Chingola is home to one of the biggest copper mines in the Southern Hemisphere. The community of Kasompe is about ten minutes’ drive from the centre of Chingola.

Ipalo Christian School (ICS) in Kasompe, was opened in January, 2013 with the first Grade 1 class, teacher and caretaker. Ipalo means “blessing” in the local Bemba language. There are currently 324 students from Reception to Grade 10 attending school, consisting of orphans and vulnerable children. They are provided with a nutritious meal at lunch time each day, as well as a morning or afternoon snack.

The School Motto is “Educating for community transformation with Biblical excellence” and this truly encompasses what ICS is all about. We see every child as having great potential and it is a privilege to help the students identify and grow in their God-given gifts, and watching them develop academically, physically, spiritually and emotionally into responsible adults who can give back to their community and positively change the course of not only their own futures but also those of their families.

Obtaining land in Chingola was very challenging, and it has taken many years to acquire the school site. We thank God for His amazing provision of land, through extremely supportive and generous sponsors, who have assisted with the purchase of land and fundraising efforts, as well as much of the first stages of building work. We would like to express our sincere gratitude for this amazing support. The total land area purchased is over 4 hectares, which allows provision for expansion as the school grows, as well as the ability to develop our own sports facilities as funds become available.

Zambia’s Child plans for ICS grow to meet the needs of over 400 children in the area (all of whom come from such vulnerable families that they would not otherwise be attending school as they could not afford the associated parent fees and uniforms). As the school develops it will continue to provide opportunities employment for members of the local community, improving the lives of many people in the area. The current staffing team consists of teachers, agricultural workers, maintenance staff, security staff, administration staff, student welfare staff, a nurse and more. The range and number of staff will continue to grow until the school has reached its maximum intake.

A further 1.5 ha of land was given to Zambia’s Child (Blessed to Bless) by the local Chingola Municipal Council, adjacent to the school plot. The ICS team does some small-scale farming, including chickens, vegetables and fruits, which helps to provide food for the students, and adds an element of sustainability for the school. The goal is to continue developing the agriculture so that it will eventually help to cover some of the operational costs of the school.

Your continued prayers and support would be greatly appreciated, as Zambia’s Child seeks to fundraise for the growing operational and capital costs of the school.

Our vision also includes adult empowerment, skills training and literacy classes – these began in 2013 and are ongoing.

Please contact us if you are interested in sponsoring a student or a teacher, or contributing to building work or other local community needs.