We’ve completed a project with Baraka Community Partnerships to build two new classrooms for primary and secondary school pupils in Kapiri-Mposhi district, Zambia.
This included a new classroom at Mount Camel school, where over 2,000 pupils shared 10 classrooms, and a new classroom at the Baraka Learning Centre.
The project has faced challenging building conditions. The failed rainy season of 2023-24 led to a severe water shortage and power cuts of up to 23 hours a day. This had a huge impact on productivity, manufacturing and the economy in Zambia as supplies ran short and prices increased with inflation approaching 20 per cent.
Easing overcrowding
Despite this, both classrooms were completed and are now being used by pupils of all ages. As well as easing the burden of overcrowding, the new classroom at Mount Camel inspired the building of a second classroom which was funded by the school, parents and volunteer donations. The handover was celebrated with dancing and singing, and attended by the District Education Board Secretary.
While at the learning centre, the new classroom allows Baraka Community Partnerships to develop its educational programmes and invite more local schools in. Previously, the library, ICT room and science block had to double up as classrooms so the new, bigger, classroom provides much-needed learning space. It also has a teacher’s room, storeroom and a medical and counselling room attached and has been decorated in bright, welcoming colours. The classroom can also be used as an activity and conference room, and will soon host a meeting of 90 local head teachers.
Massive impact
Andy McKee from Baraka Community Partnerships says, “Halcrow’s support for our Learning Centre has allowed us to grow and develop over the years and to attract other donors. In short, we simply couldn’t have had the success we have had without your support. With over 40,000 visits a year, the Centre is always busy and has a massive impact on educational standards in the area.”
The learning centre enables Baraka Community Partnerships to fulfil its aim of providing quality education to children and adults. This increases the number of students attending school and boosts exam results. The charity also aims to improve teacher motivation and professionalism, and inspire in the children a love of reading and learning.
You can read more about this project here.
