Luyando Community School

This school serves the very poor and troubled rural community of Kamafwesa, near Ndola in the Copperbelt Province of Zambia. It was established in 2006 by British businessman and philanthropist Martin Zuch, who formed and registered the charity Give Hope Trust in the UK for the ongoing support of the initiative. Two classroom blocks and two staff houses were built and teachers were appointed. A hammer mill was donated and continues to run for the benefit of the community and to support self-sufficiency.

The Limapela Foundation took over the administration of the school in 2013 to ensure its continuation, following difficulties experienced at that time with the local school administration. This charity operates in Zambia for the benefit of education in poor communities. Limapela, under Director Matthew Raymond, appointed Franchessca Mumba as head teacher, and Frankie has steadily worked with a team of 9 capable teachers to improve the lives of the 330 boys and girls enrolled today in preschool through Grade 7. Limapela continues to oversee all aspects of the local administration. Funding is provided jointly by the Give Hope Trust and Limapela. Stability and good standards of teaching are maintained by the Head Teacher under the guidance of Limapela.

Luyando is registered as a Community School under the framework of school categories outlined by the Government of the Republic of Zambia. While the future of this category has been under review, the ownership of the school is now being transferred to Limapela Development. Community Schools are expected to have administrative input from a Parent and Community School Committee (PCSC) which is elected by the local community.

A Rotary International Global Grant of US$90,000 provided funding in 2016 for the construction of ablution blocks with flushing toilets, washing and shower facilities at Luyando, improving sanitation and ending reliance on pit latrines.

Several private donors in New Zealand and the USA provided funding of US$ 9,000 in 2019 to made it possible to install solar panels, solar pumps and additional water tanks. This has made it possible to store a plentiful supply of water for 24-hour use, even when mains power is interrupted. Most of the school staff live on site in housing provided by the school, so the provision of reliable running water is the more important.

It is a challenge for many NGOs involved in education in developing nations to fund their organisations adequately, and the Give Hope Trust is no exception. We encourage donors to consider how they might support the Luyando Community School, and contact us for more information.