Impact Stories
Technology is rarely used in community schools. So when the parents at Joy Grace saw the teachers on tablets and smartphones during class, they thought they were neglecting their children and just playing on social media. They began to complain to the school’s director who had to call a school-wide meeting and explain to the parents that the teachers were using educational apps to help their children learn.
For one parent, that wasn’t the end of the story.
When you walk into Memory's classroom, you can tell she loves teaching. Brightly decorated walls, a beaming smile, and joyful noises are all evidence of that. But dig a little deeper into her own story, and you're even more convinced that nothing can keep her from her calling as a teacher.
Memory has always dreamed of teaching children. She enrolled in a local college to see that dream come true, but unfortunately she had to drop out after just a few months because her parents weren't able to pay the tuition fees.
But instead of giving up, Memory pressed on to follow her heart.
We are in the process of inviting more schools to join our program. And in order to serve them well, we need more space at our Center to accommodate more students, teachers, and educational resources. Having purchased land back in 2019, the time has finally come to begin our expansion project.
This month, we launched Phase 1 of our project. The goal was to demolish the old structure and lay the foundation for a new one.
It's easy to tell these two are brothers because they look so much alike. Anthony is the eldest and is a very strong reader. By 5th grade, he was already reading our highest level books, which is rare within community schools. But just a year ago, his younger brother, Emmanuel, could hardly read at all. Their mom noticed that Emmanuel was struggling and she asked Anthony to help teach his younger brother.
When you sit down with Joshua, one of the first things you’ll learn is how much he loves to sing and write music. He will gladly rap for you an original song, and trust us, the boy has talent! When he grows up, he wants to be a gospel singer.
Joshua joined Fountain of Life Community School two years ago as a 4th grader. When he joined, he didn’t know how to read. Unfortunately, this is the reality for most children in Ng’ombe. They may be going to school every day, but never learn how to read while there.
What a year this has been! There aren't quite words to describe what we've all been through, and how this pandemic has affected our lives. But there are words to say just how grateful we are that you've continued to walk with us and our partner schools through this crazy year.
Take a look at this short video below as our schools say thank you for all that you've made possible this year!
All around the world, our lives have been upended by the coronavirus. It’s been stressful, scary, exhausting, and confusing. (Just to name a few of the emotions I have felt in the last few months). But with schools in Zambia reopening to their 7th grade classes last week, we are back to work giving children life-changing educational opportunities.
Last week, while distributing reading books and cleaning supplies to all of our partner schools, we began to survey the challenges they are facing with reopening during the pandemic. This week we are following up with support.
With a class of 50 preschool students, Teacher Rhoida has her hands full! A typical day of learning in this class involves singing songs, reciting chants, and copying shapes and letters from the chalkboard. Unfortunately due to a lack of resources and the experience in how to use them, there is very little hands-on, interactive learning.
So last month, we packed up a box of teaching resources from our Center and visited Rhoida’s classroom to try them out.
Impact One Initiative is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
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