Step Towards Progress

.. As Shalom Lobby Government Support for Accommodation and Inclusive Education for all Learners irrespective of their status

By Francis Maingaila

Kanyama, Zambia - (February 7, 2025) - Shalon School in Kanyama is urgently appealing for financial support to construct a 1x3 classroom block to address a growing overcrowding crisis that is straining its ability to provide quality education.

Head Teacher Mulonda Manyando made this appeal when Kanyama MP Monti Chinkuli handed over 200 desks to the school.

While appreciating the donation, Manyando emphasized that the school continues to struggle with severe infrastructure challenges due to the increasing student population.

“Our resources are stretched to the limit, making it difficult to meet the needs of every learner,” he said. 

“It is heartbreaking to see parents desperate to enroll their children, yet we simply do not have the capacity.”

Manyando urged community members, stakeholders, and organizations to step in and help alleviate the crisis, ensuring that students receive the education they deserve. 

Shalom School is the only institution in Kanyama providing inclusive education to over 920 learners, including children with special needs. 

However, the school is often forced to turn away children with disabilities, such as those with visual impairments, due to limited space.

Despite the desks improving the learning environment, Manyando stressed that more resources are urgently needed to accommodate the growing number of students. 

Speaking at the same event, Elipus Lugowa, the PTA Chairperson, noted that the overcrowding issue is worsened by a shortage of classrooms and desks.

“We urgently need more desks. This donation will help, but we must do more to create a comfortable learning environment, improve student concentration, and ultimately increase our 87% pass rate toward 100%,” Lugowa said.

Another major challenge is transportation for special-needs learners, as some children are too large to be carried by their parents.

Lugowa called on the government and stakeholders to donate vehicles to ease transportation difficulties and facilitate participation in educational trips.

The school has been advocating for the construction of a 1x3 classroom block and a 1x2-story building to alleviate the overcrowding crisis. 

While grateful for recent donations, Manyando reiterated that continued support is essential for the school to meet the demand for inclusive education.

“We need the support of everyone who can contribute to the construction of this much-needed classroom block,” he said.

Shalom  School remains committed to providing quality, inclusive education, but it requires further assistance from the government and stakeholders to accommodate its growing student body.

Kanyama Member of Parliament Monti Chinkuli has emphasized the importance of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) in addressing local challenges, including inadequate school infrastructure. 

Speaking during the handover of 200 desks to schools in the constituency, Chinkuli highlighted the need for communities to understand CDF components and select projects that meet their needs. 

He noted that Shalom School in Kanyama had received desks to improve learning conditions and acknowledged challenges such as overcrowding and shortages.

While commending the government’s free education policy, he stressed the need for community-driven solutions. 

“Education is the foundation of our society. These desks will help, but more still needs to be done,” Chinkuli said. He urged residents to engage with Ward Development Committees (WDCs) and council officers to ensure effective use of CDF resources.

“Development is not just the responsibility of officials. The community must identify and prioritize impactful projects,” he stated.

Chinkuli also called for greater support for people with disabilities. “No one should be left behind. 

We must ensure that everyone benefits from development programs,” he added. 

He urged local leaders to take responsibility for project implementation and criticized delays in school project applications. 

He reaffirmed his commitment to working with the community for meaningful development.

Bernard Chitumbo, CDF Chairperson, also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to community-driven development, urging residents to take full ownership of projects funded under CDF. 

Speaking at the same occasion, Chitumbo emphasized accountability, transparency, and the fund’s role in transforming education and infrastructure. 

Chitumbo highlighted that CDF is designed to empower communities by allowing them to determine their development priorities. 

He noted that the initiative is not limited to providing desks but also supports various programs, including skills training, bursaries, and infrastructure projects.

“The Constituency Development Fund is meant to empower communities like Kanyama. It gives people the ability to decide what projects they want to see in their area. This ensures that development is shaped by the community itself,” he stated.

In his address, Chitumbo warned against corruption in accessing CDF resources, stressing that the funds belong to the people and should benefit them without interference. He urged residents to report any cases of bribery or favoritism. 

“CDF funds are free government resources meant to benefit the people. If anyone asks you for a bribe or a personal favor in exchange for accessing CDF funds, do not comply—report them immediately to the authorities,” he emphasized.

The 200 desks handed over to Shalom School are expected to improve the learning environment, reducing the number of students who sit on the floor due to inadequate furniture. 

Chitumbo urged school authorities to maintain the desks properly to ensure long-term use.

“With CDF, we expect to see real transformations—better schools, improved health facilities, and stronger community infrastructure.

 The desks we are handing over today are just the beginning. In the future, we hope to see this school expand further, maybe even with an additional floor,” he added.

Binacchi Methias Africa Call, the Organization Coordinator, emphasized Shalon School’s role as a community-centered institution. 

Since its establishment in 2007 by Africa Call, the school has supported children with disabilities and expanded to include a clinic, maternity ward, skills training, and police services. 

Speaking to local council members, PTA representatives, and Constituency Development Fund (CDF) officials, Africa Call reaffirmed that Shalom is not a private institution but a community-driven initiative.

He praised the school's inclusivity, citing a drama performance that highlighted the value of embracing individuals of all abilities.

 “This donation is a perfect example of the community giving back to itself,” Africa Call said, urging continued support for the school’s development.

Lusaka District Education Board Secretary, Lenny Longwe, attended the handover of 200 desks to Shalon School, reinforcing the government’s commitment to quality and inclusive education. 

He noted that this initiative aligns with Zambia’s 2030 development goals for equitable learning opportunities.

"Shalom School, established by Africa Call, has grown from 700 learners in 2008 to 1,912 today, becoming the largest special education unit in Lusaka and Chilanga districts," she noted. 

Despite teacher shortages and overcrowding, government support has increased, Longwe explained with 47 of the school’s 56 teachers now on the payroll since its official recognition in 2017.

Longwe emphasized that the donation is part of broader efforts to improve educational resources and learning quality. 

She urged the school community to take care of the desks to ensure long-term benefits for future learners.