Child Protection

At least 450 children at Kakonge Primary School in Shangombo District now have access to a modern classroom block, thanks to ChildFund’s partnership with the Irish Embassy. In June 2022, ChildFund officially handed over the newly constructed school to the Zambian Government, marking a significant milestone for education in one of Zambia’s remotest districts near the Angolan border.

For parents like Grayon Mundia, whose daughter is now enrolled at the school, this development is life-changing. “This place was once covered in thick bush, with no school nearby for our children to learn. As parents, we took the initiative to build a simple mud and grass-thatched classroom to provide them with a learning space. However, this structure was fragile. Its roof was often blown off by strong winds, and classes had to be suspended during the rainy season.

ChildFund recognized our struggle and stepped in to support us. They built a permanent school structure, providing a safe and reliable learning environment for our children. In addition, they ensured access to clean water at the school, benefiting not just the students but also families in the surrounding community,” he shared.

Previously, children in the area attended classes in a mud-bricked, grass-thatched structure that was highly vulnerable to weather conditions. During the rainy season or colder months, learning was often disrupted, forcing students to stay home. The new classroom block is not only the first but also the only permanent school structure in the district, which has an estimated population of 84,070 people.

With a safe and stable learning environment now in place, children at Kakonge Primary School have a brighter future ahead, proving that strategic partnerships and community-driven efforts can transform lives through education.

“Education is a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty, particularly for children in rural and hard-to-reach areas. At ChildFund, we are committed to ensuring that every child, no matter where they live, has access to quality learning opportunities that equip them for a brighter future.
Kakonge Primary School is a great example of reaching children where they are to ensure none is left behind. Before, many children had no access to education, but today, those who once had no opportunity to learn are finally in school. This is the kind of impact we strive for,” said Tasha Simasiku, ChildFund Education Specialist.