Joyce Phiri's daughter Peggy, who is a qualified teacher in Kitwe, is the driving force behind opening a school for disadvantaged children in a poor district of the town. This is a chance for some children to have their first rudimentary education. Lesa Kutemwa have secured a building and provided initial funds for equipment. The school is managed by a committee of seven local teachers and business people.

The aim of the school is to bring benefits to the whole community by;

• Providing an affordable education for young children
• Arranging recreational activities for older children
• Empowering mothers to help sustain their families
• Raising awareness of HIV/Aids
• Providing classes for the wider community on nutrition, the environment and ICT.

The existing building is a disused nightclub which requires a range of renovation and conversion works.

An initial schedule of works has been drawn up and costed at £4,000.

Local architect Bernard Mabo has been enlisted to carry out an inspection of the building and advise on the requirements for the Ministry of Education registration. The feasibility of constructing a temporary structure of stretched canvas is being considered, to enable teaching to commence without delay.

The initial building will house three classrooms, an office, kitchen and dining area. Longer term plans include a further teaching block, external areas with play equipment and a house for orphaned children.