Makangwe is a community about 26 kms south of Lusaka. Although it is a rural, subsistence farming based community, those lucky enough to have jobs will be working in Lusaka.

The school exists at present but is woefully inadequate for the number of children it serves. There are currently 274 pupils enrolled and yet the school has just 1 2-classroom block for teaching grades 1-7.

It is a community school, which means it is outside of the government system. This is because, despite a Government commitment to free primary education, there are not enough facilities for all children to attend government schools. In addition many cannot afford to, as despite the education being free the hidden costs of uniforms, additional tutoring and materials costs put government education out of the reach of many.

Like many Zambian communities, Makangwe's response has been to set up a local community school funded and run by the community themselves. Some, like Makangwe, are lucky enough to be supported by organisations such as ZOCS (Zambian Open Community Schools) a local NGO which supports Community schools with teacher training, school materials and income generation projects.

The school is community run and has a strong committee driving it forward. It has a hammer-mill which generates some income by grinding maize for people, and is hoping to start a kitchen garden and piggery in the next few years as a further step on the road to self sufficiency.