Education Zambia Project #43633

Educate the Whole Girl & Her Community in Zambia

by Elizabeth Bowers Zambia Education Fund

Project Report | Mar 29, 2024
EBZEF Project Update #14

By Linda O. Bowers | Executive Director

Beth's Girls work hard on their studies!

Despite facing significant challenges, including a serious cholera epidemic that delayed school openings, a severe drought impacting Zambia, and the ongoing threat of Covid, the 22 EBZEF scholarship recipients have successfully maintained full engagement in their college studies. Sponsor encouragement sustains the spirits of Beth’s Girls. As a result, EBZEF expects 6 graduations in 2024 with 10 projected for 2025.

Basic School Headmistress Ireen reports on the Pre-School, “This year we have two categories of learners. First is 5 to 6 years: Girls 32, Boys 20 = 52. Second is 3 to 4 years: Girls 30, Boys 21 = 51. We have a total of Boys 41, Girls 62 = 103 children.” She adds, “The feeding program has continued, though we are able to provide a cup of tea with fritters for breakfast only due to limited resources with no lunch.” In addition, “Our maize field did not do well due to insufficient rain, so we are not going to harvest any maize.”

The Njolomba Science Centre is now fully operational. With your generous support, EBZEF has successfully funded the installation of a new water borehole, provided solar lighting for both interior and exterior spaces, purchased lab stools, essential science equipment and supplies, and added locking cabinets to enhance security. Science labs in secondary schools are exceptionally rare in Zambia, particularly in remote rural areas, making the Science Centre the crown jewel of EBZEF's secondary school project!

Additionally, the number of young women pursuing science studies here is impressive. Lab study groups often pair one male with one female student. Thanks to your support, we are helping to sustain a paradigm shift in the community's perspective towards the importance of women's education!

Breakfast for Pre-School learners

Science class in session

Science Lab operational solar lighting

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Dec 6, 2023
EBZEF Project Update #13

By Linda O. Bowers | Executive Director

Christabel, EBZEF's first Pharmacist

Beth’s Lady Christabel, now a full-fledged pharmacist, leads the way for other Beth’s Girl scholarship recipients to make a difference in her family, her community, and her country. She will be followed by a physician, a surgeon, an ophthalmologist, medical clinicians, and nurses, as Beth’s Girls pursue their studies. Others will be teachers, electricians, a metal fabricator, a caterer, a public administrator, and a sustainable natural resources manager as these remarkable young women fulfill their educational dreams.

Pre-School projects proceed apace. The children are both nurtured and nurturing by learning to grow their own food in the Food and Garden projects. The new lavatory construction is well underway, now water bourn with the second EBZEF-sponsored water borehole completed.

The official laboratory stools have arrived for the new Njolomba Science Centre. Lab equipment awaits delivery, while the government promises supplies in the new year. The government’s rural electrification program is now in Lumwana West. Plans are underway to connect the area to the national grid. EBZEF-funded solar floodlights are in place to assist the community-supplied guard for the Secondary School.

The Elizabeth Bowers Memorial Library has requested three new computers. Librarian Sandra tells us, “Libraries are not being used like they were in the past since people have opted for internet use. But rural setups like Lumwana West learners find it difficult to access internet due to costs.” Thus, many pupils and community members use the library computers.

Pre-School children tending school garden

Science classes under way

Community members using Library

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Aug 21, 2023
EBZEF Project Update #12

By Linda O. Bowers | Executive Director

Beth's Girls college/vocational school studies

Twenty-one Beth’s Girls are currently hard at work with their college/vocational school studies. They want to make EBZEF proud and to become role models for younger girls in their community. These remarkable young women are literally changing their world through education.

Great news! The Handover Celebration for the new Science Lab was held on July 25^th at Lumwana West Secondary School. The High Chief of the Lunda tribe, the District Education Board Secretary, the Honourable Councillor, and the District Commissioner all spoke as well as the World Vision Manager who oversaw the reconstruction of the building. EBZEF’s speech was delivered the by Basic School Headmistress.

The Headmistress reports, “There was jubilation in the community as the people of Lumwana thanked EBZEF for making this happen. They remembered ‘Beth’ as the Genesis of all the beautiful buildings lying at Lumwana West Secondary and Primary Schools, and now the Science Lab. After cutting of the ribbon, we all went to have a communal meal.”

You have helped to purchase lab stools for the classrooms. Science equipment and supplies will potentially be financed through a government grant. The electrical grid is making its way to Lumwana West. The Science Lab is wired to connect to it. World Vision will be assisting with upgrading the water program.

The most exciting observation is the number of young women who are studying science in the new lab! Whole new avenues of career possibilities hitherto unavailable to women are now opening up for Beth’s Girls! Beth’s legacy is indeed enriching the lives of the entire community.

Njolomba Science Centre Handover Celebration

Science Center Handover Celebration Activities

Science Lab in use without furniture and supplies

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