It is of note that some practice art as a means of promoting wellness in both themselves and in others. Many do so in an effort to alleviate the burden of certain psychological challenges such as trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For those experiencing personal struggles, engaging with art can address loneliness and a wide range of mental health concerns. Art has the power to create profound positive mental benefits for so many people. It is an unfortunate truth, however, that not everyone has the chance to create or access art materials regularly. 

Specifically in Zambia, art education in public schools often takes a back seat to more standard subjects such as mathematics and English. Perhaps this is due to the education system itself and its heavy emphasis on passing national benchmark examinations. Or maybe the fact that many schools do not have the means to offer enough art supplies to their overcrowded classrooms. Whatever the reasons, we continue to observe a lack of focus on creative arts curriculum in Zambia’s formal education sector. 

As covered in our previous blog, this year has been exceptionally challenging for students in Zambia as most - apart from those preparing for exams - have been out of school since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, Modzi art programs have become even more critical for students’ non-formal learning. We have continued to emphasize that art education has the potential to create holistic education opportunities both in and out of the classroom. In an effort to improve our students’ overall wellbeing as well as keep them learning while out of school, we have been offering various art activities in drawing, painting, crafts, and even music recording. These art education workshops, led by one of Modzi’s very first graduates, create a safe space where children can reflect and express themselves freely.

Science supports the idea that art is good for us, our minds, and overall public health in so many ways. Modzi recognizes the importance of supporting youth art initiatives and so continues to incorporate them into our educational programs. Whether it is through creating safe spaces or providing supplies, we encourage our students’ psychosocial and emotional learning via artistic expression. Resilient and innovative, they continue to inspire us with their creativity and their unique ideas including the use of recycled materials in their projects. We strongly believe in art’s ability to connect ideas, boost self-esteem, and heal. ​

by Elena Crouch

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Not once in my childhood did I even THINK about not finishing primary school. My parents didn’t have to choose whether my sister or I would be the daughter able to attend secondary school. It didn’t matter how much money my family had or didn’t have; it didn’t matter that my sister and I were both female. We were both supposed to go to school, so we both did. Not once growing up was I truly thankful for the opportunity to attend school. Attending school was more of an obligation, a given. Sure I liked it sometimes, but my appreciation for it grew as I did.
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 Other kids around the world aren’t so lucky. Globally, education systems are flawed, but especially so when looking through the lens of girls education. According to UNESCO, there are more than 774 million illiterate adults in our world and a staggering two-thirds of them are female. This disparity has remained consistent for the past 20 years, and given that 76 million of the 123 million illiterate youth today are girls, it’s a disparity that isn’t going away anytime soon. With less than 40% of countries providing equal access to primary education for both boys and girls, and less than 39% of countries providing equal opportunities for secondary education, illiteracy and poverty rates around the globe continue to paint a harsh reality.
 
The truth of the matter is, if we want to “fix poverty” and live in a more equal and developed world, and if economies are to continue to grow, we have to educate women. A lack of female education means poorer public health and sanitation, lower standards of living, higher infant mortality rates, and so much more. A child is 50% more likely to survive past the age of five if they’re born to a mother who can read, and each extra year of schooling that their mother receives reduces the likelihood of infant mortality by 5-10%. We can’t deny it—educating women raises people out of poverty. So we’ve acknowledged this dilemma, but how can we now help change it?
 
Earlier last year, I was lucky enough to stumble upon modzi. modzi (mode·zhē) is a non-profit organization that mentors vulnerable youth in Zambia and facilitates their access to quality education. Through Northeastern University’s Cooperative Education (Co-Op) Program, I had the opportunity to become involved in modzi’s important work. I was able to visit Zambia this past January and work directly with modzi’s founders. I was able to see firsthand just how unique and personalized their programs are, help prepare modzi students for the start of a new school year, and collect media in preparation of future projects. For me, one of the most exciting things that solidified my decision to join the modzi team in Zambia was the organization’s plans to formally launch a girls education program this year.
 
When modzi originated, its programs worked predominantly with young boys in Zambia. This was due in part to existing relationships in the community, as well as the fact that it is generally less expensive and logistically easier than sending girls to school with adequate supports. As modzi continues to grow, we are expanding and creating new partnerships to mentor more girls through their schooling. But still you’re wondering, why is it so much harder to send girls to school than boys? Allow me to elaborate.
 
In many countries, education isn’t free. Specifically in Zambia, primary education is funded by the government but secondary school is not. In addition to the costs of formal education, gender norms and societal stigma pose challenges in Zambia and many other countries with similar poverty levels. Women are expected to stay home and take care of the house and their contributions to cooking and cleaning are too valuable to be left undone if they were to attend school. Child marriages and early pregnancy are additional obstacles that plague young girls who theoretically should be attending school. These are just a few of the reasons that boys’ education is often prioritized to girls’ education, but modzi is looking to offset that disparity.
 
