World Vision continues to supplement the Zambian Government’s efforts to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic through donations of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) materials to schools across the country. Our most recent donation to 20 schools in Chongwe District was spearheaded by World Vision's Zambia Board of Directors, and is set to benefit 17 primary schools, and three secondary schools under the organisation's Chongwe South Area Programme.

Speaking during the handover ceremony held at Katoba Secondary School, Chongwe District Commissioner, Mr. Robster Mwanza, said that the World Vision initiative to support Government efforts to fight against COVD-19 is a welcome move that other actors should emulate: “We are grateful for partners like World Vision Zambia for complimenting Government efforts in ensuring that the learning environment to which our pupils are returning is safe. Therefore, this donation from World Vision could not have come at an opportune time.”

The Vice-Chairperson of World Vision's Board of Directors, Ambassador Mumba Kampumpa, expressed that the donation is meant to protect pupils and teachers as they return to school: “The World Vision Zambia Board of Directors has embarked on a fundraising initiative for two projects in the Education and Health sectors in Chongwe District, where World Vision operates 31 local community-based programmes, to ensure that schools provide a safe learning environment and protect our children from COVD-19.”

Ambassador Kampumpa added:“World Vision’s main aim during this pandemic is to ensure that all children, especially vulnerable children, are protected and continue to attend class without any risk of contracting the disease. Supporting the schools and general community in Chongwe was a natural choice for us because among key focus areas in our programming is promoting access to improved and quality education and improved access to clean water, better sanitation, and good hygiene; in addition to promoting good health and improving food security.”

The donation consisted of 3,239 reusable face masks; 20 foot-operated hand-washing stations; 600 250mls hand sanitiser bottles, and 40 handheld thermometers at the value of K135,885 (about $7,500), to a total of 20 schools in Kapululwe and Chongwe South; set to benefit 3,239 pupils.

Ambassador Kampumpa shared that the donation would help parents be at peace as pupils and teachers attend lessons confidently without fear of contracting the novel coronavirus disease. He concluded by urging pupils to continue practicing and following the prescribed preventive measures by the health officials.