Tabea Kusongwa is project manager of FCTrelief in Zambia. The Swiss who emigrated is most concerned for children and their hunger makes her sad.
Age: 36 years
Occupation: Nursing Specialist with focus on child care
Function in FCTrelief: Project Manager in Zambia
Professional background: Training as nurse HF with focus on children at nursing school Zurich, tropical course and ultrasound course, qualification exam in Zambia for foreign nursing professionals, internship at University Hospital Lusaka and a day clinic, registration of a day clinic near Lusaka, project manager of FCTrelief in Zambia
Family status: Married to Patrick, expecting with the second child
Greatest achievement in life: to start a family
How did you hear about FCTrelief?
As a member of FCTchurch, I got to know FCTrelief.
Why did you decide to emigrate to Zambia?
Nine years ago, I came to Zambia for two months to visit a relief organization. This planned to open a clinic and after this two-month visit I prepared to return to Zambia and work as a nurse in this clinic. I completed a tropical course in Tübingen and an ultrasound course in the hospital Schwyz. Two years later, in September 2012, it was time to return to Zambia where I live now.
What is your job in FCTrelief?
Meanwhile, the plans and ideas have changed and I no longer work as a nurse, but as a project manager of FCTrelief locally in Lusaka. I'm responsible for making sure everything goes as smoothly as possible and that we comply with government guidelines for a foundation. These include accounting, administration of the Foundation and project participants, reports, responsibility for the meals, food packages and medical care, and organization of women's meetings.
How do you like your work for FCTrelief?
It is not always easy to live and work in a foreign culture and to understand the way people work here. But giving help to the full and half orphans, who have no future prospects, and giving them hope in their lives, gives joy and gives meaning to the whole work.
What is your biggest challenge in the service of FCTrelief?
I find it a challenge to deal with cultural differences.
What do you value most about your co-employees in FCTrelief?
My co-employees appreciate the fact that they are passionately investing in our sponsored children: be it in class, during lunch break or on the edge of the football field with a conversation.
What was your main concern last week?
Misuse of trust and dishonesty are deeply rooted in Zambian culture. Building trust and being able to hold on to it is not a matter of course here.
What do you like to do in general?
I love to teach the children, spend time with them, and / or hear what they are doing and what challenges they have in their environment.
What do not like to do in general?
Completing and submitting pension and tax forms is not my cup of tea.
What is your greatest strength?
I am very structured and organized.
What is your biggest weakness?
Being so structured, I find it hard to be spontaneous. I can not stay well spontaneous in my structure and change plans. However, I have to say that I can do that better and better. I learned a lot during my almost seven years here in Zambia.
What do you do in your free time?
I like to spend time with my family and friends.
Who is your favorite person? Why?
Two people, my son and my husband. I love to spend time with them.
What is happiness for you?
A daily moment of joy. Be it that a child is happy and smiling because it has had a good lunch or when there is no traffic on my way to the city and I am making fast progress.
Which person would you like to swap with for a day? Why?
I would like to swap with a tourist in the National Park. The wildlife here is so beautiful and admirable, but unfortunately I have too little time at a moment.
Who is your biggest role model? Why?
My parents. They are so loving, empathetic, generous and good hearted. They raised six children and did a good job. They gave me many good values along the way, which I would like to pass on to my children.
Who would you like to meet? Why?
Mr. Bean. I would like to know if he is so funny or stupid in everyday life.
What else do you want to do in your life under all circumstances?
I dream of going on vacation with my family to Asia and Mauritius.
What is the most memorable moment you have experienced with FCTrelief?
It is memorable when I hear from children that they did not eat yesterday because there was no food at home. Unfortunately this happens again and again and makes me sad.
What do you want for FCTrelief?
I hope we have enough finances to be able to offer lunch five times a week instead of only three.
Why would someone visit Zambia?
It's great to get to know our students and employees in person and make your own impression on site. What you see with your own eyes touches a lot more than just hearing about it. Of course, the beautiful wildlife and the Victoria Falls invite you for an unforgettable holiday!