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History
In 1996 the Zambian Acappella Boys Choir was brought to the United States. They sang in many churches, schools and malls. In 1998 ZABC returned to Zambia after touring the U.S. for about 2 years. Without the education promised to them, the young men found themselves adjusting back into the poverty compound of Kalingalinga with little education, no jobs and an uncertain future. Sandy Shepherd and host families in the U.S. believed that these young men deserved the promised education and a chance to transition back into the Zambian life.
In 1998 a mission team from First Baptist Colleyville met with the parents of the choir in Kalingalinga and understood the desire of their hearts for their sons' future. Upon return, previous American host parents formed a committee to start a school that the choir boys could attend. A dedicated team of Zambian parents took the job of finding rented space, securing registration for a private school, ordering curriculum and school necessities as specified by the Minister of Education. It was an enormous job, but God blessed the work and Chifundo (meaning grace in our language) Junior and High School opened for the choir members. Twenty four young men between the ages of 13 and 21 enrolled. Funding was promised and raised from previous host families and churches that enjoyed the singing and hearts of ZABC. After many dedicated hours of work in Zambia and the U.S., the school was largely U.S. funded for 6 years. As the 24 young men began to graduate, the school opened to their siblings and then to community boys and girls. In 2004 the budget and future of the school was turned over to the Parent School Board in Zambia.
Chifundo offers hope for those who can pay a small tuition even if their
grades do not quite meet government standards. With an 85% graduation rate,
the highly respected Chifundo is now the only high school in the 20,000 community
compound. With morning and afternoon classes, 191 boys and girls are working
hard to achieve a high school diploma as certified by the Minister of Education.
There is always a long waiting list for each grade 8-12. The principal and
teachers are extremely dedicated to encourage young minds to meet the challenge
of students graduating from high school and securing a positive future for
themselves
Lower Education in Zambia
Lower education in Zambia is divided into three levels; primary, junior secondary and upper secondary. Schooling usually falls into three levels:
- Primary, grades one to seven
- Junior Secondary, grades eight and nine
- Upper Secondary, grades ten to twelve
So-called "basic schools" teach years one to nine, as grade nine is considered to be an adequate decent level of schooling for the majority of children. Government tests are given at the end of grade nine and those not passing cannot receive any further government funded education. However, schooling is only free up to year seven and most children drop out then.
Uniforms are required in government and private schools. While government schools are free tuition many children miss the opportunity of education because their parents cannot afford the uniform costs. Chifundo students pay about $50 per term to attend. All teachers are secondary education certified. All education levels are taught in English.