Across rural Zambia, many children face serious barriers to learning, from overcrowded classrooms to the absence of safe water. UNICEF notes that 21% of schools lack basic water access and 17% lack basic sanitation, conditions that directly affect children’s health, attendance, and performance.

What began as one young woman’s act of kindness has grown into a movement touching thousands of children. Through the partnership between Amy Bell Charities and ChildFund, more than 5,790 children in rural Chongwe now have improved access to education, clean water, and opportunities that once felt out of reach.

In honour of ChildFund sponsor Amy Bell, who passed away at age 33, her parents Larry and Ellen Bell chose to carry forward her commitment to serving children. Through Amy Bell Charities, they partnered with ChildFund to uplift the community of Emmanuel, Amy’s sponsored child, and extend support to thousands more children.

One of the clearest examples of this impact is Nyashishi School. Once a small community school where as many as 80 children shared a single classroom, it has now been fully transformed through this partnership.

Honouring Amy’s Wish

The Nyashishi School Improvement Project aims to:

• Expand access to quality education for 5,790 children
• Improve access to clean and safe water for households and schools in Chongwe’s Nyashishi and Chainda communities
• Establish a Youth Resource Centre for vocational, digital, and entrepreneurship training
• Strengthen community leadership, resilience, and ownership through local partnerships

The Nyashishi School Improvement Project aims to:

• • Expand access to quality education for 5,790 children
  • Improve access to clean and safe water for households and schools in Chongwe’s Nyashishi and Chainda communities
  • Establish a Youth Resource Centre for vocational, digital, and entrepreneurship training
  • Strengthen community leadership, resilience, and ownership through local partnerships

Amy Bell Charities is a philanthropic organisation dedicated to improving the lives of children and young people in Africa and other underserved regions. Established in memory of Amy Bell; an avid traveller, horsewoman, and humanitarian; the foundation continues her commitment to compassion-driven development.

The charity funds impactful, long-term programs in education, water access, and youth development, ensuring Amy’s legacy continues to inspire hope and opportunity

Learn more:  https://amybellcharities.org

District multisectoral teams

Role: The District Multisectoral team in Chongwe plays a central role coordinating and providing oversight to ensure the project is aligned with government standards, integrated across sectors, and delivers sustainable impact for children and communities.

Ministry of Education

Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation

• Chongwe

• Over 500 children benefit from improved classroom environments and better-equipped teachers.
• Over 500 households now access clean and safe drinking water
• A total of 1,300 young people now access services at the Youth Resource Centre. Services at the center include: basic computer skills, reproductive health education, business development, life skills and leadership.
• Strengthened collaboration between ChildFund Zambia, the Chongwe District Council, and local leaders ensures long-term sustainability.
• Reduced waterborne disease risks and improved hygiene in households and schools.