CCAP Community Schools in Zambia - March 2021 Update
The CCAP Community Schools Program in Zambia exists to help vulnerable and orphaned children receive an education. The daycare and nutrition centers, which began in 2001, have evolved into early learning centers for thousands of children who would not be able to attend schools otherwise. Demand for education is high as 52% of Zambia’s population are under the age of 18.
Like so many programs, the Community Schools Program has suffered under the restrictions of the government’s efforts to control the spread of COVID-19. There are 30 still-functioning schools in three provinces (Lusaka, Copperbelt, and Eastern) that are operating on a reduced schedule. Some schools have temporarily closed as parents and guardians have withdrawn their children to work, and there are no funds to pay the teachers’ allowances. Teacher training workshops have been suspended, and home life has also been challenging. Many parents and caregivers are unemployed or under-employed due to the economic impact of the virus. Nearly all of the 4000+ students have no access to ‘virtual’ or e-learning opportunities. Teachers and guardians are concerned that idle children will lose interest in learning, and become vulnerable to unsafe social behaviors, including abuse, crime, unwanted pregnancy, and alcohol use.
The Outreach Foundation has sent funds to provide supplies for hand washing and extra desks to accommodate the physical spacing of students. Five schools have also received funds for small income-generating projects and extra textbooks and materials. Additional funds are needed to help sustain the schools and support the Coordinator, Ms. Mabuchi Ndhlovu in her work of encouraging teachers, distributing materials.
Thank you,
Frank Dimmock, Africa Mission Specialist
Read more about CCAP Community Schools in Zambia HERE.
THE NEED
The Outreach Foundation is seeking to raise $10,000 for CCAP Community Schools in Zambia. You may make a gift HERE or by sending a check to our office.