In Zambia, there are three options for schooling primary grade children (grades 1-7): private schools, government schools, and community schools.
Private schools only accommodate a small percentage of children in Lusaka because of the high costs associated with school fees, uniforms, and books.
Government schools are Lusaka’s form of free public education for children in grades 1-7. However, these children are still expected to pay for the standard school uniform, notebooks, and school supplies. Because of these hidden costs, approximately half the population of children in Lusaka cannot afford to go to these government-run schools. Yet, even if this is affordable, in government schools a child will find him or herself among 50-80 children in one classroom with one teacher, often without proper materials, textbooks, or facilities. A child will only be in school approximately 3 hrs /day.
Community schools are the last resort for many children who cannot afford private or government schools. Community schools are opened by variety of groups: non-profit organizations, churches, or even parents in a home. No credentials, training, or even resources are required of those who start up these community schools. Generally, the quality of education in this kind of school is very poor due to a lack of proper materials and training of teachers. Yet, in most of these schools, children can come for free.
Because of the lack of proper public schooling for children, many local churches are opening up community schools in their church buildings. Teachers are selected from volunteers in the congregation. Often, these teachers have no training or experience as teachers, yet their heart and dedication are huge. Many of the children allowed to attend these schools are not just children from their own congregation but also children from the local community.
Our desire at Action Zambia is to help support the church’s efforts in these schools. We have done this in a variety of ways, yet most of the focus has been in supporting, training, and equipping the leaders and teachers of these schools. We equip them with curriculum for quality Christian education and phonics-based reading material. Our curriculum is simple and God-centered. Teachers are trained in the implementation of these curricula.
Through support, encouragement, and training of church-run, community school teachers, Action Zambia seeks to create an environment in which children in these schools will grow up with a solid
understanding of who God is and will learn to read and write.
Presently, Action Zambia is involved at various levels in four local church-run, community schools in Lusaka: Kanyama Emmanuel Community School, Misisi CMML Community School, and Living Hope Community School
How does Action Zambia engage community schools?
Through:
- Teacher mentoring
- Enhance competency of teachers
- Observation of teachers (with feedback)
- Modeling teaching techniques
- Discipleship of teachers
- Weekly Bible studies
- Establish relationships
- Offer theological training to provede link to PLD
- Teacher Training Workshops
- Intensive workshops during holiday between terms
- Assist with purchase of curriculum, supplies, and as appropriate furniture
- In unusual circumstances we may assist with building projects
- Feeding program
- Establish sound Christian Education curriculum
- Work with school boards