Day 3 – 10th October 2025 – Choongo

Choongo All Inclusive Secondary School

School Report: One Year On and All is Well!

Choongo Headteacher, Mr Mwzila welcomed us with a broad smile. He informed us that since the new dormitory, toilets, ramps and pathways have been completed the number of residential students has risen to 74.

Housemother, Mrs Peggy Kamila who cares for the female students added that the new kitchen building, also funded by HHI, is proving to be invaluable when catering for the growing number of students. Mrs Kamila was also delighted to receive the washable mattress protectors made by Liz Jones for use with those students who struggle with incontinence.

It was encouraging to see that able bodied students are on hand to help in the dormitories – ensuring that the students are ready to attend their classes.

A big thank you to all who supported our 2024 Choongo Challenge appeal to build the additional dormitory. Students now rest well, receive good care and are well prepared for the challenges of learning at Choongo!

Able bodied Choongo students assist the disabled students

Dormitory in good order.

Choongo student fetching water

Liz giving the House mother waterproof and washable mattress__ protectors.

Kazolo

Kazolo was delighted to see us and even though he can’t communicate with many words, his body language showed that he recognised us. His small home was tidy and the recently constructed concrete path way leading to the new toilet building has been an answer to the family’s prayers. The whole family use the new toilet facility and help to keep it clean.

Kazolo’s brother Matelo, his wife and family care for Kazolo and with the monthly food supplies which they receive from HHZ with our funding, they are all doing well. Matelo is growing some vegetables for the family even though fetching water from the river is proving to be a challenge.

Liz donated some more of her handmade waterproof mattress protectors and both Kazolo and Matelo looked very smart in the clothes we gave them.

Everyone was very happy and grateful for our visit and are especially thankful for the monthly support they receive from HHZ.

Today’s reflection: Challenges met!

It is encouraging to visit projects that have been completed and report on the difference interventions by HHI and HHZ made possible by the thoughtfulness.

Kazolo’s brother manages to take Kazolo to the new toilet with aid of ramps

Kazolo with his brother -new clothes

Kazolo’s family .. Kazolo in the background.

Kazolo’s sister-in-law organising Kazolo’s bed with mattress protectors.