CITW Zambezi Assistant Impact Manager Cynthia Ndiweni reports on a transformational visit by Hunter Valley school children to our Victoria Falls area schools in March.
Excitement and curiosity filled the air as 13 high school students and three teachers from Hunter Valley Grammar School (HVGS) in Australia arrived in Victoria Falls for a week-long cultural exchange in late March, 2026. Their visits to Lupinyu Primary School and Mizpah Primary School were punctuated by shared experiences, new friendships, and meaningful learning.
The HVGS students and Lupinyu teachers came together for lively discussions about the Zimbabwean education system, sharing stories about the school’s history, enrolment, pass rates, and other everyday life. A guided tour of the school followed, giving the visitors a closer look at the classrooms, surroundings, and resources, and helping them truly experience what learning at the school is like.
The visitors quickly settled into school life and became part of the community as if they had always been there. They visited classrooms where they actively participated in numeracy and science lessons, mentoring and working side by side with Lupinyu learners. These sessions created a fun and supportive atmosphere, filled with songs, games, laughter, and the beginning of new friendships. The cultural exchange aspect of the visit stood out as a highlight. The HVGS group took part in an Ndebele cultural lesson, where they learnt about the local language and its clicks. This created the opportunity for open sharing and appreciation of different cultures.
Beyond the classroom, the group jumped right in and helped make the school an even brighter place. Together with teachers, they decorated the Early Childhood Development (ECD) classrooms, creating eye-catching learning charts using simple materials. But learning didn’t stop indoors – students also got their hands into the earth in the school garden, where they helped prepare garden beds, applied manure, watered the soil, and planted kale. Along the way, they learnt just how important a well-maintained garden is in supporting school nutrition.
There was never a dull moment, as sports brought everyone together in the most exciting way. Whether it was soccer or volleyball, learners and visitors enjoyed fun, energetic games filled with laughter, teamwork, and friendly competition. One of the most memorable experiences was a visit to the village head’s homestead in Lupinyu. Here, the group fully embraced rural life by taking part in everyday activities such as fetching water, collecting firewood, cooking, and learning how to make a fire. It was a hands-on experience that gave them a deeper appreciation of the local way of life.
The group also spent time at the Jafuta Centre, where they connected with local artisans and explored the art of jewellery making. They discovered the creativity and skill behind each piece, and how this craft supports local livelihoods. While there, they explored the centre’s beautiful garden and learnt about the highly nutritious chaya tree (also known as tree spinach), sparking some interesting conversation. Some enthusiastic members of the group even joined in feeding the ‘road runner’ chickens and pigs in the community projects supporting the women’s shelter.
To make their visit even more meaningful, the group spent time at Mizpah Primary School, where they were warmly welcomed by the teachers and learners. They joined the school’s Children in the Wilderness Eco-Club and learned about environmental conservation, taking a closer look at the projects students are proudly working on. At the literacy centre, the visitors stepped into the role of mentors; reading with children, sharing stories, and offering encouragement. These heartfelt moments helped to boost confidence and keep the spark for learning alive among the younger students.
The visit also brought smiles through generous giving. The HVGS group donated a wide range of items to support both learning and play. This included sporting equipment such as balls, whistles, socks, shin pads, and soccer boots for the school teams, as well as stationery, reading books, games, and puzzles. These gifts were shared with great care and received with deep appreciation. Mizpah Primary School also benefitted from a special contribution of soccer boots, which had been fundraised back home in Australia by some of the students. In addition, the group is raising funds for 10 scholarships for children at Lupinyu Primary School, and has supported the purchase of seven bicycles for students who travel long distances to school, making a truly meaningful difference in their daily lives.
Every moment of the visit, whether spent in the classroom, out in the garden, on the sports field, or within the community came together to create a rich and unforgettable overall experience. Each activity offered something special, from shared learning and teamwork, to laughter and new discoveries. Along the way, strong friendships were formed, cultures were exchanged, and meaningful connections grew naturally between the HVGS group and the local learners. The visit left behind more than just memories; it deepened understanding, inspired confidence, and brought people closer together.
We are truly grateful to the Hunter Valley Grammar School group for their time, energy, and genuine engagement with the learners. Their presence made an impact that will be remembered for a very long time.
