Recently, the Ellenville Central School District (ECSD) received exceptionally special visitors from Zambia! Sr. Majory, who runs St. Mary's School for students with vision impairments, some of whom also have albinism, and Sr. Maria, who runs Kacema Musuma orphanage, visited our District as part of a broader trip to New York to share their important mission.
This meaningful cultural exchange came about through the efforts of Frank Mulhern, Community Engagement Coordinator, and his work with the Rhinebeck Lion's Club. After speaking with students at the Jr/Sr High School, they visited Kim Wright's Grade 2 class (pictured here), where students learned key facts about Zambia and practiced greetings in Bemba, including "Mwapoleni" (hello) and "Natotela" (thank you).
This visit is part of an ongoing international exchange between St. Mary's School for the Visually Impaired, the Lions Club of Rhinebeck and the Ellenville School District. Since 2018, Mulhern has brought ECSD alumni and Ellenville students on trips to Zambia to learn, share and engage with Sister Marjory and Sister Maria's communities. He will be returning to Zambia again in spring 2026 with Ellenville grads, current students and faculty, while bringing essential supplies and braille equipment to the children of St. Mary's and Kacema Musuma orphanage. Our Grade 2 students are already planning their own cross-cultural contribution to send on the next trip! We're grateful for this opportunity to connect our Blue Devils with students across the world.