About Chimukopa Primary School
The Zimbabwe Education Fund has adopted Chimukopa Primary school in Mutoko Chimukopa village, which is 163 KM Northeast of Harare. Chimukopa Primary School has several characteristics that makes it an ideal school to sponsor. It is a mid-sized school with 350-400 students and is disproportionately girls. It has the basic infrastructure in place such as access to clean waters, a five block campus, toilet facilities, and electrical transformers for electricity. Further, Chimukopa has a history of academic excellence with above average pass rates since its inception and nine highly educated teachers. Past success is one of the many indicators ZEF uses to assess whether capital can be allocated efficiently at a particular school. ZEF seeks to adopt schools that can maximize small donations.
One of ZEF’s primary goals is for sponsored students to continue their education in a university or trade school when possible. Thus, we look to sponsor primary schools in villages with secondary schools in close proximity, so that students can more likely further their education. In Mutoko Chimukopa, our sponsored students have the choice of matriculating to a government sponsored school or to a well-regarded boarding school in the village to continue their academic careers.
Lastly, the parents and the community that surround Chimukopa are highly involved in the school and have a vested interest in its success. Because ZEF seeks to establish long term relationships with any sponsored school, having parent and community support is imperative to our ability to have a significant impact on those involved.
Case for Sponsorship
Although Chimukopa has had a history of success, it has been severely impacted by the political and economic instability Zimbabwe over the last several years. The Chimukopa pass rate has gone from 89% in 2005, 58% in 2006, 57% in 2007, and 48% in 2008. We believe that there is a direct link between performance on the exam and the access they now have to resources needed to succeed. Therefore in 2009, ZEF adopted Chimuokpa Primary school and is continuing to raise money to fund seven distinct projects:
Current Projects
Electricity: Chimukopa had an electrical transformer on the campus but no electricity. We raised funds to electrify one block and are raising funds to electrify four other blocks. With electricity, teachers and students can stay after dark and continue school.
School Supplies: When we first assessed the needs of Chimukopa, students had no paper or pencils for writing. The Zimbabwean government gave the school one box of chalk to split between nine teachers for an entire quarter. To ameliorate the lack of requisite supplies, we have already provided chalk, pencils, notebooks, markers, and other supplies students need for the remainder of 2009. We are raising funds to continue meeting this need.
School books: Our needs assessment uncovered that there was 1 book for every 10 students. ZEF has sent money to ensure every student has a set of books.
Meals: Because of the drought in the village, many students are coming to school hungry. ZEF provides school lunches to ensure every student has at least one meal daily.
School Fees: We are providing tuition funding for children whose parents cannot afford to pay for their education.
Furniture: ZEF purchased the materials for 75 additional desks and chairs and had local carpenters in the area donate their labor to make needed desks/chairs for the school.
Administrative Capabilities: ZEF provided a laptop for the schoolmaster to improve the administrative capabilities of the school. ZEF will continue to provide the schoolmaster with software and technology to improve the administrative infrastructure.
Pen Pal Program: In conjunction with Ann Arbor School District, the Zimbabwe Education Fund has established a pen-pal program to diversify U.S. and Zimbabwean students’ cultural experience and awareness.
Long Term Goals
Once the basic needs of Chimukopa Primary School are met, we will adopt Chimukopa Secondary School so that our primary school students can continue their education. Starting in 2010, with our support, we expect higher test scores, improved morale of teachers, students, and the community, and a validation of our initial thesis - that small amounts of money can make a big difference.
