A new GENERATION......a new FUTURE ?

At Chilanga17th June : 08:30 hours, we reached RCZ Community School, about 12 kms from Lusaka city. Collins from WFP and Eddie Palula of World Vision too join us. World Vision is the implementation partner of WFP for school feeding programme and also undertakes education-related interventions like provision of books, stationery, uniform etc. and hence is an important link in the value chain.

A warm reception by the school management board and staff greeted us. A formal address by Mr. Zebron Zimba, the School Coordinator and Head Master, gave us an insight into the genesis of the school. Upon parents’ initiative, the local Church rented its building to provide education to the community children and thus from a humble 16 students in 2004, it has grown phenomenally to more than 275 in 2008! Thanks to the morning meals provided by WFP, as part of the School Feeding initiative. There is a conspicuous drive from the local community including the Church’s Elder to maintain the fabric of the society and they are involved in resolving major issues pertaining to the schools’ administration.

School Characteristics:
The teachers work here voluntarily. Inspired purely by a missionary zeal to help sustain the fragile society, broken by the deadly virus of HIV/AIDS, they take utmost care of the orphan and vulnerable children in a dedicated manner.
Though the school has basic amenities like writing board, seats-desks, posters on walls but the adequacy of these is wanting!

It was a sight to witness children happily eating HEPS (high-energy protein supplement) as their regular morning (& mostly the only) diet ….and, the awareness about basic hygiene is seen to be believed.

The day was spent having detailed discussions primarily on ‘Nutrition Education’ with the teaching as well as non-teaching staff and the community elders, the church pastor all of whom play a significant part in helping children have a promising future……that could alter the national economy of Zambia in the years to come! A-men.