late for everything from work to speaking engagements and even lunch. At many times this can mean up to an hour late. After experiencing this phenomenon several times I discussed it with one of my supervisors at my World Vision internship. Communications Officer Al Hamanjanji said, “Americans think time is linear, that once a moment is gone you can’t get it back. We think differently.” This quote really stuck with me and got me thinking about the differences between time management, punctuality and it’s effect on production in the states versus Zambia.

Asking for Directions

When you are lost and walking down the street unsure of where to go you typically stop to ask a stranger for directions. In the states we ask for certain information and expect it to be given to us instantly and to then “get on with our lives.” This is not so in Zambia. Al describes this scenario quite differently, “In Zambia it is rude NOT to ask someone how they are doing or ask about their families before starting a conversation or asking a question. If I asked for directions and you just gave me the answer and walked away I would think that was very rude.” On one hand, this may seem like a silly cultural tradition, most likely brought on by Africa being very family-oriented, but on the other hand it adds the humility and respect and that most Americans forget in their day to day living. We are so concerned with being early, getting on to the next project and finishing it, that we have no respect for who we are dealing with at any given moment.

Not a Waste of Time

This is not to say that Zambians think all Americans are rude, in fact it’s quite the opposite. When I asked Al what he thought of Americans and their attitudes he said, “America is good at production that’s why you are rich. We are happy, but also poor.” I wondered what would happen if a Zambian showed up to work in the U.S an hour late but still smiling and asking their boss how their family is. These differences are not only seen in punctuality. At work many of my supervisors typically take a two-hour lunch, while in America it is one hour at the most.

While it is VERY important that we continue to see the value in time and to continue to work hard to produce all we can, I wondered if I would rather be happy or rich. When someone is late in America or goes off on a tangent, we consider it to be “wasting our time” but in Zambia, talking with friends about their family or having a leisurely lunch with colleagues is not considered a waste of time at all. In fact, it’s very valuable to make sure other people are happy around you, as well as yourself. In a way, I like this new mentality and not just because I, myself am always late! Thinking this way brings out the best in people. You are concerned and connected with your family and friends in a way that is much more intimate than the states. You remain more human, patient and kind. “African Time” is one phenomenon I hope to bring back with me to the states – at least in the theoretical sense to show others what it’s like to relax, have a good time and care about others.

Amber Skorpenske is one of 18 Ohio University students studying abroad in Zambia with the Institute for International Journalism over Winter intercession.