The visit to the Kalimba Reptile Park, near Lusaka, was an exciting day trip for 45 UNICAF students in Zambia in November. The event, organised by UNICAF, was a huge success, with the students enjoying games of scrabble, volleyball and pool and then taking a guided tour of the park.
Conquering their fear of snakes, some students dared to hold a trained python; they also learned interesting facts about Africa’s reptiles, and saw some of the most dangerous species living in the Park. The Park rangers explained to the group what to do if a crocodile attacks, as well as which types of snakes are poisonous and can paralyse or kill humans with their poison. Zambia’s oldest crocodile, 65 year old ‘Mr Chongwe’, was also visited by the students. The rangers explained the medicinal value and uses of the different kinds of indigenous trees growing in the park.
The weather was pleasant and the students enjoyed a delicious barbecue served on the park grounds; the lunch provided another opportunity for students to connect and interact. More students were added to the UNICAF Zambia Students’ Whatsapp group, which is used regularly to exchange ideas, discuss assignments and communicate
The main topics of conversation between students related to the excellent assistance offered by student advisers at the Lusaka Call Centre, and to the convenience and flexibility of online study via the UNICAF Virtual Learning Environment. Students who have visited the state-of-the-art Unicaf University campus in Lusaka expressed their enthusiasm and said that they are spreading the word among their circle and plan to visit again with friends who may be interested in enrolling for a degree programme.
