Supporting education in Zambia

Simpact Foundation is a philanthropic organisation whose vision is to bring hope to the most vulnerable women and children living in poverty through sustainable and transformational social impact. Our work focusses on addressing poverty by addressing gender inequality and improving access to quality education while integrating conservation of our environment to achieve sustainable social impact. Through our efforts we are contributing towards achieving 9 of the 17 Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

We have been operating for four years. Our work around improving access to quality education includes in poorly funded schools predominantly located in the rural parts of Zambia. The quality of learning in community schools is hampered by an acute shortage of books. Sadly, children often have to learn without textbooks or have to share a few books among many learners.

Because we believe in the transformative power of books, we are committed to making books freely accessible to the most vulnerable children through the establishment of libraries in poorly funded community schools.  

Book Aid International supports us by providing much needed books to support the set up of libraries in beneficiary schools.

Because of the generous donations from Book Aid International, children now have access to books that are helping improve literacy levels and improve learning outcomes. The books are also helping us support the set-up of school book clubs aimed at fostering a culture of reading amongst children. 

Children enjoying donated books at Msuzi Primary CCAP Day Secondary School in Lundazi District

Without books from Book Aid International we would never have been able to set up libraries in the poorly funded schools and made it possible for thousands of vulnerable children to learn how to read.

I believe that books give people power to learn new things and acquire knowledge, to explore new horizons and the power to dream of new possibilities. Books are the most powerful learning tools that a school could ever have. By making books freely available I believe we can improve access to quality education which can play a role in addressing poverty which is significantly high in the rural parts of my country.  

Banja at Kamwala Magodi Primary School in Chasefu District

I am a reader myself. Reading has helped me to get an education that has helped me escape generational poverty. But most of all it has opened up my mind to see the world in so many different ways. Reading books has helped inspire my dream that I can do more and be more,  and this is what I tell my daughters, that books have the power to inspire their dreams and see the world around them with fresh new eyes. 

If I had the opportunity to speak to someone who was thinking of donating I would say that your donation will help a child learn to read and write and improve the quality of education they receive. Through your book donation you will help inspire a child to dream of a better future and give them hope to escape generational poverty.  

Images ©BookAidInternational/Loliwe Phiri