Rural communities in Chibombo District face persistent challenges in accessing quality education infrastructure, safe water, and adequate sanitation. These gaps continue to affect school attendance, retention, and learning outcomes, particularly for vulnerable children.

Katete Primary School, established in 1960 as a community initiative, was among the affected institutions. Limited classroom space led to overcrowding, while inadequate sanitation and lack of safe water contributed to poor hygiene, reduced learning time, and barriers to consistent attendance, especially for girls.

ChildFund, in partnership with a local organization and with support from the District Education Board, conducted a comprehensive needs assessment. The findings highlighted key challenges, including a shortage of teachers, poor teacher-to-pupil ratios, inadequate classrooms, limited sanitation facilities, lack of electricity, and insufficient teaching and learning materials.

In response, ChildFund launched the Katete School Improvement Project with support from Ackermans through the Transearch Foundation. The initiative takes an integrated approach, investing in school infrastructure, water and sanitation systems, and community engagement to create a safe, inclusive, and conducive learning environment.

This work builds on earlier philanthropic support from Ackermans in Zambia, which began in 2010 at Namununga School. At the time, the school served 769 learners with only one classroom block. Investments included the construction and furnishing of five solar-powered classroom blocks, ten solar-electrified teachers’ houses, an early childhood education centre, and the expansion of learning services from pre-school to secondary level.

Building on these results, Ackermans extended its support to Katete Primary School through a structured 10-year School Improvement Plan, now in its fourth year of implementation.

The Katete School Improvement project aims to:

• • Improve education outcomes and learning environment at Katete Primary School.
  • Increase access to quality education among 1021 children (learners). 
  • installing solar systems for the teachers’ houses and classroom blocks.
  • Improve water, sanitation, and hygiene services.
  • Strengthen school and community capacity to sustain development outcomes.
  • Promote child protection, participation, and well-being.
  • Support long-term community resilience through partnerships.

Transearch Foundation

Learn more at: https://www.transearchchildfund.org/ 

The Ackermans’ sustained support demonstrates the importance of strategic partnerships in improving learning environments and strengthening community development outcomes.

ChildFund Deutschland

Learn more at  https://www.childfund.de/ 

ChildFund Deutschland plays of resource mobilization, while also providing strategic guidance, technical support, and oversight to ensure projects meet global quality standards.

Chibombo District Multisectoral Team

The District Multisectoral Team provides coordination and oversight to ensure alignment with government standards and sustainability of interventions.

• Chibombo

• Over 1,300 learners benefit from improved classroom environments.
• More than 6,000 households have access to clean and safe drinking water.
• 5 classrooms, three offices, and four solar houses are electrified to support digital learning and enable evening study sessions and adult literacy programs. 
• Improved sanitation facilities support learner health and school retention.
• Enhanced teacher accommodation contributes to improved teacher retention.
• Reduced risk of waterborne diseases in schools and surrounding communities.
• Strengthened collaboration between ChildFund Zambia, local authorities, and community leaders.