Saturday, June 23rd, 2012
Today was a busy day. In the morning the academy was packed, fill with students free from school for the weekend. I met a new bass student, taught a clarinetist scale exercises, and sat in on guitar lessons, all before lunch. After eating we began making our way to Pemba High School in the bus-van for a series of performances (we later learned that it was a talent competition). It was incredibly busy when we arrived; almost every seat in the building was taken for most of the night.
Apart from the uniformed "enforcers" carrying switches and the metal gates the auditorium had for doors it seemed like any other high school in the US. Students cheered for their favorite acts, which ranged from a very confusing soap opera to traditional African dance routines. Overall it was a great show.
Although we have many students at the academy, some of them our age, this night was the first time we were able to spend time in what felt like a familiar context. Besides the language barrier, I felt no different than I would have at any other school assembly. Again I am reminded of how similar we all are as people, as humans. Indeed we are more alike than we are different. As I think about this I can't help but wonder: where does discrimination come from?
For more information about Poetice International, its ministry in Zambia, and updates on this trip be sure to check www.poetice.com and follow @livepoetice on twitter.
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