The girls that modzi is sending to school have done nothing to warrant such marginalization. They didn’t ask to be born into poverty, to be abused, neglected, homeless. These girls are victims of circumstance and that more than anything has shown me that life really can be unfair. More unfair than your sibling getting to sit in the front seat or eating the last chocolate cupcake. I’m so excited that modzi is launching this girls program and even more excited that I get to be a part of it! The girls that we will be sending to school are arguably the hardest workers out there—even resorting to sitting in a bathroom stall at night in order to study without waking up others. These girls are strong, they’re smart, and they’re resilient. Why shouldn’t they be able to go to school too?
 
If you are interested in getting involved with modzi or would like to support our work by donating, please go to www.modzi.org to see what we’re up to! 

I am currently pursuing a dual degree in International Affairs and Cultural Anthropology, along with a minor in Human Services at Northeastern University in Boston. Through a combination of Northeastern’s cooperative education (co-op) programs, international field studies, and study abroad opportunities, I have been more than happy to follow my studies around the world.

Last summer, I participated in a month-long Northeastern field study program in Lusaka, Zambia. Through direct service learning there I experienced some of the roles that grassroots organizations can play in international development, as well as how economic and political forces can affect organizational growth. When I was in Zambia for the first time in 2015, I was lucky enough to connect with modzi… and have been a part of the family ever since!

This past January, I returned to work in Zambia as a fulltime co-op with modzi’s on-the-ground team. While in country for several months, I focused on strengthening existing community partnerships and collaborating on new modzi projects. Though my co-op with modzi technically ended by May, I remained on the continent to study abroad at the University of Cape Town (UCT) in South Africa. At UCT I took classes with focus on poverty, development, and community engagement – all of which I found to be extremely relevant to the work I do with modzi.

I have just recently returned to the USA from eight months of living abroad, and am eager to continue with my studies in Boston. This semester I am taking classes in strategic philanthropy, non-profit management, and international conflict and negotiation. While I miss being in Lusaka with our modzi students, I continue to advocate for their successes here in the United States. I am eager to learn how I can bring the knowledge and skills that I am gaining here at school, to modzi’s work in Zambia.

I am truly honored to be a part of the modzi family, and very much look forward to continuing my work while in Boston. Be sure to keep an eye out for some exciting updates coming your way, and to keep up with the #modzimovement by following us on social media!

- Shelbe 

I’m happy to introduce myself to all of you as a proud part of the modzi family. This summer has been a busy one, and I’d love to share a bit about what I’ve been up to!
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This May, I graduated from Franklin University Switzerland with a Masters Degree in International Management. A one-year program based in Lugano Switzerland, my studies focused on intercultural communication, global awareness, individual and social responsibility, and global leadership. After graduation, I headed home to Saint Louis, Missouri to spend a short summer with friends and family.

In June, modzi had our first ever Match Day, where we successfully reached our fundraising goal of $10,000! I hope everyone enjoyed the modzi media we shared during the event, because creating and collaborating with our team on it was a lot of fun. All of the planning and preparation for the fundraiser definitely kept me busy, and I am so grateful to all of our generous supporters for making the success of our event possible!

I just recently moved to Zurich, Switzerland where I have started a new job and a new phase of life. I am so happy to be living abroad, working not only on my professional development but my personal as well. I am continuing to learn and better my German language skills and have fallen in love with living in the mountains. Despite my job moving me half way across the world, Zambia is never far from my mind. My passion for educational rights, cognitive development, and international development allow me to work with modzi no matter the time zone I find myself in.

Looking forward to sharing some exciting stories, projects, and modzi movements!

- Claire 

While being designated a class prefect is an honorable achievement, it can at times be difficult. Some students shy away from the duty of monitoring their peers, but Mwila says that he is up for the task. “To be a prefect, it is not easy because you will be facing different challenges. People are coming from different backgrounds. You have to work hard to become a prefect, and stay one.”

​Mwila’s improved marks (grades) have caught his head teacher’s eye, but his exceptional behavior has also gained him respect elsewhere. Mwila often volunteers his time with Barefeet Theatre, an organization that uses theater and performing arts to educate vulnerable youth on issues affecting children in Zambia. Mwila has recently been elected as the Financial Controller on the Barefeet Children’s Council, a position he has had his eye on for over a year. Due to his continued attendance, distinct involvement in meetings, and a clear desire to help, Mwila is now being entrusted with raising issues to the Council for discussion, creating program budgets, and distributing transport money to fellow activists. “I was very excited. I have never been this excited in my whole life. When I learned that I was elected, I jumped!”

