Day 10 – 17th October 2025 – Nanga

A Special Visit to Nanga Special School

Jute writes…

Today I visited Nanga Special school which is one of the schools which has been supported by HHI for many years and in a variety of ways. It is a residential school situated the other side of Mazabuka town in Zambia’s sugar growing area.  Driving through the vast sugar plantations a unique sweet smell is noticeable in the air.

Mr Bweupe, the head teacher, is a real friend to HHZ.  On our arrival he showed us around the vegetable gardens which surround the school classrooms and dormitories.  Vegetables are grown and cared for by the pupils to supplement feeding and also to sell in order to generate some school funds. There is an irrigation system in the school and a solar pump, but the extreme heat and low water levels have slowed down growth this year and everyone is waiting for the rains which are due in about 3 weeks.

Mr Bweupe informed us that there are now 70 residential pupils, 25 more than last year!! This is as a result of the Zambian government policy of ‘Education for All’. Unfortunately, this impacts on the school’s already stretched resources as well as staffing levels. The school certainly looked very much busier than last year.

When we arrived it was nearly dinner time and the students were settling onto the benches in the dining room which was funded by HHI.  The solar lighting is still working well which is good news. The house mothers had prepared a nutritious meal of nshima, vegetables and chicken.  It was good to see HHI funds being well used. All the food was eaten in a calm and quiet atmosphere.  Older students helped younger ones and those in wheelchairs were served by those who are mobile. There was a good family atmosphere.  With 25 more students we may need to think about increasing our monthly food contribution. Some visually impaired volunteer teachers are helping out in the school, all hoping for a permanent place when opportunities become available in December.

After lunch some of the students sang, recited a poem and one very eloquent young man gave a welcome speech using his braille notes. Meanwhile one of the volunteer teachers was signing for those with a hearing impairment. The standard was very good indeed.

Thank you, Mr Bweupe and Nanga staff You are doing a wonderful job. We will, because of the generosity of HHI supporters, continue to support this special Nanga family.

Happy Nanga

A singing welcome