My name is Twalumba Moonga, and I hail from Zambia. I pursued my education at African Christian University (ACU), focusing on Early Childhood Education and Christian Education, though my degree awaited official accreditation upon completion.
Music has always been a significant part of my life, serving as both a hobby and a profound passion. I find joy and purpose in composing, writing, and producing music.
I first encountered the concept of classical education through the Turnbulls, a missionary family involved in founding ACU. Their homeschooling approach inspired me to see learning as something enjoyable. This influenced my decision to pursue teaching, a path I had been aftaid of in the beginning.
Towards the end of my first year at ACU, I returned home for the long break. During that time, my 8-year-old cousin, who hailed from a rural village, stayed with us. I vividly recall an incident when I pointed to the sky one day, urging her to admire the rainbow. To my surprise, she didn’t recognize what it was. Her lack of knowledge extended to basic colors, highlighting the narrowness of her world. It struck me deeply how limited her understanding of the world was and how it hindered her perception of God’s creation. This realization spurred me into action, and I began teaching her how to read. Looking back, I believe that was the pivotal moment when I truly felt called to pursue a career in education.
Teaching at either a government or private school didn’t appeal to me. My own school experience had been less than enjoyable, which colored my perception of teaching negatively. It was perplexing, especially considering my mother’s passion for teaching music. Most of my teachers openly admitted that teaching wasn’t their first choice and lacked enthusiasm. This early exposure to disillusioned educators shaped my negative view of the profession.
When ACU didn’t offer Fine Arts, and I reluctantly chose education, I resolved to explore homeschooling. Whether it was for my own children or nieces and nephews, I was determined to provide a different educational experience.
The principles of classical education deeply resonate with me, particularly its emphasis on critical thinking and a genuine love for learning. I believe education is a transformative force, capable of unlocking individuals’ potential and inspiring them to worship God through their pursuit of knowledge.
My journey led me to discover New Saint Andrews College during Scholars Week at ACU, where Dr. Merkle’s discourse on classical education further reinforced my conviction in the transformative power of education.
My goal is to help reform education in Zambia, nurturing a culture of curiosity and lifelong learning. I piture a society where people are free to explore the arts and are not constrained by limited opportunities. I aspire to create an environment where people feel liberated to pursue their passions without settling for less due to perceived limitations. I want people to love to learn and to teach.