The latest news from Malimba School & Conservation South Luangwa December 2020

Our newsletter in September was a little downbeat, we reported that our Headmaster, Ackim, was leaving Malimba for pastures new and there was concerning news of disruption to pupils lessons due to Covid.  Ackim has now been transferred to another school and we are very sorry to loose him, he achieved a great deal during his tenure and was popular with staff and students alike, we want to thank him for his contribution to the school and wish him well in his new post.

Now we have some exciting new information to share with you!  We are delighted to tell you that we have a new Headmistress, Ezeliya Martha Phiri, who comes Malimba School with great experience.

Qualified in 2000, she became a senior teacher in 2006 and by 2014 she was appointed Head of Nsefu School. As well as running a busy school she continued to study and in 2018 obtained a bachelor degree to add to her qualifications.  Ezeliya served 8 years as Secretary General for the Language Teachers Association of Zambia, and has drawn attention to child abuse via a published paper on this worrying topic.  She has also trained specifically to teach English Language to non-native speakers.

Clearly Ezeliya is an ambitious, talented and highly motivated lady so we are very excited that she is taking on the Headship at Malimba.

The picture above shows the current team, Ezeliya reports that everyone is dedicated to their duties despite the hardships they are facing. The examination results have been very good and currently they are running a programme called ‘Let’s Read’,  targeted at improving reading skills. ‘These teachers do not complain about their workload, instead they enjoy being with learners.’   The school is busy preparing for end of term examinations, these have been delayed to give the grade 7 students more time to prepare as their learning was halted during lockdown.

Ezeliya is clearly aware of the need to preserve our natural environment as she has already arranged the planting of 1,000 seedlings of Gliricidia trees around the school perimeter.  This will enhance the site, providing precious shade for the students and valuable habit for insects and birds.  Each grade have been given lawn area to look after and maintain, this is such a great way of educating the students about the importance of our natural environment. As we have previously reported our other project Conservation South Luangwa works closely with local communities to help manage human-wildlife conflict and helps both live in better harmony so we are delighted that Ezeliya is taking a similar approach.

So with Christmas fast approaching we hope you are able to spend time with loved ones and will stay strong and healthy for the remainder of the year.  No matter where you live, everyone has been challenged this year but for those with so little to begin with it has been particularly difficult.

It is with great thanks to all of you, our sponsors, for your loyal support which is so needed and so appreciated always.
Whatever amount, large or small, they all make a difference and we need you now more than ever.  Thank you one and all.

Now is the time to wish you a very happy Christmas and we sincerely hope it is.  We send all good wishes and God’s blessing from us at Make Me Smile, and will look forward to a New Year as a new beginning.

With Seasons Greetings

Jacqui & the Team at Make Me Smile