Launching Project Zambia 2010

Staff and students at the University of St Andrews are preparing to launch Project Zambia 2010 after the success of the initiative this summer.

Aimed at taking health, education and sport to the children of Zambia, the project is a collaboration between the University’s Department of Sport & Exercise and Student Services.

Working with the well established non-government organisation Sport in Action, a group of eight outstanding students and five staff members spent the summer living and working in Zambia, providing children there with educational and sporting activities as well as emotional support and education on disease prevention.

Now, 2010 sees the launch of a committed ongoing project envisioned to last for 5 years with increasing numbers of students. It is also hoped that research projects will be incorporated into the scheme, allowing students from Geography to work in Zambia and assist in the fight against AIDS.

A ‘Comic Relief’ style launch event will take place on Sunday 1st November at 7.30pm in the Younger Hall, North Street, St Andrews. All members of the University and local community are warmly invited to attend.

With A cappella, pipes and drums, dance acts and a performance from ByreRythm on the Taiko drums, the event will also showcase the musical talents of University staff with bands Five by Five, The Full Tin Tin, and Dry Island Buffalo Jump taking to the stage.

Student band Bring Back the Planes and St Andrews oldest, finest (and only) improvised comedy troupe Blind Mirth will also be performing at the event. Filmed footage from this summer’s project will also be shown, and students will speak about their experiences. The event launches both the University¿s commitment to the five year project, as well as the fundraising campaign which hopes to raise £40,000 by next summer.

Dr Chris Lusk, Director of Student Services said, “The project is a clear ‘win-win’ on all sides. The Zambians invite us, welcome us and benefit from our commitment and our partnership. The students gain huge benefits in self development, coaching and teaching skills and come back offering learning opportunities to other students. The staff gain professional insight in an intense living situation and increase their own knowledge of working with students in outreach situations.”

As well as expanding the reach of the project in 2010 with more students and staff taking part in a longer placement in Zambia, Dr Lusk hopes that the benefits will be felt closer to home as well.

“We plan this year to go into local schools to help with African Sports Days, showing films of the project and sharing traditional Zambian songs and games with our St. Andrews children. Anything that breaks down global barriers and helps to increase understanding has to be considered worthwhile.”

Tickets for the Project Zambia launch are £10 (£7.50 concessions) and are available from the University Sports Centre and the Student Experience Office at 101A North St, St Andrews.

They can also be reserved by calling 01334 462020 or bought online at the University online shop at https://onlineshop.st-andrews.ac.uk/events/eventdetails.asp?eventid=87

ENDS

NOTE TO EDITORS:

The Project Zambia launch will take place on Sunday 1st November at 7.30pm in the Younger Hall, North Street, St Andrews

Dr Chris Lusk is available for interview on 01334 462020 or by emailing [email protected]

NOTE TO PICTURE EDITORS:

IMAGES ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE PRESS OFFICE – CONTACTS BELOW. 

Issued by the Press Office, University of St Andrews
Contact Philippa Dunn, Assistant Press Officer on 01334 462530 / 462529, Mobile: 07730 415015 or Email: [email protected]
Ref:  Zambia Launch 201009
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