Glimmers of Hope

When Mark decided to leave his London life in 2004 and seek a new direction in Africa, he had no idea of the challenges, triumphs and failures that were awaiting him. Sent to Zambia by Voluntary Service Overseas with a remit to teach maths, HIV/AIDS and Gender Equality education, he ends up in a rural setting trying to cope with culture shock, loneliness and a challenging physical environment. Whilst battling stomach bugs, snakes and unco-operative colleagues, he finds both hope in unusual places, and corruption where he least expects. This memoir is both a recollection of his more vivid memories of eastern province, and also his reflections on the problems in Zambia and their possible causes. It also a useful study of the physical and psychological challenges that a volunteer may face in Africa, and a handy anecdotal 'survival guide' for such volunteers.