Notes from Zambia

June 16, 2026

Some days might revolve more around an outreach activity, such as weighing and measuring babies at an ‘Under 5 Clinic’ in a village far enough away from our health post. But, recently, here is a pretty standard day in the life as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Western Province Zambia. I am located between the Zambezi River and Angola.

At around 05:30 I wake up, if not to my alarm, then to a nearby rooster. Then, for lack of refilling my gas tank, the brazier has been my go-to and now preferred method of cooking. After waking up, I light my brazier and prepare breakfast and coffee…oatmeal or sweet potatoes are currently in rotation. I let my dog inside and give her breakfast. All during which I prepare for my day (in the normal way one does, i.e. brushing teeth and washing your face – just with less running water and more buckets).

At around 8 a.m. I’ll head to my clinic, a 10 minute walk from home – 20 minutes with the ritual morning greetings from friends, neighbors and an army of children. Next, this part of my day varies, but for maybe 2 or 3 hours I will help out at the clinic in whatever aspect is needed. Recently we've been uploading ART Files onto a new online database - network connection, although, often controls these advances. Depending on the day I usually continue from there to do some sort of work related expenditure. Since I’ve recently had a grant approved, most days I’ll be doing some sort of preparation for the project. Today I've gone to visit the local carpenter who is building furniture for our clinic. I walked to his home about a 45 minute walk and checked on the progress of his work, and discussed transportation of the furniture.

Then, lunch! Another brazier prepared meal or occasionally, if the timing is right, a shared meal of Nshima with my host family. This now puts us at about 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. At this time I return to the clinic and help wrap up the day that ends at 4:30 p.m.; dispensing medicine or checking pharmacy stock cards.

The evenings after work are when I try to have some fun. It may be soccer practice, visiting a nearby friend, or a walk on the tarmac with my dog. But most days it begins by fetching two, 20 liter gallons of water from a nearby pump, then playing with the kids. We like to jump rope, draw, or attempt a mini English lesson. While the kids continue to play in my yard, I light my brazier by bumming lit coal from a neighbor and either make dinner then bathe — or bathe then make dinner. Would a bucket shower be considered a bath or a shower? Regardless, I am clean and full.

After eating, cleaning and sun setting, we’re at about 7 p.m., which might seem early to settle in for the night, but this gives me about an hour and a half to read, call friends from home, or do a little online work like type up a day in my life! 30 minutes to get ready for bed and a 9pm bedtime accompanied by some reading or journaling. Oh! and the Zambian village lullabies of the never-ending sound of loud speakers playing rap music or a special for tonight: traditional drums.

Goodnight. 

Kate Brown
Anthropology '25