New Classroom Construction Project Brings Hope to Chitilila Primary School in Zambia
In rural Zambia, students at Chitilila Primary School are eager to learn—but without permanent classrooms, education has been a daily challenge. Many lessons take place under trees or in temporary shelters, leaving students vulnerable to weather, distractions, and disrupted learning.
Coafrica is partnering with the local community and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on a school construction project that will provide teacher’s housing and permanent classrooms thereby creating a safe, consistent learning environment for hundreds of children.
A Community-Built School in Rural Zambia
Chitilila Primary School is located in Mambwe District, Eastern Province, Zambia, approximately 48 kilometers from the nearest main road. The school was founded in 2015 by community members who recognized the urgent need for local access to education.
Before Chitilila existed, the closest primary schools were more than 12 kilometers (7.5 mi) away—an impossible distance for many children. As a result, school attendance was low, and children faced increased risks of early marriage, alcohol abuse, and long-term poverty.
The community responded by building temporary learning shelters and recruiting volunteer teachers. Over time, the Zambian government began assigning trained educators, and the school expanded to serve students from Early Childhood Education through Grade 7.
Today, Chitilila Primary School enrolls 327 students, with attendance rates around 90%, despite having no permanent infrastructure.
Learning Without Permanent Classrooms
During the rainy season, learning often comes to a halt. Temporary structures become untenable, and outdoor classes are impossible. These conditions make it difficult for students to focus, for teachers to deliver consistent instruction, and for the school to grow.
With the introduction of a school feeding program, enrollment is expected to increase further. An estimated 200 additional out-of-school children live in the surrounding area and could attend school if adequate classrooms were available.
Why This School Construction Project Matters
The planned classroom construction project will address critical barriers to education at Chitilila Primary School. Permanent classrooms will:
Provide safe, weather-resistant learning spaces
Eliminate the need for split schedules
Improve student focus and classroom engagement
Support literacy, communication, and academic development
Increase enrollment and retention
Create space for community meetings and school activities
- Attract high quality teachers because of the teacher’s housing provided
This project will allow children to learn with dignity and consistency—key foundations for long-term educational success.
Community Partnership at the Core
Sustainable development is at the heart of Coafrica’s approach. The Chitilila community has committed to contributing 20% of the project cost through local materials, labor, land preparation, and ongoing maintenance.
Parents, teachers, and community leaders will help oversee the construction and care of the new classrooms, ensuring long-term impact and ownership.
Building a Better Future Through Education
With only two trained teachers currently serving the entire school and enrollment expected to grow, the need for permanent classrooms and teacher’s housing at Chitilila Primary School is urgent.
This upcoming school construction project in Zambia represents more than new buildings. It represents access to education, safer learning environments, and a stronger future for children in a rural community determined to thrive.
Together with the Chitilila community and The Church of Jesus Christ, Coafrica is building classrooms—and opening doors to opportunity.
