Pupils take up sustainability challenge

Schools in Zambia are teaching good animal husbandry and providing funds for school improvement by putting farming projects on the timetable.

Unlike other schools, Mugoto Basic School does not rely on subsidies, but manages its own fundraising.

The school, situated in Mazabuka, started in a house left to the community by a missionary. Thanks to the community’s resourcefulness, it has since been upgraded and now has 989 pupils, of which 509 are girls.

A dairy project is one of the activities that were implemented in partnership with the community as part of the Plan schools improvement programme.

The head teacher, Sheppard Hamunyangwa, is pleased with the community involvement in the project. He is particularly happy with the interest shown by the children. He is certain that the pupils will not only look after the animals, but also learn other lessons about dairy farming.

“The kraal for the diary animals was erected by the parents through the PTA. In Mugoto, everyone feels a sense of ownership, hence their full involvement at all levels,” Hamunyangwa said.

The two dairy cows will soon be ready for milking. Some of this milk will be sold to raise funds for other school needs, and some of it will be shared among the community.

Astrida is in grade five and is one of the pupils directly involved with the dairy project. She has been trained in feeding the cows. “You get a lot of nutrients from the milk, which is very good for children and sick people especially,” said Astrida.

Moonga, another pupil, said, “It is easy to look after the animals and anyone can do it. These dairy animals are easy to keep as they do not require a lot of work compared to the ones that have to be taken out to graze every morning. They eat from feeders in the kraal.”

Another school, Nanduba Basic, has started a poultry project as part of their production unit programme, after being trained on business management by Plan.

In the school, there are 29 orphans, and 97 children who have lost one parent. All these children’s expenses are met by the school.

“We managed to buy 150 chicks. In due course, we anticipate a 90% growth in numbers and to expand the chicken shed,” said Shadreck Mukuma, the head teacher. He explained that starting the project was the most challenging aspect, as none of them had knowledge of chicken rearing.

Patrick is a grade three pupil, and an orphan. The school is home to him, as both his parents died when he was three years old. “These chicks will grow into big chickens. After they are sold, I know that many children, like me, will benefit from the project,” he said.