Zambia & The Esther School
In January 2025, The Esther School reached out to ask if I’d be interested in filming a documentary about their school and their soon-to-be graduating class. My answer? Heck yes! This school has held a special place in my heart for years—some family friends founded it over a decade ago, and I’ve been following their journey ever since. Being invited to capture such a monumental moment—their very first graduating class—was an absolute honor.
The journey was an adventure in itself—four long flights, a nine-hour layover in London (which we used to explore the city), an overnight stay in the capital (Lusaka) upon reaching Zambia, and finally, a one-hour car ride to Nyangwena, the village where The Esther School campus is located. Thankfully, my mom had booked tickets to join me, making the experience even more special. After years of only seeing the school in photos and videos, arriving on campus felt surreal—it was all finally coming to life.
On the first official school day, I had the opportunity to meet the incredible staff, students, and workers who keep The Esther School (TES) running. One of the school's major initiatives is the Sunflower Project, which employs local Zambians to transform sunflower seeds into oil through a series of manufacturing steps. Alongside the sunflower fields is a thriving poultry operation, home to over 3,000 chickens that produce eggs both for the school and for sale at the local TES storefront.
Each day, I had the chance to visit classrooms and connect with the students. The Esther School serves around 400 students, from preschool through grade 12. I especially loved spending time with the younger grades—they were always eager to be in front of the camera and full of energy, especially during recess and P.E.
The First Official Graduating Class of The Esther School (2025)
On the quiet weekends when campus slowed down, I had the chance to explore the surrounding areas, including a visit to Chaminuka—a breathtaking nature reserve filled with stunning landscapes and wildlife. One of the highlights was getting up close with the elephants (Kachele and her adopted calves Flinto and Mwezi), even hand-feeding them potato peels and fruit—a truly unforgettable experience!
Once campus was bustling again, I had the chance to connect with the Kitchen Mamas—the incredible women who prepare and serve breakfast, snack, and lunch for everyone on campus. Each day, students line up by class, saying “thank you, Mamas” in unison with drawn-out vowels before receiving their meals. After the students finish eating, the Mamas wash every dish by hand. Their hardwork and dedication did not go unnoticed.
After a few days at the school, I began to connect with the people and understand the rhythms of village life. I started picking up their customs and even learned a few words in Nyanja, the local language. Everywhere I went, I was met with the warmest smiles and the most joyful attitudes—something that felt refreshingly different from our American culture.
One of the first words I learned was Muli Bwanji, which means "How are you?"—a simple yet meaningful greeting. In this culture, acknowledging others is a sign of respect, even those just passing by will look you in the eye and offer a kind greeting. Each person is acknowledged individually. Clasped hands symbolize respect, and addressing someone as “sir” or “madam” is customary. Not greeting someone isn’t just impolite—it’s considered offensive. Here, a greeting isn’t just a formality; it’s a way of saying, I see you.
As I sit and reflect on the incredible experiences I had at The Esther School, one thing is undeniably clear—God’s presence is deeply woven into the heart of Zambia and its people. If there’s one lesson I took away from my time there, it’s to walk by faith, not by sight.
God’s grace is evident in every aspect of life here—in the kindness of the people, the gentleness of the animals, the hope sparked by the school’s projects, the joy of the students, the dedication of the staff, and the warmth of the community that welcomed us so openly. Words can’t fully express how grateful I am for this experience, and I cannot wait for the day I get to return.
For now, Zikomo Kwambiri and Tiwonana Nyangwena!
If you would like to know more about The Esther School you can read here!
