Zambia: Creating a Culture of Learning through Nyenyezi!

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Mambwe resident teaching community members. CARE International/Gift Katuta

Access to Early Childhood Development (ECD) and Early Childhood Education (ECE) services is essential for a vibrant future. But what about the hardest-to-reach communities? Thanks to the incredible support of Paul and Mary Jan Bancroft, CARE Zambia has found a way to make it happen through Nyenyezi.

Agnes Mumba, the Provincial Education Standard Officer, is thrilled with the impact of Nyenyezi, which has been operating in a few different districts over the past five years. She shared, "I am pleased by the work that Nyenyezi is doing. It addresses the needs of children in Eastern Province, where education levels are low and teenage pregnancies and early marriages are high. Our children often start school late due to long distances between their homes and schools. By grade 5, they are already older and facing challenges like early pregnancies and marriages."
Christine Sinyangwe, Mambwe District Education Board Secretary, also expressed her approval of Nyenyezi’s approach to education, sharing, "CARE has recruited caregivers in our districts who have enlightened our communities regardless of their location. They have provided learning materials in all centers where they operate. Additionally, seven volunteers have been sent to pursue diplomas in ECE."
These heartwarming words were shared during a courtesy call from CARE leaders and supporters including Chikwe Mbweeda, Country Director, CARE International, Zambia, Chris Mzembe, Interim Country Director, Malawi, Paul and Mary Jan Bancroft, and Beth Soloman and Gero Geilenbruegge. The group met at the Provincial Education Office before visiting Mambwe District to witness firsthand the incredible work being done by the Nyenyezi Project.
Zambia faces challenges in early childhood development and education as well as opportunities for continued learning among out-of-school adolescents and young parents. Shockingly low percentages of grade 1 students attend Early Childhood Education Centers, and many children start primary school late. The 2018 Demographic and Health Survey reveals limited education for a significant portion of the population.
CARE Zambia and Children Sentinel Trust Zambia (CSTZ) are making a difference and improving access to ECE for children aged 3-6, providing early childhood development support to parents of children under 3, and equipping adolescents and young parents with essential knowledge and skills for healthier, more productive lives.
Join us in celebrating NyenyeziProject as we strive to create a brighter future through education!

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