"I am passionate about working in the rural areas..."

This week’s email comes from Belina Simushi, our Education Programme Officer

Today we highlight Mr. John Mutunduwatha Phiri, the head teacher at Sivwa Community School in Sinda District. Mr. Phiri is employed by the Zambia Ministry of Education and in 2021 he was assigned to be the Head of Sivwa, one of the schools where Impact Network operates. 

Previously, Sivwa did not have any government employees but ministry officials assigned Mr. Phiri to take on the role of Head Teacher. Having a government Head Teacher at a community school brings benefits to the school, as the Head is able to advocate for more services and programs. For example, Sivwa school now qualifies for a school lunch program for pupils that is only available to schools with a government teacher in place. Mr. Phiri is truly inspiring, as he has the passion to work with rural learners and support them.  While some educators hope to avoid work assignments in rural areas, Mr. Phiri says: “I am not concerned about the area or community I work in.  I am passionate about working in the rural areas because I feel those learners are less privileged.  My passion is to work with rural pupils and give them the needed support.” 

 Mr. Phiri started working at Nyamfinzi Primary School in Chipata District in 2014 before he was transferred to a government school in Sinda District in 2018.  When he arrived at Sivwa community school, he had to adjust to the common challenges of community schools such as lack of resources, lack of staffing, and lack of accommodation for teachers. The biggest of these challenges was a lack of staffing at the school. He found Impact Network operating two grade levels, but aside from Impact he found only one community teacher. At first, he wasn’t sure about Impact Network and was eager to learn more. Later on he was very happy to see how Impact Network operates. What really excites him is the use of the eSchool 360 model, including the use of projectors and tablets. He is also happy to see how committed the teachers under Impact Network are when it comes to work and delivering lessons.

With the contributions from Impact plus the recent government recruitment, the school has now enough staffing to provide teachers for each grade level which has solved the challenge of staffing. The school is continuously growing and there is ongoing construction of new classroom spaces which will curb the challenge of learning spaces for grades 1 – 7. 

“I am happy with the help Impact Network is giving to Sivwa Community School which is used for the purpose of learning. The organization has helped in building the School Hall and also the toilet the school has. I am happy with the way the Impact Network teachers are working closely with the new government teachers. The communication between the Impact Network managers and the Head teacher is very good which is strengthening the work.” 

Since coming to Sivwa, Mr. John Phiri has become a part of our extended Impact Network family.  He is quick to participate in projects and programs and is a good advocate for the school.  He has made strong relationships with learners, teachers and has also made many strong relationships with community members as well. With Mr. Phiri in charge, you will always be received with a welcoming spirit at Sivwa!

Thank you, Belina! I loved hearing about how we are working with government Head Teachers like Mr. Phiri.