We supported a project by Zambia Orphans Aid to build a fish farm at a community school in Mazabuka District in Zambia.
This UK-based charity works with community-based groups to help vulnerable children in Zambia access education by providing uniforms, books and tuition fees. It also funds nutritious school meals, helps school leavers gain vocational qualifications and provides reusable sanitary pads to keep girls in school.
Building the pond
According to the United Nations, 64 percent of Zambia’s population live in extreme poverty. Many children live in households run by grandparents or children and survive on less than £1.70 per person per day. Halcrow Foundation funds helped build and stock a fish farm that feeds more than 600 vulnerable children who attend a community school. A 20 by 30-metre pond was dug by local people, which created employment, and lined with plastic sheeting. It was then filled with water from boreholes. A wire fence was built around the perimeter for safety, and a disinfection facility installed by the gate. The project also aimed to sell excess fish stock to the local community, with profits paying for running costs and more fish.
Improving pupil attendance
The fish farm aims to provide 7,000 fish per year to feed the children, and provide income to pay for running costs and more fish. Education is a pathway out of poverty for many, and the school hopes the protein-rich food improves pupil attendance as well as academic performance. School staff reported that the project has been so successful they plan to farm animals too.
