Over 100 children in the isolated rural community of Katole are looking forward to the opening of their new school with hundreds more children to benefit over the coming years.

The original old mud block building had collapsed. However the children continued to be taught in the remains of the school which was unsafe and had no roof making it impossible for lessons to be held during the rainy season.

Work has been completed on:

• The construction of a new two classroom block to replace the old unsafe rooms. There is now an office and a strong room to keep exam papers secure, which means that the school can become a registered exam centre in the future
• The construction of accommodation for teachers. As a direct result of providing accommodation, Zambian Ministry for Education has allocated two qualified teachers to move and teach at Katole helping to give local children a higher standard of education
• The construction of a new latrine block with separate cubicles for boys and girls, to help encourage more girls to remain in school
• Provision of access to clean water for drinking and handwashing, helping to improve pupil health and wellbeing

The project was completed on budget and despite the recent rains was completed on time. We look forward to sharing photos of the official opening in the spring.