​Celebrated every March 12th, this annual holiday "recognizes that youth are the future leaders." See what happened when Shelbe Van Winkle, modzi's Northeastern University co-op, asked kids in the community about this special day. 

Every year, we recognize International Women’s Day - a holiday established to acknowledge women’s achievements, all over the world. Today in Zambia, schools closed and children instead attended parades, filling the streets to honor half of the world’s population. Though this day celebrates the progression of women’s rights, it also highlights the need for continued enhancement of gender equality.
 
While the global gender disparity gap has diminished over time, girls in every part of the world - particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa – still struggle with access to equity. Too often, young girls are refused one of their basic human rights: the right to an education. 

Though advancements have been made, it will take more than an annual occasion to enact sustainable change. We, as citizens of this world, must stand together and continue empowering women everywhere. Advocating for just one eager girl’s right to an education can encourage other young girls around her to also pursue theirs, ultimately creating a ripple of change. modzi emphasizes the philosophy that providing educational opportunity to just one person can inspire that very change. Today, we celebrate International Women’s Day, and the fact that education continues to promote equal opportunity for all.

​This month, several Junior Girl Scout troops from Mountainside, New Jersey joined the modzi movement! The groups participated in a modzi organized pen-pal program, which connected young girls in the United States with girls in Zambia. modzi facilitated an educational and cultural exchange by having students write individual letters to new friends abroad.
 
For this “Thinking Day” event, about 100 young Girl Scouts were prompted to, “connect with self, connect with community, and connect with the world.” Each child crafted a personalized letter using modzi-prompted questions about school, sports, hobbies, and friends. These letters were then sent to modzi in Zambia, to be shared with Vision of Hope, one of the organization’s in-country partners. Vision of Hope is a non-profit that provides a safe space for vulnerable girls to live and learn. Through collaboration with Girl Scout Troop #40732 and others, modzi hopes to empower young girls in both countries, and encourage them to think about the lives of their international peers.
 
modzi is excited for these young girls to share this unique learning opportunity. By communicating with students from a different part of the world, both groups will discover commonalities, learn from differences, develop cross-cultural communication skills, broaden perspectives, and strengthen understandings of the world around them. 

Zambia. I came here this past summer for a month long field-study program with Northeastern University. Two weeks into my program and I knew I’d be back. There’s something about this place, though at the time, I don’t think I could have put a finger on exactly what. I’ve been to loads of places, lived in my fair share of countries, and learned my fair share of languages, but I’ve never returned to a place, not really. For me, I’ve always had the mentality of seeing the new. Although I loved the old, the new was foreign, unknown, and exciting. As much as I still want to experience the new, I had a feeling when I left Zambia this past summer that I hadn’t yet experienced everything, and that there was still more “new”. 
Since arriving here just about a month ago, the feeling that I hadn’t yet experienced everything proved itself true. ​

For a long time now, I’ve known that I wanted to work in the field of education. I saw an internship with modzi as the perfect opportunity for me to learn more about creating access to education in the developing world. While I saw systemic issues with education when I was first here this past summer, what I didn’t see was how to help solve those issues. That was the “new” I wanted. I wanted to learn how modzi is helping, and how I could help. Education is something everyone should have access to; the fact that kids just a few years younger than I am can’t go to school, angers me. If I can go to school, how in any way is it fair that they can’t.
 
“You don’t choose where you’re born.” My supervisor and modzi’s President, Anna, has been saying this since long before I arrived in Zambia, but it didn’t really resonate with me until I actually witnessed what she meant. There is a certain stigma here about living in a center (essentially an orphanage, but most kids at centers here still have some family, they just can’t afford to take care of them). Kids living in a center or living on the streets are often times just seen as that: street kids; uneducated; poor; another mouth to feed. What people are missing is that these kids didn’t choose this life; they were given it. And most of them are doing the best they can with what they were given.

Since its founding, modzi has collaborated with several community programs, local organizations, and academic institutions. This year, we are excited to share that some of our Grade 10 students are starting their first term at Thornhill Boarding & Day School! Thornhill School is a prestigious and academically respected private school in Lusaka, Zambia. Thornhill emphasizes the importance of child development through academic and non-academic activities, and offers students various extra-curricular activities such as sports, clubs, and educational trips. Thornhill Boarding & Day School prides itself on its well qualified and highly experienced teaching staff, excellent academic and boarding facilities, and their dedication to students’ holistic successes.

Before entering modzi’s programs, most of our students lacked access to quality education for most of their lives. After two years of diligent studying at their former Junior Secondary School, our Grade 10 students have proven their academic abilities, and discovered their individual potential. Our modzi family is incredibly excited for these boys and this new opportunity, and so proud of their achievements thus far. In establishing this new partnership with Thornhill Boarding & Day School, we are eager to see the paths that these Grade 10 students will pave for younger modzi students, who aspire to follow in their footsteps.