“Empowering Education”

… ActionAid Zambia Transforms Suulu Community School with Vital Infrastructure and Financial Empowerment Initiatives

By Francis Maingaila

Lukulu, Zambia24 (16-04-2024) – ActionAid Zambia has delivered a significant boost to Suulu Community School in Lukulu District, Western Province, by providing two classrooms and 50 desks valued at K670,000.

Jovina Nawenzake, interim Country Director of ActionAid, emphasized the organization’s commitment not only to poverty alleviation but also to ensuring universal access to education for all children, positioning it as a fundamental right rather than a privilege.

Handing over the infrastructure to the community, Nawenzake stressed the importance of creating a conducive learning environment, especially for the 226 learners who have endured sitting on mud floors for years, leading to high absenteeism during rainy seasons due to wet conditions.

Furthermore, Nawenzake called upon the government to fulfill its obligation not only by providing education but also by addressing crucial needs such as housing for teachers and access to safe drinking water at Suulu.

Beyond infrastructure, ActionAid’s initiatives extend to implementing water reticulation projects in three Lukulu communities and establishing 31 Savings and Internal Lending Communities (SILC) groups, empowering women financially through entrepreneurship.

The concept of self-sustaining communities lies at the heart of ActionAid’s efforts, aiming to foster autonomy and resilience. The formation of SILC groups in Lukulu exemplifies this, enabling women to define their priorities and work collectively towards self-sufficiency.

Edson Mwansa, Acting Lukulu District Administrative Officer, lauded ActionAid for its pivotal role in addressing the educational needs of Suulu Community School, noting the organization’s decade-long presence has positively impacted residents socially and economically.

He highlighted the increasing demand for classrooms, emphasized by the government’s Education for All Policy, underscoring the significance of ActionAid’s donation in mitigating challenges within the education sector.