Strong Community Abounds

One of the greatest joys I get when I come to Zambia is this immediate awareness of community in this country. Parents help all children (not just their own). Children have so much more freedom at very young ages to roam their neighborhoods and adults (really any adult) will reprimand and redirect the children. If a mother sees a child crying she does not hesitate to ask the parent what is wrong and to offer advise. This is accepted and people do not seem to get offended or to think others are butting into their business. The children seem to have a general understanding that they should listen to adults and respect them.

Most Zambians seem to understand the need for sustainability and helping out their friends and families. “Buying local” is not a concept that has to be taught here, it is a way of life. Tradition is that if family shows up at your door (cousins, in laws anyone) they do not have to call first, ask permission, they show up and you take care of their needs until they leave.
On our way to Chwama we were in our van and a huge truck hauling cartons of something cut across the main road and into our side of the road and across three lanes of traffic; it then lost control and quickly went back across the three lanes of traffic. It nearly collided with a public mini bus (blue/white 12 passenger vans that are used as public transport). Of course the mini bus and other honked their horns. Then as if it were organized they caught up with the driver of the truck and got on three sides (front, back and side) and forced it off the road. Then they awaited the police. The truck driver was obviously drunk and these other members of the community took it upon them selves to get him off the road in a strategic yet peaceful way.

Neighbors all know neighbors here and they look out for one another. Workers care about one another and the health and well-being of their families. Churches are strong places of counsel and networking and entertainment. They also play significant roles in social welfare and establishing community norms.