Mr. Matthew Lococo
Greene County

”From Thundering Falls to Reigniting Passion

Today was a fantastic day! We began our day by visiting Ebenezer Orphanage and Primary School. At the orphanage, we helped with some much-needed updates to the facilities and cleaned all while getting to know the staff and babies that are housed at the orphanage. As I spoke with some of the staff, their true love for children came through in their expressions and in their words. The education director of Ebenezer shared the mission and vision from their founder and how she said she started it all because she saw some hungry children outside the grocery store. From that moment on, they shared how that encounter helped to develop what is now the orphanage and school. As we left the orphanage, I couldn’t help but think about how incredibly rewarding but at the same time heartbreaking it is to day by day see the worst that can happen but be part of the future and the solution to the problem.

After leaving Ebenezer, we headed to the primary school that they are partnered with in the city of Livingstone. We met the principal and visited numerous classrooms. Each participant then had the experience of teaching a class as part of our visit. I got to teach a group of 42 children who were in Grade 6. They were learning English, and the teacher had me lead them through a lesson on diary writing, incorporating acronyms and abbreviations. The students were so engaging and participated with little effort on my part. As part of the next round of their diary writing, I got to teach them some American dialects in English. I shared my heritage as a child being raised in Pittsburgh, PA, and then as an adult living in Eastern North Carolina. I shared with them some basic phrases that we use in both places, and they got a real kick out of the two different ways we say the same thing for you all (yinz from Pittsburgh and y’all from Eastern NC). At the end of my time with the students, they taught me some of their local language. I had shared that a lot of times my students would jokingly call me “Loco Lococo”, and they all laughed and shared with me that in their language it would be Moco Moco Lococo.” This experience of teaching in their classrooms has been something that reignites my passion for what we do on a daily basis and recentered me to what my real why was in becoming an educator: the kids and doing everything possible to help them. 

After that moment, one would think the day could not get better, oh it did! We had lunch with the amazing people from Children in the Wilderness, the organization that partners with each of the schools we have visited in Zambia, learning all about their mission, vision, and work. They were truly inspiring about how they are working with schools that have so little to meet the needs of the students and communities in which Wilderness Lodges are placed. They currently serve 47 schools in Zambia and Zimbabwe, or as they say, “Zam and Zim”. Following lunch was the highlight of our day.

As we drove to the national park built around the Victoria Falls here in Livingstone, Zambia, I could not help but think about how incredibly special this trip has been. The life-changing experiences from the past 8 days are truly something that I would never forget. I also kept asking myself, how did we get here? Educators from all over NC getting the opportunity of a lifetime, and it was all thanks to the amazing people at Global NC and the Simple Gifts Fund. Together these two amazing groups of people are making this incredible experience possible, and for that I am incredibly grateful. 

As we walked along the falls and experienced the true meaning of the Smoke that Thunders, or Mosi-oa-Tunya, I was lost in the amazing beauty of this natural wonder of the world. I was amazed at the vastness of the falls and the beauty of the double rainbow appearing over us. As educators we always tell our students to dream big; well, I am not sure how much bigger this could get. This entire program has been life-changing, from firsthand learning about apartheid in South Africa to a riverboat cruise and safari in Botswana to teaching in Zambia and visiting the Victoria Falls. All of this has changed my view of our world, our systems, and our purpose; it has reignited my passion for teaching and helping the “least” of these.

Again, thank you to the Simple Gifts Fund Award for making this possible for me. Without donors like you, this would not have ever been possible for me, so again, thank you! To Global NC, your mission is amazing, and every teacher in NC needs to experience a program like this to reignite their passion and help them rise above the adversity that we have in our profession.”

Dr. Erin Anderson
Kannapolis City Schools

“Joy, Hope, and Learning in Zambia

Today was one of the most memorable days of our journey in Zambia. We spent the day visiting schools, learning about community partnerships, and experiencing the incredible beauty of Victoria Falls. Throughout the day, I found myself inspired, humbled, and grateful for the opportunity to learn alongside educators, students, and community members.

Our first stop was Nalituwe Primary School. We met with the head teacher and learned about the school’s academic goals, student performance, and efforts to support learners through the Catch Up intervention program. It was encouraging to hear about the intentional work being done to identify students who need additional support and provide opportunities to strengthen foundational skills.

The students welcomed us with songs and smiles that immediately made us feel at home. We were invited to visit classrooms, and everywhere we went students eagerly greeted us and wanted to share what they were learning. The school was filled with joy, pride, and enthusiasm for learning.

Our second visit was to Holy Cross, where I had the opportunity to spend time in a Grade 3 classroom. The lesson focused on nutrition and the importance of eating three meals a day. Students discussed breakfast, lunch, and dinner, why our bodies need food, and what can happen when we do not get proper nutrition. I was able to help teach portions of the lesson and interact directly with the learners.

