The 2025 anniversary project - a secondary school for Choma
In honor of the 15th anniversary of the Umckaloabo Foundation, we are launching a very special initiative: we are building a new secondary school in Choma, a town in southern Zambia. This is a project which will open up perspectives and change lives.
Choma is located in a rural region of some 270,000 inhabitants. People here live mostly from farming, especially growing corn. But many families struggle with poverty, and access to good education is difficult. There are not enough schools, and the ones that exist are overcrowded and often poorly equipped.
By building this new secondary school, we want to create a place where young people can learn and grow under good conditions. The goal is to pave the way towards them going to a university or pursuing vocational qualifications.
With Franciscan nun Loice Kashangura, we have a trustworthy long-term project partner who has dedicated her life to promoting education for children and young people. The Franciscan aid society “Franziskaner Helfen” in Bonn is coordinating the entire project.
PRACTICAL EDUCATION AND ACADEMIC TEACHING
In addition to modern classrooms and laboratories, the school will also feature facilities for teaching agriculture, home economics and construction. A special focus here is on practical skills: this helps young people not only grow academically but prepare for life after school in the best way possible.
The school will operate boarding facilities so that even children from faraway villages have the opportunity to receive an education. In the long run, an entire educational center is scheduled to be built, including a primary school and a site for continuing education for teachers. This project is more than simply building a school. It is a step towards a better future — for Choma and for many young people.
OUR VISION FOR CHOMA
- Building a modern secondary school in the Choma district
- Classrooms and teaching facilities for 180 students at first
- Accommodations for teachers and an administrative building
- Construction scheduled to start: 2026
AFRICA RUNNERS SETTING THE PACE
This year, the Africa Runners are dedicating their efforts towards the school project in Choma – a significant sign of solidarity and commitment. The Umckaloabo Foundation has already financed the first phases such as putting up a construction fence, building a storage area and digging a well. The ground-breaking ceremony for the school building is scheduled for the fall of 2025, and the first 180 students will start using the new classrooms in February 2027.
Our support has double the effect: The money raised by the Africa Runners and the generous fund-matching by the Schwabe Group up to €75,000 make a powerful statement. And taking this step has set even more in motion: thanks to the initial round of financing by the Foundation, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and other organizations have also pledged their support.