ProgrammesEducation
A strong start, and a reason to stay in school.
We help young children begin school ready to learn, support their teachers and parents, and work to keep girls and young people in education.
The need
Every child in Zimbabwe is meant to begin school with two years of early childhood development. But in the villages around Victoria Falls, fees, uniforms and a daily meal are out of reach for many families. A four-year-old who should be learning to read stays home, and starts behind.
Classrooms are crowded, play spaces are rare and good teachers are stretched thin. When money runs short, girls are often the first to be pulled out of school, and a bright future shrinks with them.
What we do
Early childhood development
A package of support for children aged 4 to 6 at Sizinda: enrolment, attendance tracking, nutrition and a safe, stimulating classroom.
School readiness and health checks
Readiness assessments and regular health checks with local clinics and village health workers, with referrals when a child needs care.
Parents and caregivers
Monthly parenting dialogues and help with birth registration, so every child can enrol.
Classrooms and play spaces
Renovating classrooms and washrooms and building indoor and outdoor play areas.
Teachers, volunteers and youth
Training for teachers, volunteer teaching in primary schools, and play, sport and mentoring for children and young people.
Our track record
Our education work has built on partnerships with schools, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and Hwange Rural District Council.
- Plan for 70 children at Sizinda, aiming for 90% attendance and trained teachers.
- Built or renovated more than 30 of the 56 primary schools in Hwange District, with volunteers and community labour.
- Worked with more than 50 schools in the region.
- Childcare and recreation for children aged 5 to 15 and youth aged 16 to 25.
Keeping girls in school, and teaching care for the place we live.
We are focusing on girls’ attendance and on young people who lead: mentors, peer educators and school clubs.
With Pristine Victoria Falls Society, we bring the Pristine Schools Awards into schools, so that clean, green school culture becomes part of everyday learning.
Back Education.
Your support pays for classroom materials, teacher training, school meals and play spaces. Schools and companies can partner with us. Teachers can volunteer.