Projectleader: Thomas

Every child has the right to an education. Yet, around 272 million children between the ages of 6 and 18 do not have access to school.

We believe in education as the key to changing lives in Meheba. That’s why we support schooling for children and youth — from first grade to university level. In the past, we helped cover the annual school fees, but since primary education became free in Zambia, the needs have shifted. Many children still cannot start school without a uniform, books, and necessary supplies — which families must provide themselves. Today, this is what we ensure, so that more children have the opportunity to attend school.

We also support some students through university education, and we aim to expand this support in the future.

School building

 

Distance is another major challenge. Schools in Meheba are far apart, and some students must walk up to 18 km each way to attend classes. This makes it difficult for many children to complete primary school.

To get more children into school, we are helping to build a new school in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan in Zambia — a project scheduled for completion in 2025/2026. This school will be able to accommodate up to 700 students.

Girls dormitory

For young girls, the long daily journey to school can pose significant challenges — both due to the risk of exploitation along the way and because the distance makes it difficult to attend classes regularly. Girls who live too far away are at high risk of early marriage or unintended pregnancies, which makes it difficult for them to complete their education.

To give girls a safer daily life and a better chance of completing their education, we run a girls’ boarding house with space for around 40 students. Here, they have a safe and stable home — just a stone’s throw from school — allowing them to focus on what matters most: learning and building a better future.