by Rey Abolofia

On Tuesday, November 23, 2021 I bought a plane ticket from Portland, Oregon, USA to Lusaka, Zambia for a roughly 2½ month stay. On Friday November 26, 2021, the World Health Organization declared Omicron a variant of concern and I soon watched as country after country began restricting travel in and out of Southern Africa. As my trip drew closer, I had to ask if I really wanted to go despite the risk. Was it worth the chance of getting sick from covid? With all the flight restrictions, will I even be able to get back home? I drew up a list of pros and cons and ultimately made the decision to continue with the trip. I would like to share this decision making with you in hopes that more volunteers follow.

Covid Risk

The first thing I had to consider was getting ill from covid. Compared to other points in the pandemic, I realized my risk was greatly reduced. I’ve had the privilege of receiving three doses of the Pfizer covid vaccine which data has shown provides excellent protection from infection and hospitalization. I also for the first time found a high quality N95 mask that fits me well and comfortably for long periods of time. I knew this would be key to preventing infection during my long flights and layovers (about 40hrs total). These two things I knew meant I was going to be well protected from contracting the virus.

I figured once I arrived at Tiko I would be well taken care of. Right next door is the St. Francis Mission Hospital, the best hospital in the province where Elke the Tiko director once worked training nurses. Additionally, all but two of the 75 Tiko crew are fully vaccinated. Lastly, I knew that being summer in Zambia, I would be spending most of my volunteer hours outside around this vaccinated crew.

Other Risks

There are other risks I had to consider in addition to catching covid. For instance, I could test positive for the virus before getting on my flight home and thus need to delay my return while I quarantine for a week or more. To mitigate this risk, I bought top grade travel insurance which would cover any medical expenses while abroad, pay for any time I might spend in quarantine, and help me purchase a new ticket should the airline cancel my flight. I also worked with my doctors to bring two extra weeks worth of my medications in case of a longer stay.

Getting in to Zambia

Meeting the requirements for a tourist visa to Zambia was straightforward but did require extra coordination. I needed a negative PCR test within 72 hours before my flight. During the height of America’s omicron surge, it was difficult to find a free rapid test and frustrating to have to reschedule it at the last minute when my flight was inevitably delayed. Arriving in Lusaka, they looked at the printed copy of my PCR test (they also accepted electronic verification methods), then I proceeded to customs. I was never asked for my vaccination card nor did they heavily scrutinize the validity of my PCR test. The only question the customs officer asked me was why I was only staying for two months when I could stay for three.

In retrospect, I am so glad I decided to make the long journey to Tikondane. I have so far enjoyed every minute of my stay and am already seeing a real impact of my volunteer efforts. I encourage other volunteers to come to Tiko now despite the virus’s uncertainty. There is a true need for your help and it is well worth the extra logistical hassles.

I am Rey Abolofia from Portland, Oregon, USA. I will be at Tiko volunteering from January 21 to about March 28, 2022. I am honored to be Tiko’s first visiting volunteer since March 2020.

For more on volunteering information at both the bakery school and Tikondane please see our Volunteer page.