One of the keys to tackling poverty and unlocking the potential of a community is through educating the current generation. However, there remains a barrier to access education in many rural areas in Zambia. Many community schools have poor infrastructure and are sparsely located with some children having to walk over 6 km and in some areas over 2 hours to get to school. This has a negative effect on school attendance as well as reduced concentration in class as children have already spent energy just in getting to class.

Zambia Works is committed to contribute towards improving access to education by establishing or improving local community schools which can benefit disadvantaged children and give them hope for a brighter future. The aim is to establish schools in rural communities that are within walking distance from homesteads and can adequately accommodate pupils.

We believe that through the establishment and support of schools, communities can be transformed. Early marriages and teen pregnancies can be reduced when girls are educated and aspire to achieve a better life for themselves. Education is an equalizer and can provide opportunities for better employment and can allow for better decision making in improving one’s life and that of the community at large.

Zambia Works has completed 4 school related construction projects to date in rural communities in Western Province. 8 classrooms were constructed at Mawawa Primary School to improve the learning conditions of children at the school. At Ilundu Primary School, 12 classrooms and 2 laboratories were constructed. Zambia Works established Sishemo Mission Secondary School in which 10 classrooms were constructed and a semi-detached house for teachers. The mission of the school is to educate and nurture pupils by teaching a Christian worldview and promoting academic excellence. In addition, Zambia Works constructed Lutende Primary School in Lutende community with 10 classrooms, 4 stand alone teachers houses and 1 semi-detached teachers house. Before, pupils walked a long distance to access education, but the building of education facilities in localities has improved the attendance rate of pupils and the prospects for a better future for these communities