The World Health Organization reports that starting school at an early age is more important when young minds are stressed by poor nutrition. This is why many developing countries now have mandatory 2-3 year attendance at Early Childhood Development (ECD) programs before children are allowed to attend primary school. Without these preschools, the children have no opportunity for education or a bright future. Establishing these education centers is a huge challenge in impoverished communities and requires the help of NGOs.
History
The people of Zamani live in a remote and impoverished area in rural Zimbabwe. They live 8 km from the nearest primary school. This is a tremendous distance for young children to walk, requiring them to leave home at 5:30 am to reach school on time. They often return home after dark.
The treacherous 16 km round trip walk is a barrier preventing many children from attending school. To overcome this barrier, a tiny pre-school was established in 2013 to better serve them. This Zamani ECD School is a single room thatched roof mud hut for teaching children ages 3 – 7.
While visiting the pre-school, BAOBAB STRONG recognized the problems of teaching in a small hut. The space was severely limited. There were no teaching materials or furniture. The school had no electricity or toilets. Water for drinking and handwashing had to be carried over long distances to the hut. The school needed help!
In response, BAOBAB STRONG reached out to the 40 children of Zamani ECD in 2015, providing fundamental learning materials (paper, pencils) and assistance to construct a toilet.
PHASE I:
Zamani Primary Takes Shape
To overcome the limitations of using a small hut, in 2017 BAOBAB STRONG began building a proper primary school block (two classrooms) for the students.
Through contributions from our generous donors, and non-profit charities collaborating, this Phase I building project at Zamani was successful.
Current Goal:
PHASE II:
Zamani Primary School Expansion
During Phase I, the initial Zamani Primary school building was built. That was quite the leap from a simple mud hut, as shown here, and a major achievement for rural Zimbabwe. Following the success of Phase I, enrollment at Zamani Primary has tripled. With 135 students now enrolled from preschool through Grade 4, the school is growing quickly, but classroom space has not kept pace.
Currently, up to 80 students share a single classroom. To manage, classes are held in shifts, and some lessons take place outdoors. The need for additional learning space is urgent.
Phase II will add a new classroom block, doubling the school’s capacity and reducing overcrowding. Zamani Primary has received approval to expand into a school, serving students through Grade 7.
This project will require site preparation, foundation, walls, floors, roofing, windows and doors, desks and chairs, and outdoor toilets.
This construction is key to align with Zimbabwe’s goal of providing quality primary education, and with the United Nation’s Strategic Goal #4 (accessible effective Quality Education). With your support, we can create a better learning environment that will benefit children for years to come.
