Community Action Transforms Learning Conditions at Maiko Mpange Primary School

At Maiko Mpange Primary School, seeing children sitting on the floor during lessons was once a daily reality. With limited classroom space and a shortage of desks, students struggled to concentrate, affecting their performance and enthusiasm for learning.

"We were sitting on the floor, and that impacted our school performance because most children never paid attention," recalls Janet, a Grade 6 pupil at Maiko Mpange Primary School. "Many lost interest because they couldn’t stand sitting on the floor without desks. Due to insufficient classrooms, we had to learn on a rotational basis for a short period to allow others to also have a chance."

This dire situation changed when World Vision introduced the Citizen Voice and Action (CVA) approach to the community. 

As World Vision Zambia Citizen Voice and Action (CVA) Coordinator, Louis Malubila explains: “CVA (Citizen Voice and Action) is more than just a methodology; it is a movement that fosters ownership, accountability, and sustainable development. When communities are empowered to engage in meaningful dialogue with the government, the results are transformative." 

“Real change happens when communities are empowered to articulate their needs, and governments are responsive to those needs. Through CVA, we have seen improved public services, including the construction of a 1x2 classroom block at Maiko Mpange Primary School—an achievement that has led to a 100% pass rate at Grade 9,” he added.

Stanslous Chisanga, the CVA Chairperson at Maiko Mpange, shares how the initiative transformed their outlook and actions.

"We are very grateful to World Vision for opening our minds and empowering us with knowledge. Before, we did not understand our role in bringing development to our community. Now, we know that as a community, we have a role to play in improving our school infrastructure.

"For Maiko Mpange Primary School, we engaged our area Councillor and Member of Parliament to find ways to construct additional classrooms. When we started the CVA committee, we weren’t sure how it would work. However, after an exposure visit to Chibombo District in Central Province, we saw firsthand how effective CVA can be. Seeing their success motivated us. If they could do it, we knew we could also succeed and make a difference for our children."

Through advocacy and collaboration, the community secured support for new classrooms and desks, significantly improving the school environment. The transformation has had a ripple effect, encouraging students who had dropped out to return to school.

Geoffrey, another Grade 6 pupil, testifies to the change: "The new classrooms have encouraged those who had left school to come back. The school is now attractive and spacious, making learning more enjoyable."

Osward Mulenga, the Deputy Headteacher, highlights the impact of CVA on the school’s growth.

"We are grateful to World Vision for the positive changes we are experiencing. The CVA group has given our school a facelift and created a conducive learning environment. As a result, our enrolment has doubled from 300 to over 600 students. This has led to improved academic performance and greater motivation among both pupils and teachers. Previously, teaching was a challenge due to the poor conditions, but now, the enthusiasm among students and teachers is evident."

Mulenga further adds, "One of our most remarkable achievements is recording a 100% pass rate at the Grade Nine level, which we attribute to the new classroom block. The improved learning environment has allowed students to focus better, and our teachers are more motivated than ever."

The success of CVA at Maiko Mpange Primary School is a testament to the power of community-driven development. By equipping communities with knowledge and tools to advocate for better services, CVA continues transforming lives and creating sustainable change, one school at a time.