News from the Schools

After a nationwide school closure due to the coronavirus, schools in Zambia are once again open for all students to attend. The faculties of the two LCCA schools are eager to have all the students back in the classroom. During the shutdown, seventh graders were encouraged to attend school in preparation for their exams to qualify for the next level of schooling. All of the teachers on the faculties assisted in teaching the seventh-grade students during that time, in order to facilitate smaller class sizes and social distancing.

Amid the Covid-19 fallout, the economy of Zambia has reeled in 2020. The pandemic’s spread and subsequent containment measures have decimated demand; created supply bottlenecks; caused considerable job and income losses; and shut down businesses, some permanently, especially in the leisure and hospitality industry. Moreover, rolling power blackouts, rising production costs, quickening inflationary pressures, and the depreciating currency have further stressed the economy.

Recognizing that basic needs of the children were not being met, the VCF, with the assistance of a pilot grant, initiated a school lunch program for both schools. School workers bought the cooking equipment they needed and reached out into the community for fruits, vegetables and protein. The LCCA Seminary sells them vegetables from their garden. A church member is a chicken farmer. The good Lord provides. Meals started in July 2022 and the difference in the motivation and concentration of the students became immediately apparent.

The times are very trying in Zambia right now, causing hardship and stress on the people of Lusaka. Please pray for the well being of the students and their families, and for the school staffs. We give thanks for the dedication of the teachers in the schools, and for the good health and safety that God has provided for the students and teachers alike.