Scotch College

Construction continues apace at Kapumfi

Progress continues to be made at Kapumfi Basic School in Zambia.

Words: Mark Williams - Staff Photography: Paul Newnham, James Garrick and Heather Hardie

Since the inaugural Scotch Kapumfi tour last September, when a group of Scotch staff and students attended the opening of the school in Kopa Chiefdom, progress continues to be made.

The school-related construction in Zambia is the culmination of a partnership with World Vision, launched in August 2005. The Scotch community aimed to raise $153,000 over three years but reached the target in only nine months.

Already three classrooms, a staff house and six toilets have been constructed at Kapumfi, and this current infrastructure is to be replicated in the coming months. A school library will also be built. Now 448 Kapumfi children are receiving the hope that comes with a formal education.

The following is an excerpt from the latest report from the field, prepared by recently appointed Kopa Area Development Project manager Wezi Kaira:

‘The community has constructed a three-classroom block, a staff house and six ventilated improved pit latrines. During the construction, the community prepared the locally available resources that included bricks and sand. The local leadership ensured active participation by the community members and collaborated with government ministries for technical support.

‘The Ministry of Education monitored the construction work in all the phases, starting from foundation, construction of walls, roofing and finishing. The six toilets have contributed to improved hygiene within the school environment. The girl child is free to attend classes for there are now enough sanitary facilities within the school.’

Kapumfi Basic School Head Teacher Emmanuel Chansa is a 54-year-old father of ten. His six boys and four girls were all born and raised in the Kapumfi Chiefdom.

Emmanuel has been teaching in Kapumfi for 21 of his 29-year career. He has endured many hardships during this period, including three years when he and his family stayed in one of the dilapidated staff houses on site, but they have recently been living in a grass-thatched house in the village.

‘Life has not been easy in the village due to risks of fire during the dry season,’ Emmanuel said. ‘During the rainy season the house would leak and the entire family got soaked’. Emmanuel and his family have now moved into the newly constructed three bedroom house at Kapumfi. They wish to express their deepest gratitude to the Scotch community.

For updated information about Kapumfi and to view pictures, please visit www.scotch.vic.edu.au/kapumfi/kapumfi.htm GS