In the Zambian educational structure, students attend Primary school from Kindergarten through Grade 9 (not a typo, this is how they refer to it there!). At the end of their primary schooling, students must pass a rigorous exam, administered in English, to go on to Secondary School (the equivalent of American high school – grades 10-12). For those who did pass in the Dwankhozi community, the closest Secondary schools were boarding schools very far from their home. The cost of traveling, room and board, as well as educational supplies were far more than families could afford.<\/p>\n
As Dwankhozi Hope came alongside the community and the school grew, more and more grade 9 students began to pass their exam. We began to sponsor individual students to go to a boarding school each semester. Then, as the number grew, the Dwankhozi PTA (made up of parents and community leaders) helped distribute financial aid to families from a general pool, based on need. But this wasn’t a sustainable solution.<\/p>\n
So finally it came clear what needed to happen to truly transform these children’s educational opportunities: build a Secondary School right in the community so more students had access to affordable further\u00a0education. So that’s just what we’re doing!<\/p>\n