The CITW Zambezi team is thrilled to share the exciting news of their recent “Lights for Literacy” initiative. This involved the distribution of solar-powered lights to partner schools across Zimbabwe, with the aim of brightening the lives of students and teachers, while illuminating their paths to a brighter future.
The lasting effects of this support are truly remarkable, and emphasise the importance of the Empower pillar in our Impact strategy.
In many of the communities served by CITW Zambezi, access to reliable electricity sources is scarce. As a result, households often rely on fires and candles for lighting. This poses significant challenges for students, who have to walk long distances home and attend to their chores, leaving them with limited daylight to complete their homework or study for exams.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of the Bourke Family Foundation, over 1,500 solar lights were recently distributed to 40 schools in Zimbabwe. This distribution included every Grade 6 child from partner schools, as well as every dedicated teacher within each institution.
Not only are Grade 6 students now free to spend their evenings studying and preparing for their exams, but approximately 280 hard-working teachers and Eco-Mentors will also benefit from this invaluable resource. With more time to prepare lesson plans and mark children’s work, they can provide an even better educational experience for their students. The lasting benefits of this initiative cannot be overstated. By providing access to solar lights, CITW Zambezi is not only brightening the lives of current students and teachers, but also improving the literacy levels of entire communities. This opens up a world of opportunities for these individuals.
The CITW Zambezi team would like to extend a massive thank you to the Zambezi Schoolbook Project, which facilitates all of the Bourke Family Foundations support, year in and year out. Both organisations’ generosity has had a profound and lasting effect on the lives of countless students and teachers. Together, CITW Zambezi, Zambezi Schoolbook Project and Bourke Family Foundation are making a difference, one light at a time.
