Project New Ngoma

Project Report | Sep 30, 2026
September Update - Construction Progress!

By Polly Vacher | Project Leader

From Fundraising to Building

We are delighted to share the most exciting progress yet from Project New Ngoma. Since our last update, construction of the new teacher accommodation at New Ngoma School has officially begun.

After many months of fundraising and preparation, work started on the ground at the end of July. The project has since progressed steadily, and it is incredibly rewarding to see the generosity of our supporters being transformed into real buildings that will make such a difference to the school and its children.

Construction Progress

As work began, the construction team identified an important issue with the existing water supply. Water is essential for mixing concrete, so the school borehole was flushed and fitted with a new pump to restore a reliable supply.

With water available again, construction was able to move forward. Backfilling was completed to slab level, followed by the pouring of the concrete bases. By September, the first teacher's house had reached ring beam level and was approaching the roofing stage. The foundations for the second house had also been dug, while the third had been pegged out ready for construction.

This means that all three planned accommodation units are now under way at different stages, a major step forward for the project.

Fundraising Momentum

Our supporters have continued to make this possible through a remarkable range of fundraising activities. The special evening at The Mill at Sonning in May raised more than £5,000, while Buffy and Tom Buckman completed their extraordinary challenge of five marathons in five days.

Together with further fundraising events, individual donations and the continued generosity of our supporters in the UK, United States and elsewhere, we have now raised over £36,000 towards our £40,000 target.

Looking Ahead

Our focus is now on completing the three accommodation units and raising the remaining funds needed to reach our overall target.

These homes will allow additional teachers to live close to New Ngoma School, helping the school's 160 pupils move towards receiving a full day's education and strengthening the important connection between education, community and conservation alongside Kafue National Park.

To everyone who has donated, fundraised, attended an event or shared the project, thank you. Seeing the buildings now rise from the ground is a wonderful reminder of what your support is making possible.

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Apr 30, 2026
Project New Ngoma - April Update

By Polly Vacher | Project Leader

A Major Milestone Reached

We are delighted to share that Project New Ngoma has reached a significant milestone. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we have now raised sufficient funds to begin construction of the first teacher accommodation unit. This is a crucial step forward for New Ngoma School, where the lack of housing has been the primary barrier to bringing in additional teachers. Construction is scheduled to begin as soon as the rainy season comes to an end, marking the transition from fundraising to tangible progress on the ground.

Why This Matters

New Ngoma School serves 160 children in a remote area bordering Kafue National Park, yet currently operates with only three teachers. Many pupils receive only half a day of education due to limited capacity. By providing safe and permanent housing for teachers, we can unlock the ability to bring in more staff, ensuring children receive full-time education while strengthening the school’s role in conservation awareness within the community.

Community Efforts and Fundraising Momentum

Support for the project continues to build in inspiring ways. A number of fundraising initiatives are underway, including an upcoming event at the Mill Theatre on 2 May. In addition, dedicated supporters Buffy and Tom Buckman are undertaking an extraordinary sponsored run, covering 30 miles a day over five consecutive days. Polly is also preparing for a sponsored walking challenge in May, mirroring the daily journey of the school’s headteacher, who walks 5 miles to and from school each day. These efforts not only raise vital funds but also help bring the realities of life in New Ngoma closer to supporters.

Looking Ahead

With construction of the first unit imminent, our focus now turns to maintaining momentum and securing funding for the remaining accommodation blocks. Each completed home brings us closer to a future where every child at New Ngoma School has access to consistent, high-quality education. We are deeply grateful to all donors who have supported this journey so far. Your contributions are creating lasting change for both the local community and the surrounding wildlife that depends on it.

Thank you for your continued support for Project New Ngoma.

Links:

Project New Ngoma Website

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Oct 31, 2025
Project New Ngoma - October Report

By Polly Vacher | Project Leader

Project Overview

New Ngoma School is located in a remote community adjacent to Zambia’s Kafue National Park and provides education for 160 children aged between 5 and 15. The school plays a vital role not only in delivering education but also in fostering conservation awareness among young learners and their families. However, the school currently faces a critical shortage of staff housing, limiting its ability to recruit and retain qualified teachers.

The Project New Ngoma initiative aims to raise £40,000 to construct three permanent accommodation units for teaching staff. This will enable the government to post additional teachers to the school, ensuring that every child receives a full day of education and that conservation education continues to grow within the community.

Progress Update

We are delighted to share that the project has recently reached an important milestone. Over £3,000 has been raised via GlobalGiving, complemented by an additional £1,000 contributed through DSWF. There are many exciting fundraising activities planned, including the Butcombe Bingo event, a local quiz evening in Pangbourne and on the 2nd of May 2026 we have reserved the entire Mill at Sonning (near Reading) for a very special evening of theatre and dining. We are therefore optimistic about reaching the £12,000 target required to begin construction of the first teacher’s home soon.

Community engagement remains strong. Awareness materials are being developed, including a new batch of 1,000 leaflets to be distributed locally and through upcoming events. This outreach not only helps raise funds but also reinforces the project’s mission of connecting education and conservation.

Looking Ahead

Once funding for the first unit is secured, the build will commence under the supervision of Game Rangers International, ensuring local oversight and sustainable construction practices. Each completed home will directly contribute to improving education quality, staff retention, and long-term conservation impact in the area.

We are deeply grateful for the ongoing generosity and encouragement from all donors who have supported Project New Ngoma. Every contribution is helping to lay the foundation for a brighter and more sustainable future for the children and wildlife of Kafue.

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