We’re supporting Baraka Community Partnerships to build two new classrooms for primary and secondary school pupils in Kapiri-Mposhi district, Zambia.
A shortage of schools in rural Zambia means many communities have no access to quality education. Schools that are open are greatly underfunded and have insufficient infrastructure, facilities and resources such as classrooms, toilets, teaching and learning aids, and the vast majority receives little or no teacher training.
Challenging conditions
So Halcrow Foundation is funding the construction of two new classrooms with our long-term partner, Baraka Community Partnerships. The project involves building a new classroom at Mount Camel school where over 2,000 pupils currently share 10 classrooms, and a new classroom at the Baraka Learning Centre.
The project was completed despite challenging building conditions in Zambia. 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. Despite this, the new classroom at Mount Camel was completed. As well as easing the burden of overcrowding, it inspired the building of a second classroom which was funded by the school, parents and volunteer donations.
Huge impact
Baraka Learning Centre is always busy, with over 40,000 visits per year, and has a huge impact on educational standards in the area. Since we began funding the centre in 2018 it has grown and developed, adding new teacher houses, dormitories and a playground. This 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, is located in the forest area and has been decorated in bright, welcoming colours. The classroom will also be used as an activity room and a conference room, and will soon host a meeting of 90 local head teachers.
The growing learning centre enables Baraka Community Partnerships to fulfil its aim of inspiring children, teachers and the community to the benefits of education. This increases the number of students attending school and helps to boost exam results. The centre also aims to improve teacher motivation and professionalism, and inspire in the children a love of reading and learning.
Photo credits: Baraka Community Partnerships
