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The GEE or Global Education Experience programme has been active for many years now and many young women and men from Presentation Schools in Ireland have had the opportunity to experience in person what it means when we use expressions like: the developing world; solidarity with those made poor by unfair and unjust commercial practices; exploitation of natural resources; the effect on a whole nation of a pandemic such as AIDS, etc.  They are also privileged to be welcomed into the ‘family’ of Zambia, to enjoy getting to know a little of this rich culture and way of life, to enter into the song, dance, music, rituals, symbols and mystery of another people.  But above all, to experience the genuine friendly welcome of the Zambian people for whom a smile comes much more naturally than a frown.

Last June we welcomed one such group of young women here to the Southern Province (Livingstone/Pemba) of Zambia.  They came, not from Ireland, but from Presentation High School, San  Jose, California, USA.  As far as we know it was the first such group from a Presentation School in USA.  Elizabeth Russo, their co-ordinator had come the year before with a teacher companion to “prepare the way” and early June returned with Clare and 11 young women all of whom had just completed their High School.

They were overwhelmed by the friendly reception they received everywhere they went.  Some shared at the end of the first week that they had feared a negative attitude towards them since America is less than popular in some developing countries.

Elizabeth Russo, Director of Community Involvement, Presentation High School, writes:  "Our time in Zambia was life changing for not only our students, but for me as a teacher as well ... I want to thank you for offering your homes and ministries to us during our stay.  Each Sister we encountered during our journey through Zambia embodied the quintessential love and spirit of Nano."

[Submitted by  Sr. Una Harman]