In October half-term, 23 Heath Mount pupils flew to Lusaka, Zambia, for a 10-day school trip like no other!  

Pupils were lucky enough to enjoy close encounters with three of the 'Big 5'–lions, elephants and Cape buffalo during a safari cruise on the Zambezi and land safari at Chaminuka Game Reserve! They also encountered giraffes, zebras, antelope and handled snakes, baby crocodiles, tortoises and even fed young adult elephants.

Another key element of the trip was exploring Zambia's rich cultural heritage with visits to Lusaka National Museum and Kabwata Cultural Village. Our pupils also had the chance to join an assembly at the American International School to celebrate Zambia National Day.

At the heart of this special trip is the opportunity for the pupils to experience what life is like for their peers without the same privileges and luxuries that they take for granted on a daily basis. The trip helps them grow in empathy and understand the value in active philanthropy – seeing the results of their fundraising and the difference they can make, no matter how small. The children even got stuck into painting a classroom at Namoomba School in 38 degree heat! 

Year 8 were brilliant at engaging with the young patients in Twende Education For All's Learning Centre at the UTH Cancer Diseases Hospital, Lusaka. At the end of the trip, they handed out individual gift bags for all young patients on the cancer and sickle cell wards, including games, toys and school supplies for the learning centre as well as football shirts.  We also delivered a bumper load of medical supplies to the Bush Clinic in Namoomba as well as your donated baby blankets, hats and socks.

Back at home, Headmaster Mr Gillam, who led the trip, thanked the Heath Mount community for their incredible support of our Zambian initiatives and spoke of his pride in how Year 8 conducted themselves.  We're sure that memories from the trip will stay with the children forever and help shape their outlook and inspire them to volunteer and fundraise for causes close to their hearts in the future..