Friends of Chipako
We are a group of friends in the U.K. who are raising funds to build a school in Chipako, Zambia. We are holding car boots sales and baking cakes to raise the money. We hope to build classrooms and also a house for the teacher. We are using local labour to build the school.
Background
Chipako is a rural community located approx 80 Kms from Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, along the Great West Road.. The nearest town is Mumbwa (70 Kms), and the nearest clinic and post office Nangoma (12 Kms).
As the nearest primary school was more than 5 Kms away, the community decided to build their own school and employ teachers – funded by the parents of the children. The initial plan is for two classrooms connected by a small office.
Construction of the first classroom has started with labour, local sand, bricks and roofing materials provided by the community and additional costs met by “The Friends of Chipako Schoolâ€.
The school currently has 110 pupils in the first two age groups, with teaching being carried out in shifts.
Present Status
The first classroom is now complete as a shell and funds are being raised to finish this room and equip it with desks.
Equipping School
To provide teaching materials it is necessary to raise approx £500. Some second-hand books have been sent to Zambia already, and it is planned to send more this July.
Longer term
Once the initial classroom is completed the intention is to complete the planned office and second classroom. In addition a small house needs to be built to accommodate the head teacher, who currently lives in a hut provided by the community.
Government Support
The education authorities have helped in providing some teaching materials, but the school has to prove itself as a going concern before it can be fully supported by the government. Even then, support will be necessary as government funds will only provide for basics, and the funds tend to be erratic in delivery – teachers’ salaries are often many months over-due.
