Scotch College

Kapumfi: Hunger. Thirst. Loss

‘Walking, viewing, absorbing, seeking, being deeply and forever changed by what I see. How can this be a part of our world today?’

Words: Mark Williams • Staff

Last September then Year 10 student, Hugh McKenzie was one of a group of Scotch staff and students who attended the Kapumfi Basic School opening in Kopa Chiefdom, Zambia. It was an occasion of great pride and deep emotion for all who were there: a life-changing experience.

Profoundly impacted by what he saw and took part in at Kapumfi, Hugh is eager to draw attention to the disparity between the living conditions that we enjoy, and those that the Zambian people endure. In term 1 he addressed a gathering of Rotarians in Box Hill, some of whom were moved to tears when they heard the following reflective piece which Hugh wrote over the holidays:

‘Walking, viewing, absorbing, seeking, being deeply and forever changed by what I see. How can this be a part of our world today? Hunger. Thirst. Loss. Need. These people suffer. Yet despite their unforgivable disadvantages, they are the happiest, most enthusiastic and whole-hearted people I have ever met in my spoilt, opportunistic, fortunate life. I feel sick and disgusted. I want to fall to my knees and cry.

‘Why am I so lucky? How can I share with these people some of my fortune? For some of these people, we are the first white people they have ever seen. Do the children of Kapumfi know how we have helped them? What Scotch College has done is fantastic, but who says we stop here? We’ve raised around $170,000. It’s a good effort, but we can make a greater difference.

‘“Shani”, “Bwino”. The short words spoken between us and the Kapumfi children mean “How are you?”, “I am well”. The children don’t speak fluent English, and these are the only words of Bemba we know. Precious words. The key to communication between us and the children. This trip made me feel very privileged. It was an eye-opener, and changed my view on the world.

‘Round and round our world turns, with people every day ignoring what is happening on the other side of the world. Seeing those kids’ smiling faces, it is hard for me to forget what some people are going through. They may be thousands of kilometres away, but every day I am reminded of so many memories from the trip that changed my life.

‘Stopping the bus, we hop out and follow our guide towards what seems to be maybe two or three huts and a couple of cows. “Everyone, I’d like you to meet Michael.” In front of me stands a boy around the age of 15. Dirt-covered face. Sad eyes. Michael is visibly shy. “Hi, Michael.” He doesn’t understand what we have just said, not unlike many people in Australia, who do not understand what is happening in Michael’s world. His face immediately lowers and his eyes are forced to the ground. Shyness wins out.

‘Does it matter that you are shy in Michael’s cruel world? His parents died when he was six. Imagine living in these circumstances. Such poverty, and no parents to offer support or guidance. This I cannot relate to. How does this kid get by?

‘My brief meeting with Michael will stay with me for the rest of my life. I admire this boy immensely and have learned from the experience. When I think that I have it tough, I think of Michael. What is he doing now? Is he hungry? Starving? Working so he and his aunt can eat today?

‘I want to make a difference in people’s lives. I want to help Make Poverty History.’