Karongwe Volunteers help out at Bismark school

An overcast day in Bismarck was a welcome change from the usual clear blue 30-plus degree heat, as the GVI volunteers offered their helping hands to Malebalong Primary School. The volunteers set about maintenance work around the school, some grabbed a spade and dug tirelessly shovelling mountains of dirt back into a 75m long water pipe trench, whilst the rest of the team got off lightly with a spot of painting in a newly built out-house, both jobs resulted in a similar outcome; sweaty, messy, blistered but still smiling volunteers.

Following a quick sandwich, some back-cracking and hopscotch with some of the kids, the group prepared themselves for a seemingly simple activity; a football match against a bunch of school kids, an easy win? Think again. The school team jogged out in matching blue kits, they were a well organised, young, fit and skilful machine of boys aged 8-12, including substitutes for added punishment. This was marked contrast to the GVI team- a random assortment of non-football playing internationals varying from unfit to ‘have probably driven past many a gym without even a glance’, plus, no one on the bench; only a fool would’ve bet against youth. An enthusiastic start from the volunteers held off the waves of offensive play from the shorter half for about 10 minutes until the goals were raining in from every angle, despite the best efforts of the flying goal keeper. The first half ended without so much as a shot on goal from the GVI team, however their on-pitch photographer/ 10^th player shot a few beauties. The shorties continued with nutmegs and slick passing moves to humiliate their adult counterparts, frustration finally kicked in when the referee whistled for an infringement as an intern used his superior weight and strength to hoist one of the kids off his bare feet and tuck him under his arm whilst continuing to dribble the ball, a clear foul, no objections from the GVI team!

GVI managed a few lucky manoeuvres and bagged a few consolation goals; the final score was anyone’s guess, however, victory was most definitely that of the cheeky, crafty, lightweight team of Malebalong Primary school. After the much anticipated final whistle pride was brushed aside and both teams sported winning grins/grimaces for a group photo. The GVI team was very well received by the school and was an extremely positive experience for all; I personally cannot wait to get back up there!

Matt Holmes, Mariepskop Intern, UK

Karongwe Volunteers help out at Bismark school