5 Key Lessons Driving Impact in Zambia
This week’s email is from Jess Brown, the Director of U.S. Philanthropy Thank you Jess!
I’ve just returned from a transformative trip to Zambia, where I had the privilege of seeing our work firsthand! From classrooms filled with eager learners to passionate teachers bringing lessons to life, I saw firsthand how Impact Network and PEAS are driving meaningful change. But I also saw the stark realities outside of our schools—educational inequities and challenges that persist despite Zambia’s commitment to education for all Here are five key lessons from my journey:
Access Isn’t Enough—Quality Matters
Zambia has achieved impressive enrollment rates, but rural schools remain under-resourced, with overcrowded classrooms and limited teacher support. Providing access isn’t enough; that’s why we invest in teacher training, leadership development, and local partnerships. By strengthening the entire learning environment, we ensure students don’t just attend school—they thrive within it.
2. Interventions That Work
The energy in our classrooms is undeniable—engaged teachers, interactive lessons, and students using technology to enhance learning. I saw children learning English through song and movement, their laughter filling the room. It’s clear that innovative, hands-on approaches make learning joyful and memorable.
3. Supporting the Whole Child
Education goes beyond academics. I met students participating in Girls’ Club, slam poetry, and science experiments—activities that nurture creativity, confidence, and leadership. These programs provide safe spaces where students can develop skills that reach far beyond the classroom.
4. The Power of Great Teachers
At a teacher training, I observed educators refining techniques from PEAS’ Top Ten Teacher Practices. From using positive reinforcement to employing quick, engaging transitions, these methods empower teachers to create inclusive and dynamic classrooms. A standout moment in a classroom? Watching students and teachers dance between lessons—blending joy, energy, and learning seamlessly.
5. Building Bold, Curious Students
During a student Q&A, I was inspired by their questions: “What do other parts of the world know about Zambia?” and “What’s the weather like where you live?” Their curiosity is a testament to how quality education opens minds, nurtures leadership, and builds global citizens
Thank you for being part of this journey. I’m excited to continue this work together, expanding opportunities and building brighter futures for even more students.
