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ST EDWARD’S CHRONICLE
Sharing Experiences
Three university pupils from Zimbabwe
whose tuition fees are being paid by Henry
Chitsenga’s SuchHope charity visited
St Edward’s in June: Bongai Mwanesa,
studying Peace and Governance at Bindura
University; Nicolene Tambirayi, studying
Law at Zimbabwe University; and Caston
Nzvenga, studying Business Studies at
Zimbabwe University. Below, Caston
reflects on their time at Teddies.
“In our first few days, we joined in with
the athletics club – which was fascinating
as the drills were very different to those
in Zimbabwe – and we greatly valued the
time we spent in the Lower Sixth Peer
Listening workshop. I also enjoyed taking
part in the ‘Tilly’s Sleeps Rough’ fundraising
event where I experienced first-hand how
these compassionate and altruistic pupils
and staff fundraise for our tuition fees and
general welfare. I was touched and inspired
by how much effort goes into improving the
lives of many orphans and under-privileged
children in Zimbabwean communities. We
were honoured to sing, preach and speak in
Chapel to the whole School. This was the
first time we had given a presentation to
such a large group in English so it was a giant
step in our learning experience.
We had the opportunity to share our
life stories with different groups of pupils.
We discussed the differences between the
UK and Zimbabwean education systems.
This gave us the chance to identify possible
solutions to some of the challenges faced
by pupils in Zimbabwe. We enjoyed helping
St Edward’s pupils understand more about
Zimbabwe’s challenges by explaining the
economic and education systems to them.
Overall, our experience at St Edwards
was incredibly inspiring. Every situation
taught us something new and we enjoyed
being part of the Teddies community;
we are grateful to everyone who made it
possible.”
You may remember that a group of girls
from Mac’s Fifth Form raised money for Nikki
Tambirayi by holding a sponsored 24-hour fast
in February.
Bongai, Nikki and Caston ran the
Vitality London 10k on 12th July to
help fellow students. You can still
support them via this link:
www.justgiving.com/Historic-British-10k-London-Run-2015/
.
Bongai Mwanesa, Caston Nzvenga and Nicolene Tambirayi
Gabrielle Woolley from Roland Park Country School
in Baltimore, Jacqueline Ricketts-Hagan (
Ghana
International
), Peter Kohler from Gilman School in
Baltimore and Kaber Mroue (
Lycée Louis Massignon
)
Celia Hodgson
My Time
at Teddies
By Peter Kohler
Coming to St Edwards has been one of
the greatest experiences of my life. I had
never been to England before this trip,
and was hesitant about leaving Baltimore
and all my friends for a month to come
someplace so far and different from
home. However, it turned out to be an
amazing decision. I cannot say enough
about the School and particularly the
people who study here. I have made
more friends here than I could possibly
imagine, friends I will have for the rest
of my life. Everyone has been so friendly
and welcoming, and I knew from my
first day here that it would be a really
fun time. Even going to classes has been
good, thanks to the teachers and fellow
pupils who make the classes different
and exciting each day. Learning about
England and particularly how different
everything is has been interesting, and
I am very disappointed that I have to
leave this wonderful place. I want to
thank everyone at St Edward’s for
being so welcoming. I especially want
to thank Kaber for being such a great
host and all of Apsley and particularly
Harry M, Harry B, Orlando, Erik, Tom,
James, Luke, Sam, Hussain, and Karl for
showing me the ropes. This has been a
life changing experience for me, and I will
never forget my time at St. Edwards.