World Vision Zambia and Toyota Zambia held a ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of a 1x2 classroom block at Hippo Pool Community School in Chingola, Copperbelt Province on Friday 8th October, 2021. 

The construction of the classroom block comes at a time when Hippo Pool community continues to face numerous development challenges among them, the lack of school infrastructure to accomodate over 400 children.

Founded in 2003, Hippo Community School began as a community initiative to help meet the demand for school places. "The school runs from grade one to six and has 150 pupils which poses a challenge with classroom space,” said Joseph Changwe, a teacher at Hippo Pool Community school. “The school infrastructure cannot support the current number of learners which has led to some classes being taught in a nearby church.”

To help address the infrastructure problem, Toyota Zambia in partnership with  World Vision Zambia have partnered together to build a 1x2 classroom block. The occasion was graced by the Toyota Zambia General Manager, Gilbert Mpuyo; World Vision Zambia National Director, John Hasse; the Area Member of Parliament; and  other distinguished guests.  

Toyota Zambia General Manager hailed the relationship between his company and World Vision as the relationshipn was built on delivering services that support community development. “We have noted with concern the need for improved quality education in Hippo Pool Community. I understand that education plays a key role in tackling poverty.” Said Mr. Mbuyo. "Toyota remains committed to its stakeholder’s vision of providing effective support in sectors such as education, health, safety, and environmental sustainability,” he said.

World Vision Zambia National Director Mr. John Hasse commended Toyota Zambia on its commitment towards children, especially the girl child. “Our partnership with Toyota is a great example of how the Government of the Republic of Zambia, the private sector, and the NGO community can come together and work together to further the needs of people and transform their lives,” he said. He added that World Vision will further provide the school with reading materials and furniture as part of the partnership with Toyota.

Joseph Changwe, thanked the two organizations for the new classroom block. He said it will improve the learning environment for the children allowing them to receive quality education which will equip them with the skills they need to become contributing members of society.

The construction of the 1x2 classroom block will cost K628,000 and is expected to be completed in 60 days.

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