Where we work in Central Province

We work in Bwacha Township in Kabwe, the capital of Central Province. 100km north of Lusaka, Kabwe is in the heart of what is known as the Copperbelt. Above all, Kabwe has the dubious reputation of being named the world’s most toxic town by pollution experts due to a century of lead mining and smelting. Although the mines closed in 1994 the dusty soil in the surrounding area still has extreme levels of lead.

More than one third of the population of Kabwe live in lead-contaminated townships and this can cause many problems. For instance, children exposed to lead contamination can experience reading and learning challenges and can lead to a range of disabilities. Human Rights Watch research found that lead contamination in Kabwe has a disproportionate impact on those living in deprived areas.

We know that education is a proven route out of poverty and gives children the potential to transform not just their lives but the lives of their family. Each extra year of education raises lifetime earnings by around 10%. 

Our work

Through our two grassroot partners in Central Province, Angelina Tembo Girls School and Stephen Luwisha we are supporting secondary pupils with uniforms, books, stationary and school fees as well as providing daily nutritious school meals for pupils.

ZOA wants to break the cycle of poverty and improve social mobility in Zambia. We aim to equip particularly disadvantaged students with vocational skills to help them access good jobs in professions like teaching or in healthcare, enabling them to earn an income that could lift their entire family out of poverty.

To do this we pay the college or university fees, provide refurbished laptops and pay for transportation or accommodation costs for any of our students who pass their Grade 12 exams with good results to continue their education.

We’re delighted that five former students have graduated from Nkrumah University and are now teachers working in schools throughout Zambia. We currently support 9 students in tertiary education.

In order to make the school meals programme sustainable we have worked with Angelino Tembo school on  income-generating activities such as poultry, piggery and vegetable growing that have not only helped the school raise funds but have also provided protein and vitamin rich foods for the pupils.

Angelina Tembo Girls School

A photo showing tertiary students at Angelina Tembo School

Run by the Sisters of Mary Immaculate, Angelina Tembo Girls School in Kwacha Township, Kafue has been supported by ZOA since 2006. 

Stephen Luwisha

A photo of Live Changa receiving a laptop from ZOA

Based in the heart of Kabwe town, Central Province, we are supporting 49 orphans and vulnerable children from primary to tertiary education through Stephen Luwisha.

The next generation of teachers

Monica, 21 years old

“I want to continue my education because I believe education is the key to success, hence I’ll succeed in life. I will get a stable job after college. I will also donate to ZOA so that through me others are educated.”

[Monica is now in her third year at Kabwe Institute of Technology. She is studying for a Diploma in Education. ZOA supports her college costs. She is pictured helping out at Angelina Tembo Girls School, to give something back to the community.]

Empowering students with disabilities

Live, 26 years old

I wanted to study medicine because I want to serve my community by saving lives and contribute to the development of my country.”

[Live is a second year student training to be a Clinical Officer at Agape Nursing School, Kabwe. Live’s parents are both dead and he and his younger sister are albino. There are more than 30,000 albinos in Zambia who face widespread social prejudice.]


Help Change a Child's Future

Your help can support children through primary and
secondary school, provide nutritious school meals so pupils
aren’t learning on an empty stomach and support those that can
through tertiary vocational training. We provide a holistic
approach so also provide mental health support and other inputs
where needed.

Thank you! Your support makes a big difference.

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