Our latest infrastructure additions...

School is a building which has four walls with tomorrow inside. – Lon Watters

Inadequate infrastructure is a common challenge for community schools in Zambia. The absence of enough learning space and sanitary facilities is a reality for many Impact Network schools as well. Throughout the year, we continuously assess all school structures to determine the priority needs. In addition to small maintenance works, we carry out larger structure repairs, primarily to roofs and sometimes to walls. Typically, we do this between terms while the schools are empty to avoid disruption as much as possible. Then, whenever funds become available, we construct either classrooms or latrines.

In many schools, number of students enrolled does not match with the available classroom and latrine infrastructure. Mnyaula Community School, for example, is a school in Katete District that has 375 pupils in ECE through grade 7, and was until recently sharing 4 classrooms. This meant that 2 grade levels were learning from a nearby church. Fortunately, a recent grant from Deloitte Africa has allowed us to construct a much-needed additional classroom at Mnyaula.

Unlike classrooms, latrines have additional issues because they can fill to capacity, or collapse due to poor construction or the ground moisture content. In the last year we have facilitated the building of sanitary facilities with strengthened foundations, ramp access, and private female wash areas at six schools. Nyakutwa and Chamboo schools benefited from Deloitte Africa as well, while Gunda, Kamwaza, Chatata and Kayowozi received latrines thanks to a grant from the German Embassy.

With every build, we collaborate with the community to contribute materials like bricks, river sand, crushed stones, and for help to fetch water. Ultimately the additional infrastructure belongs to them and will enable their children to have safe place to learn. We are excited to have these improvements to improve our communities, and we are especially grateful to the funders that made it possible!

-Lweendo