Zambia is known for its incredible landscapes and rich cultural heritage, but many communities still face challenges that make it hard to access quality education and long-term opportunities. More than half of the population lives below the poverty line¹, and the impact is often most visible in schools. Rural areas are especially affected, with ongoing shortages of classrooms, teachers, and basic infrastructure². High unemployment—particularly among young people—stems from limited access to secondary education and vocational training³. Without greater investment in schools and learning spaces, it’s difficult for communities to build the skills and opportunities needed for lasting growth⁴.
In many communities across Zambia, families work hard to give their children access to a good education, but the challenges are significant. Economic hardship forces many students to leave school early or study in overcrowded classrooms with limited materials⁵. With few accessible schooling options, young people often miss out on the training and skills they need to find work, which contributes to high youth unemployment⁶. In developing areas, a shortage of proper classrooms sometimes means lessons take place outside or in double shifts, cutting into valuable learning time⁷. Strengthening local schools helps students gain the education and vocational skills they need to build brighter futures for themselves and their communities.
This summer, HXP Builders will partner with I AM ZAMBIA to construct a large classroom block separated into four new classrooms and an office space at a community school. These spaces will be used immediately by 6th, 7th and 8th grade students, many of whom would otherwise be learning outside starting in January due to a lack of classroom space. By expanding the school’s capacity, this project will provide a safer and more focused learning environment and support students as they progress in their educational pursuits. The new classrooms will help address overcrowding, reduce interruptions in learning, and create long-term opportunities for the community.
Sources:
¹ World Bank
² UNICEF
³ African Development Bank
⁴ UNDP
⁵ UNESCO
⁶ USAID
⁷ WFP