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Lesedi School — Service, Connection, and a Day I Will Never Forget

When I envisioned this trip to Zimbabwe, I knew I wanted more than breathtaking landscapes and incredible wildlife encounters. I wanted to connect with the people — not just through curated tourist moments, but in a meaningful, human way. I wanted to learn, to serve, and to leave something behind that reflected gratitude for the beauty we were receiving from Africa.

After conversations with our guide, Courtney, we decided that painting a mural at a local school would be the perfect way to blend artistry with service. Through the help of Love For Africa, arrangements were made for us to spend the day at Lesedi Secondary School, just outside Victoria Falls.

Before I continue, it’s important to share who this school is and what it represents.

According to their mission:

“Lesedi offers quality education and practical skills to vulnerable children and youth in rural Zimbabwe, empowering them to rise from poverty and build sustainable futures through knowledge, character development, and opportunity.”
(Source: lesedizim.org)

From the moment we learned about their mission, we knew this was exactly the kind of experience we hoped for.

“This is Africa” — and everything that phrase holds

Our day began with what became one of the most endearing running jokes of the entire trip. We were delayed… and delayed… and delayed. We needed to pick up paint, and we needed to wait for the paint, and we needed to wait a little more.

Every time we asked for an update, we heard the same phrase, said with warmth and humor:

“This is Africa.”

We ended up adopting that phrase for the rest of the trip — a reminder to breathe, let go, and move at the pace of the place you’re in.

Painting an Ocean Scene in the Heart of Zimbabwe

When we finally arrived at the school, we assessed the long exterior wall that would become our canvas. We chose to paint the ocean — an underwater world — because many of these children may never have the opportunity to see the sea. In fact, despite living not far from Victoria Falls, many of the students have never even visited the falls.

The sun was relentless, and the paint dried almost instantly. We painted as fast as we could, laying in flowing shapes of water, fish, corals, and marine life. Our hope was to give the kids a window into a different world — one that belonged to them just as much as to anyone else.

Lunch with future leaders

In the mid-afternoon heat, we paused for lunch — and it wasn’t just a meal. It was an experience.

Students in the Food Technology and Hospitality program prepared and served it themselves. The food was delicious, and the professionalism, confidence, and pride from the students were undeniable. These programs give young people a path to employment — a livelihood — in a region where opportunities are limited. Watching them shine was deeply moving.

Painting with curious minds

After lunch we returned to the mural, hoping to finish as much as we could before closing time. Some of the students joined in — shy at first, then braver. They asked questions about animals and art, how to draw, how to paint, how colors work together. Their faces lit up as the wall transformed.

Even those who didn’t paint hovered nearby, watching every stroke.

The awe in their eyes will stay with me forever.

Though we made tremendous progress, time eventually ran out. The school grounds were closing, and we had to leave before we completed the mural. It was hard to walk away, knowing the ocean scene still had room to grow — but we also left knowing that we would be back on Sunday and something bright and beautiful was now theirs.

It felt like planting a seed.

A night of dancing and celebration

From the school we went straight to a traditional Boma dinner, and this one was much more lively than the first. There were a lot of people — locals, guests, staff — all joined in song and dance. A colorful cloth was tied across our shoulders as part of the welcome, and we were ushered into the dining hall with drums shaking the air.

The food was plentiful — meats, vegetables, spices, and flavors rich with tradition.

And then came the mopane worm challenge.

My sister, naturally competitive, decided she needed the certificate that proves you ate one. She convinced me to try too — and I wasn’t even remotely tempted until they offered me the smallest worm they could find. She ate a rather large one… so I figured I could swallow the tiny one.

So yes — I did it. And I earned the certificate.

(I’m not sure if I’m proud or mildly horrified, but I did it. 😂)

The night ended with drumming and dancing, and we all found ourselves on the dance floor — moving to the heartbeat of Africa, laughing, losing track of time and self and everything else.

A day of meaning

Of all the extraordinary things we experienced in Zimbabwe — lions, elephants, leopards, sunsets, safaris — this day at Lesedi School may have meant the most.

We came hoping to give something.

Instead, we received so much more:

• Connection

• Curiosity

• Laughter

• Gratitude

• Hope

These students are the future of Zimbabwe.

To witness their talent, dignity, joy, and determination was a privilege.

I will never forget them.

Part 3 — An Adventure at the Victoria Falls — is coming soon.

Thank you for traveling through these stories with me.
This experience isn’t just living in my memories — it’s already shaping the artwork waiting to be painted.

With a full heart,
Leslie