With more than 90 different schools in our small area of Ng’ombe, it’s becoming harder for community schools to stand out—let alone survive. Many start with heart and good intentions, but the road gets tough. Finances become tight, support systems run dry, and passion alone doesn’t pay the bills.
So, the question is what makes a school different? How does it thrive in a community with so many needs and competing demands?
That’s the question we explored with our Chikondano Network of school directors during a 3-day training focused on something most community schools don’t often prioritize but desperately need: sustainability, identity, and marketing.
Our theme verse came from 1 Peter 4:10 “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others…” And that’s what this training was all about—equipping our directors to use their unique strengths to build stronger schools.
Day One: Thinking Long Term
We kicked off with sustainability. What does it really mean for a community school to be sustainable? Together, we unpacked the bigger picture—financial planning, quality teaching, staffing, and building strong relationships with stakeholders.
It wasn’t just theory. We worked through real-life scenarios and challenged our directors to problem-solve situations they might actually face. The room was full of honest conversation, laughter, and even a few “aha” moments.
Day Two: What Makes You Unique?
The second day was about identity. We asked each director a simple question: What makes your school unique? At first, it wasn’t an easy question to answer. But through small group discussions, reflections, and a few creative activities, each school began crafting its own Unique Selling Point (USP).
Then, the directors were ready to turn their USPs into action by developing a school profile. We split the group into beginners and advanced computer users and introduced them to the basics of designing brochures in our new computer lab. For some, it was their first time creating digital materials. For others, it was a chance to sharpen their skills. But for everyone, it was a step forward in learning how to tell their stories well.
Directors learning the basics of designing brochures
Day Three: Marketing With Purpose
On day 3, we explored how you can market your school through elevator pitches. We invited Priscilla, a director from our Chibanja Network, to show how she presents her school’s USP to potential donors. Watching her made it all feel possible. Her example reminded everyone that these aren’t just abstract ideas; they’re practical tools that can make a real difference.
By the end of the day, the schools were fully equipped to share their unique stories, and the directors were even pitching them to one another through fun, informal elevator pitch exercises.
The truth is these schools are already doing amazing work. But many don’t have the tools or confidence to market themselves, boost enrollment, or engage new partners. That’s where this training made a difference. It was an investment in the people who are building something meaningful every day, often with limited resources, but with an endless commitment to their community.
And that’s what makes them different!