By Samuel Mbewe
Kafue, Zambia – December 3, 2024
World Vision, AB CFAO, and CFAO Zambia have joined forces to build two 1×3 classroom blocks at Mpande Primary School in the Chipapa area of Kafue, a project valued at over $200,000. This initiative aims to improve access to quality education for the local community, which has long faced educational infrastructure challenges.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, World Vision Country Director Marc Nosbach highlighted the significance of the project, which also includes the construction of an ablution block and accommodation for teachers. Nosbach emphasized that once completed, the project will substantially enhance the quality of education available to the community, benefiting both students and educators alike.
“This project is part of our ongoing efforts to invest in the future of Zambia’s children, providing them with better learning environments and opportunities for growth,” Nosbach said. “It’s our hope that this will not only improve educational access but also empower the local community as a whole.”
Moola Shuwanga, Group Customer Relations Manager for CFAO Zambia, expressed the company’s commitment to improving education, describing the partnership as a significant milestone in the shared goal of providing high-quality education to underserved communities.
“The construction of these classrooms is a concrete step toward providing a brighter future for the children of Chipapa,” Shuwanga said. “Education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty, and this project exemplifies our commitment to that cause.”
Lusaka Provincial Education Officer Felix Ngoma, who read a speech on behalf of the Ministry of Education’s Minister, Douglas Siyakalima, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting quality education through public-private partnerships. He commended the collaboration between World Vision, CFAO, and the community for their efforts to improve the learning environment at Mpande Primary School.
“The Ministry of Education is proud to support such partnerships, as they play a crucial role in achieving our national goals of improving education quality and accessibility,” Ngoma said. “We look forward to seeing the positive impact of this project on the community.”
The new classroom blocks, ablution facilities, and teacher accommodation will address critical infrastructure needs, providing a more conducive learning environment for the students and ensuring that teachers have the necessary resources to deliver quality education. This project aligns with the broader efforts of both government and private organizations to uplift education standards in Zambia’s rural areas.