World Vision Zambia, Education Above All Foundation, and FAWEZA Hand Over Mechanised Water System at Chuulu Chikunka Primary School in Namwala district.
By Kambani Phiri, Communications, Zambia
World Vision Zambia, in partnership with the Forum for African Women Educationalists of Zambia (FAWEZA) and Education Above All Foundation’s Educate A Child Programme, through the Empowering Vulnerable Children with Education (EVE) Project, has successfully handed over a 10,000-litre mechanised water system at Chuulu Chikunka Primary School in Namwala district. This system aims to provide clean water to over 400 students, significantly improving their learning environment and overall well-being.
Commenting on the new facility at her school, Jesper, a seventh-grade student, expressed her joy and gratitude for the water system.
"As pupils at this school, we are excited because we didn't think we would have tap water in our lifetime. This water system opens opportunities for students as more will now stay in school. This gesture will go down in history, and we promise to protect this infrastructure and use it for our benefit," said Jesper.
During the handover ceremony, Namwala District Education Board Secretary Mr. Mwiinga Chilika appreciated the efforts of World Vision Zambia and its partners in enhancing the education standards in the district.
"We are grateful to have World Vision Zambia, Education Above All, and FAWEZA for their work towards improving education standards. This water system is a huge milestone for us, especially for the 407 children, as it creates a conducive learning environment and provides quality education for learners," said Mr. Chilika.
Dr. Mary Joy Pigozzi, Executive Director of Education Above All Foundation’s Educate A Child programme, emphasized the importance of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in keeping children in school.
"Our joint EVE project in partnership with World Vision is working to remove the barriers that hinder access to and retention in education. In Zambia, this approach includes ensuring access to clean water, especially for girls, which is often a key to enabling enrolled children to remain in education and learn.
The EAA representative also expressed appreciation for the support rendered by the Stay in School Committee.
"We are happy that the project is working closely with children, parents and communities to ensure buy-in for all activities towards the development of children’s education," said Dr. Pigozzi.
World Vision Zambia's Associate Director for Grants Management, Mercy Chabu Ngoma, emphasized the positive impact of the facility on the quality of education for children.
"We aim to improve attendance rates, reduce waterborne diseases, and create a more conducive learning environment for our children. We give special attention to ensuring WASH facilities are friendly to girls' and women’s needs and accessible to people with disabilities," said Ms. Ngoma.
Additionally, FAWEZA Executive Director Constern Kanchele called on the community to use the infrastructure prudently.
"We want to see more children, especially girls, in school, and that is why we are bringing infrastructure such as this system to ensure we create a conducive environment. I want to ask the community to protect the water system to serve its intended purpose and prolong its lifespan to benefit even the future generation," said Mr. Kanchele.
The EVE project's aim is to increase retention, access, and learning of 7,000 at-risk children in quality primary education in Zambia by 2025. It is implemented in 37 schools in Namwala district of Southern Province.