Scotch College

Kapumfi is ‘changing its face’

A new headmistress arrives at Kapumfi as attendance rates rise and construction nears completion.

WORDS: Mr MARK WILLIAMS • DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL SERVICES

PHOTOGRAPHY: Mr WEZI KAIRA • WORLD VISION ZAMBIA

Like Scotch, Kapumfi recently farewelled its long-serving leader. Mr Emmanuel Chansa had taught in the Kapumfi area for over 20 years when he announced his retirement in June. The Zambian Ministry of Education subsequently appointed Ms Phyllis Ngoma, a trained librarian, to the position of headmistress. Just as Scotch embraces an exciting era under the direction of our new Principal, so too do the students, staff and community of Kapumfi.

Grades three and five teacher Mrs Luzendi has also been recently sent to Kapumfi by the Zambian government. Her appointment was made possible when the second of two Scotch-funded teacher homes was recently completed.

Mr Katongo continues to teach grade four and seven at Kapumfi. When recently interviewed he explained that attendance rates are up from 50 per cent to 85 per cent following the improved facilities provided through the Scotch/Kapumfi partnership.

The latest progress report received from the field states: ‘Kapumfi school is changing its face as every phase is completed. It is now able to provide a wide range of activities for students. The new school will benefit more than 3000 school-aged children in the area. Currently the enrolment is at 448 (258 boys and 190 girls). These students are now learning in a much more conducive environment.’

The third and final stage of construction has begun at Kapumfi. The science laboratory and library will increase the number of functioning classrooms to seven. Plans are also under way to facilitate the drilling of a borehole, which will further improve sanitation following the installation of six ventilated pit latrines earlier in the year. GS