Blog

Last christmas not only gave us my heart (if you catch my meaning) but news from Schulfee in Zambia, too. We are glad to announce that by way of the continued support from our donors the projects could expand even further. In the cities of Chirundu and Maamba cooperations with more schools have been started and a total of 150 pupils has been supported!

But we do not lose sight of the supportees from the early days. Shebby Maingaila and Delphine Chiimbwe by now visit class 11 and five pupils from Tiyamike Community School in Chirundu, that have been supported in 2015 and passed their exams, have been supported in 2016, as well.

Tiyamike pupil with Mr. Phiri from the Development Office

Situation in Zambia

The passing year has been tough on Zambians. Economic crisis and decreased harvest due to dry periods have been stressing the rural population in southern Zambia in particular.

In Maamba a large number of pupils have even been sent home - against better judgement - in order to raise money for school fees. But even small partial payments have been too much to ask for. A dilemma for the teachers as well, since on the one hand the fees are desperately needed to sustain the school service but on the other hand a big ratio of drop-outs has to be accepted this way.

The more reason for relief about Schulfee’s new support. The head of Nkandabbwe Secondary School in Maamba, Mr. Munalula, took it to himself to notify the parents about the now possible return of their children to school.

The whole situation of course does not go unrecognised of the pupils. According to Mr. Munalula they have trouble concentrating and loose faith in the system of educational. Where there is a will, more often than not there still is no way.

Approach

Our partners from the diocese Monze continued to work in coperation with the local parishes and schools to select pupils for support. The motivation and guidelines of the project are discussed with all newly participating schools. As we have seen last year, a common understanding is not to be taken for granted.

Facts and Lookout

The sheer numbers are overwhelming:

• Chirundu, Tiyamike Community school, 45 pupils
• Chirundu, Chirundu Secondary school, 5 pupils
• Monze, St. Mary’s school, 60 pupils
• Maamba, Nkandabbwe Secondary school, 20 pupils
• Maamba, Maamba GRZ Secondary school, 20 pupils

Pupils from Nkandabbwe, Maamba

We do not loose ourselves in statistics, though, and are glad for every single pupil who we can provide with one year of education without financial stress - and for every family that wins previous time in order to save for the next year. The schools are enjoying an increasing amount of passed examinations and eagerness in learning.

Currently there are discussions with the school concerning the support for a longer period of time, up to graduation. Learning materials like books and pencils may be helpful as well (as always, we operate on basis of individual pupils, not subsidizing schools).

To conclude with Agnes Simoloka’s words:

“Education is the best gift anyone can give to the other person.”