One of my favorite moments during the lesson came when we began talking about foods the students enjoyed. Several students enthusiastically told me about Hungry Lion and shared that the food was amazing and the seasoning was perfect. Later that day, we had lunch at Hungry Lion, and I am happy to report that the students were absolutely right. The Big Boss with Cheese chicken sandwich and chips were delicious and definitely lived up to the recommendation.

One of the moments I will remember most was how eager the students were to show me their work. As they completed their assignments, hands immediately shot into the air. Every child wanted me to see what they had accomplished. Many of the students were working with broken pens and small crayons, yet they approached their learning with excitement and determination. Their pride in their work was a powerful reminder that a love of learning is not dependent on abundant resources.

What stood out in both schools was the joy of the children. At times, it was honestly overwhelming. Everywhere we went, students wanted to talk, hold our hands, ask questions, and simply spend time with us. Each child hoped to be the one who received a little extra attention. Their excitement was genuine and heartwarming and reminded me how important connection and relationships are in education.

I was also struck by the respect shown toward teachers. Teachers appeared to be valued and appreciated members of the community. Students listened attentively, followed directions, and demonstrated a level of respect that was evident throughout both schools.

We also learned about Children in the Wilderness, an organization that partners with six schools near the national parks. Their work is built around three pillars: education, empowerment, and protection. Through environmental clubs, teacher training, scholarships, literacy support, and vocational education opportunities, they are creating pathways for success. What impressed me most was their commitment to addressing community needs alongside educational needs by helping build libraries, donate books and textbooks, construct toilets, and support healthcare clinics.

The day ended with a visit to Victoria Falls, appropriately known as “The Smoke That Thunders.” Standing beside the falls and watching the mist rise into the air was breathtaking. Walking across the bridge, I was fortunate enough to see a rainbow stretching through the mist. The beauty and power of the falls created a sense of awe that is difficult to put into words.

Before returning, we visited the local marketplace. The vendors were kind but also very persistent. Many shared stories about life in their villages and the need to support their families. Some tried to barter not only for money but even for items visitors were wearing. What fascinated me most was how they worked together. A vendor might make one sale and then direct you to another vendor to purchase something else. There was a strong sense of cooperation as they collectively worked to create opportunities for one another while supporting their families.

As I reflect on today, I am reminded that education is about far more than academics. It is about relationships, opportunity, hope, and community. Whether standing in a Grade 3 classroom, talking with a head teacher, or watching children proudly share their work, I saw the power of education to change lives. While our schools may look different, the hopes we have for children are remarkably similar, and that is a lesson I will carry with me long after this journey ends.

This evening, I am filled with gratitude for the people who made it possible. The opportunity to learn from educators, students, and communities in Zambia has been both professionally and personally transformative. I leave with new ideas, a renewed sense of purpose, and a heart full of gratitude. Thank you to everyone who invested in this experience and believed in the value of learning beyond our own borders. The lessons I have learned, the relationships I have built, and the memories I have made will stay with me long after this journey ends.”

Mr. Dylan Rhoades
Wake County

“They say to fully experience a moment, you should track your senses. A commonly used grounding technique is to acknowledge 5 things you see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste. We were extremely lucky to encounter things that both challenged and grew us not just as educators but as global citizens. These tell the story of an amazing day.  

5 sights that caught my eye:

• Experiencing not just a double rainbow during the day, but at night we were treated to a bonus lunar rainbow. The prism effect takes place once a month during the full moon. For Global NC educators, it may have been once in a lifetime. This unique event was breathtaking as we watched in awe.  
• Murals depicting student learning, the surrounding area, and local flora & fauna. The people take great pride in their land and heritage. A tribe will often be represented by a living being, known as their totem.
• Mango fruits shining in the morning sun, hanging like ornaments in a tree over the Ebenezer School’s garden. 
• Encouraging quotes around the school grounds. “If someone is talking behind your back, leave them there.” 
• A bridge connecting Zambia & Zimbabwe. Two nations intertwined by a similar history, yet with their own rich cultures. 

4 things within my grasp:

• Mossy rocks as I crab-walked my way down the trail to the base of the falls. The moisture on my fingers from the slick rocks is refreshing in the cool ‘winter’ air. 
• Countless handshakes and fist bumps from eager children. As they climb over tables (and each other) to be acknowledged, the feeling of gratitude to be seen is mutual. 
• Writing our main points on the board in chalk leaves a fine, powdery film on the fingers. We have made our mark on the day. 
• Reused cornmeal bags that were sewn together to create a dividing wall between the classroom and an outdoor corridor. We were excited to bring this up during our lesson with Grade 4 students about reducing, reusing, and recycling materials to eliminate unnecessary waste. 

