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Although we're a rather large family, living at Liyoyelo is like living in any other home in the village of Limulunga. At Liyoyelo, we consider it important for the children to learn the many valuable traditional skills that the older generation can pass on. One example is the plastering of a traditional hut.
The first step is gathering a plant called Lwambo. This is a type of grass which grows in the bush surrounding Limulunga. This plant is picked and placed in a large tub of water. The Lwambo is then vigorously scrubbed and crushed. It releases a sticky sap which, mixed with water, creates a runny glue-like substance.
The next step is to mix this watery 'glue' with some earth, as you can see Mwangala doing on the right. This creates a thick and sticky mud paste and the plastering can begin.
Supervised by the Matron, Mwangala and Kamwengo plaster the inside of the cooking hut. Once dried, this traditional plaster becomes quite hard. It will last until the end of the next rainy season, so at least one year, until it needs to be renewed again. All components for this plaster are locally available, entirely bio-degradable, and even more importantly - free! The mud walls will stay cool in the hot summer, and retain the heat in the winter months.
In the context of global environmental degradation and widespread poverty, maintaining the knowledge of traditional skills is perhaps more important than ever.
Liyoyelo Community Trust/Liyoyelo Project, Plot 2, Waterplant Road, Limulunga, Zambia
Tel: 00260 979 439 700 Email: liyoyelo@gmail.com