Educate and Empower Children in Rural Zambia

1. Introduction

The Lead Me Back Foundation’s Education Programme is dedicated to ensuring that vulnerable children in Zambia have access to quality education. Our interventions focus on school essentials provision, climate education, capacity-building, and community engagement. This year, we have continued to strengthen partnerships with schools, government stakeholders, and communities to support children’s learning journeys.

2. Key Achievements (January – September 2025) a. Guardian for a Year Project

• Supported 250 vulnerable children across 5 districts with school essentials (uniforms, shoes, books, stationery).

• Worked closely with parents and guardians to reduce dropout rates and keep children in school.

b. Book & Shoe Drives

• Carried out education material donation drives in underserved communities.

• Delivered 100 pairs of shoes and 1000 learning materials to schools in Mwinilunga..

d. Capacity Building for Teachers

• Facilitated training sessions for teachers and community educators on inclusive education, climate literacy, and psychosocial support.

• Partnered with the Ministry of Education to align training with national standards.

3. Outcomes & Impact

• Improved Access to Education: Vulnerable children who previously risked dropping out are now able to stay in school.

• Enhanced Learning Environment: Provision of books, uniforms, and shoes has boosted learner confidence and class participation.

• Community Involvement: Parents, teachers, and local leaders are increasingly participating in education-focused initiatives.

4. Challenges

• Funding limitations restrict the scale of support (not all vulnerable children are reached).

• Rural schools face infrastructure gaps (inadequate classrooms, desks, and libraries).

• Rising costs of school supplies continue to strain the programme’s budget.

5. Next Steps (October – December 2025)

• Expand the Guardian for a Year Project to include additional districts.

• Launch a school mentorship programme pairing older learners with younger pupils for academic and personal support.

• Strengthen advocacy campaigns to push for policies linking climate literacy with mainstream education.

• Conduct endline assessments to measure the full impact of the year’s interventions.

6. Conclusion

This year, the Lead Me Back Foundation’s Education Programme has made tangible progress in improving access to education for vulnerable children while promoting climate literacy. With over 1,000 students impacted through various interventions, our work continues to create opportunities, empower communities, and shape a future where no child is left behind.

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