3 sounds that went in both ears and stayed with me:

• Rose’s & Jennifer’s hearty laughter as we read the story of the Tortoise and his Shell with expression, gestures, and using objects to make the story come to life. 
• The greeting in unison given by 44 students as Graham and I walked into their classroom – “Hello teachers, how are you?” followed by the excited buzz of wonder about strangers new to their country.
• Victoria Falls’ majestic roar as its massive wall, 5,600 feet wide, dumped water from 354 feet, swirling and surging to display nature’s might.

2 aromas that wafted through my nose:

• A settling cloud of dust as students race across the common areas to meet their classmates. 
• A faint trail of musk was left behind as a troop of 20+ baboons passed us by on the descent to the base of the falls. 

1 taste that I will keep with me:

• Nshima and boiled egg. The cooks at the school work hard daily to churn the thick cornmeal and then shape it. Their efforts are appreciated, as much of our Southern cuisine is inspired by this land. 

I want to thank the staff of the Ebenezer School for inviting us to learn from them. We celebrate our differences and note how we are similar in so many ways. The people of this community have true talents in the art of resourcefulness and are true stewards of the Earth. 

I also want to thank with profound gratitude the Borchardt Award for enabling us to enjoy experiences that pushed us from our comfort zones. To be transparent, at times I have had imposter syndrome. Program participants have accomplishments ranging from building programs from the ground up to being the Teacher of the Year to represent their respective counties. At times thoughts would creep into my head like “How did I get here amongst this ‘Justice League’ of Carolina educators?” Remembering that ‘comparison is the thief of joy’ and deciding instead to lean in and learn helped me grow as a teacher. Hearing about the amazing accomplishments from around our schools in NC has made me reflect within and inspired me to do even more. The educators on this trip were chosen correctly, as each and every one of us centers positive student relationships at the core of all we do. Each of them is a hero to their school communities. These days have gone by in the blink of an eye, and I am cherishing every moment.”

Mrs. Liz Richardson
Rockingham County

“Standing in front of one of the seven wonders of the world is a surreal feeling. Mosi-oa-Tunya… ‘the Smoke that Thunders’ for the roaring water pounding over a 354-foot drop. As I turned, taking in the view, feeling the mist (and eventually feeling like I was caught in a downpour!), I kept asking myself how I got here. 8025 miles from Eden, NC, to Victoria Falls in Zambia, and another 50 steps down stone steps put in full view of the falls.

Throughout these past seven days, I have been caught up in the striking contrasts—the lush green of the plants surrounding the falls and the red dust of the roads just meters away. The richness of the copper mines and the dire poverty of surrounding villages. The bustle of people and the hush of the night. I saw wildlife and plants I recognized from home alongside others that were completely exotic to me. Yet all show a unique beauty. Victoria Falls has a loud power that rumbles through your chest. In the hearts of the teachers and students just a few miles away at Ebenezer School in Livingstone, Zambia, is a different type of power. A quiet power, but just as strong. The students show up daily with a desire to learn, to grow, and a chance to change their circumstances. A strong-willed discipline to walk 9 miles a day, rain or shine, for a chance to attend school. They show up with pride in their school and a work ethic to keep it clean. The teachers, with their very limited resources but unlimited in their love for the kids. You see it in the pride they take in their neat handwriting on their chalkboards. The class claps for sharing the learning. The discipline and respect shown by both students and adults. I have always known that math is a universal language and got to see it in action when I helped teach a class on parallelograms, rhomboids, and trapeziums. No posters on the stark cement walls. No copies of papers to hand out. No textbooks. No card sorts. We used our imagination and searched the clothes and notebooks for anything we could to match the image to its name. Fifty-three kids packed on wooden benches wanting validation that their work was correct. 106 hands moving, touching, writing, high-fiving, and fist-bumping. The room was almost as noisy as the falls. Doing so much with so little. I am amazed at the dedication of those teachers and humbled by the richness in my life—my home, my classroom, my state, and my country. I am inspired to come home and be a better version of myself both in the classroom and in my community. There are lessons our countries can learn from each other. Zambia has a unified curriculum. Every school throughout the country has the same goal, the same standards. Teachers know what to expect and what to teach. Students have the drive to learn and understand school is a privilege. School for all is becoming a priority. We have so many resources and different ways to teach, advancing pedagogy. Together we can be an unstoppable force for good for all children everywhere.

Again, how did I get here? By the generosity of the Rockingham County Global Teacher Fellowship and the trust of Rockingham County Schools. A big thank you to my sponsors that made this life-changing experience possible. The full impact of this program on my life, and those I can affect, will continue for years to come.”