A year that highlighted the vulnerability of children and young people across the world, with disruption to their education and training, missed opportunities and unemployment.
A year epitomised by courage and collaboration to overcome challenges, adapt and innovate. A year where your incredible support ensured we could continue building brighter futures for children and young people in Zambia.
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Our training facility in Lusaka is at the heart of our ambitious plans to support more young people like Prudence.
"My friends laughed saying that bricklaying courses were only done by males!! I trained hard. Now that I am working, I am able to save. I am saving to open up a business that can sustain myself and my family."
Prudence Chisunka (pictured)
"Today I feel like I will be going back home as a changed person, because this training has given me skills which I can use to better my life"
Katombora graduate
Our community build projects bring essential services to some of Zambia’s most disadvantaged communities.
Over 4,300 children will benefit from the new facilities at Light of Hope Community School on the edge of Livingstone. New classrooms and a teacher’s house will help raise the standard of education they receive. Latrines and hand wash facilities will help improve their health and wellbeing.
The build has been led by graduates Emmanuel, Benson and Mike, under the direction of our Site Agent. It has been inspiring to see them employ fellow graduates to help them deliver this project.
We wanted to play our part in responding to the pandemic. Through our Safe Hands initiative, a team of graduates has been building much-needed hand wash facilities in schools. These new facilities have space for 18 children to wash their hands all at the same time.
In addition, vital supplies including face masks and soap were distributed and COVID-19 health awareness workshops delivered. Schools have been incredibly appreciative of the support during these difficult times, with over 27,000 children to benefit in all.
The design and construction of a bespoke toilet and shower block at Katombora Reformatory School will make a significant contribution to improving health and hygiene at the school.
Current facilities are woefully inadequate, with water often rationed and power very unreliable. The new block will be run entirely independently to the rest of the school, fed by water pumped from the nearby river and powered by its own solar panels.
Low skills perpetuate poverty and inequality. Education and training can break that cycle and transform lives.
Our latest Impact Study shows that six months after their training, 78% of our graduates are working in construction. They are earning over 2.5 times that of their peers, and significantly more than before their training.
It shows that our school build projects have helped enhance teaching and learning outcomes. Many of the schools have experienced growth in enrolment and increased staffing capacity.
Results from the study will help guide our approach. It gives us confidence and determination in continuing our mission.
"The skills imparted in me will always forever be in my DNA; it is something that no one can ever get away from me"
Timothy Simpokolowe, 2017 graduate
" I decided to study rough carpentry - one of the fast income generating skills today. But going to school mean that I didn't have time to do other things to provide for my family. Despite the challenges I told myself not to quit. Now I can feed my family. We are living in a house with electricity, paying house rentals is no longer a burden - I am even able to pay in advance. My children are attending school without difficulties.
Build It provided us with tools which I am using today. Tools are so important in construction - without tools you cannot work, but many people are unable to acquire them due to poverty."
Christopher Chewe, 2019 graduate
2020 Impact Study
The pandemic continues to bring challenges, but in 2021 we look to:
Thank you for your support. Together we are building brighter futures in Zambia.
Our sincere thanks for the generosity of our many supporters; from individuals and corporate partners, to grant-making foundations and institutional donors including the Oak Foundation, Halcrow Foundation, the European Commission and Irish Aid.
Our 2020 income was down 18% on 2019, but a strong result given the challenging context. Income was down due to several factors including cancellation of planned supporter events, fewer opportunities to secure support from new grant makers and delays in programme activities. These figures summarise our latest published information, taken from our full audited annual accounts: