An eye-opening trip for Kevin O’Brien

This time 12 months ago I was training with the Dublin Senior footballers preparing for a Leinster Football Final against Meath. This year, while my team mates are doing the same, all has changed for me. I ruptured my anterior cruciate ligament while representing DIT in the Sigerson Cup in February 2014, and since then my routine is defined by light exercise and injury rehabilitation as I work hard to get back on the field.

Injury is the hardest time for any player and I was very disappointed to miss the same opportunities to compete for a start with the Dublin senior footballers. I was however surprised to realise that this injury has brought about many different opportunities; the best of which was undoubtedly my invitation to join a group from St. Joseph’s CBS of Fairview, or ‘Joey’s’, which was travelling out to Zambia. Thirteen students from 5^th Year and Transition Year accompanied by 8 teachers traveled to Zambia as part of an Immersion Project. The aim was to make Joey’s students more aware of the challenges and problems that developing countries face. 

The goal is not necessarily to change Africa, but for Africa to change you! 

Trips like this led to the foundation of a Zambian Aid charity called ‘Zamda’ (www.zamdaireland.com), and students from Joey’s were going out to continue Zamda’s work of building a new school for street children in the city of Kabwe, in the Central Province. The school is called ‘Sables’ and they have been forced to leave their current premises as it is being sold. The race is now on to get the new school buildings built before they are evicted, and the goal is that the new premises will provide the school with much more stability and security.

Before I traveled I had to raise €1500. The fundraising was an important aspect for me because I now see how much it means out there. I was delighted with all the support I received from friends and family, Dublin players, the Dublin County Board and also our new sponsors, AIG, who all contributed in their own way in order to help me meet my target. Without their help, I wouldn't have been able to travel to Zambia, and I wouldn’t be able to share my experience.

When I first arrived in Sables I was blown away by the warmth and friendliness of the kids. 

These were some of the poorest children in the world and all they did was smile, laugh and play.

I think it’s fair to say each one of us developed a special bond with one student at Sables. Mine was Kelvin! I think we connected because of the similarities in our name, but for whatever reason this 10-year-old child would not leave my side. 

One day he was roaring crying as he thought I had not arrived with the group. When he realised that I was just hadn’t gotten out of the back of the car he jumped in, hugged me and continued to cry. To realise the effect our trip had on some of the people here is something that will never leave me. All the kids were a joy to be around and they certainly gave us the motivation to go to work while we were there.

For me the highlight or perhaps emotionally 'lowlight' was when we would drop 4 different children from Sables home after school each day, with the aim of seeing their living conditions while also meeting the families. We brought food and other gifts to each home we visited, but I soon realised the true hardships of Zambian people.

Most of the children are from Makalulu, Southern Africa’s second largest slum, and it’s is a vast expanse of mudhuts, cramped housing and no sanitation systems. Stories of poverty, disease, rape and abuse are the norm. Within these slums there is a ‘missing generation’ as a lot of middle aged people have died due to HIV and AIDS. This has left a generation of weak and old grandparents looking after their grandchildren, it was an upsetting place to experience and there are individual stories I will never forget.

For me, education is of massive importance if Zambia is to move forward. Going to school for a Zambian is more important than any money. At Sables kids are guaranteed food during the day, organised recreational activities and an education, which will give them the opportunity to escape poverty. They can forget about their upbringing, even just for a number of hours and live a normal childhood.

This trip was an eye opening experience for me, and it makes me appreciate all the small things in life. Since I’ve been back, I am more thankful for everything and I realise that the injury has been as fortunate for me as it has been unfortunate. It took me a while to come to terms with the injury as my life revolved around football, but after Zambia I know I have little to be sorry about. 

With the help of our dedicated medical team I will be back in 2015 doing what I love, playing with Dublin, but for many Zambians they will never get the opportunities in life to do what they love doing. All I can do is help promote the work being done by St Joseph’s CBS and Zamda, and thank everyone who helped me on my journey. I will certainly be back out there if the chance arises again.

- Kevin