Rebuilding Hope: The Nsonga Primary School Project

For 15 years, Nsonga Primary School has remained a hollow shell, a place meant for learning but barely providing shelter. Without doors, windows, or even a roof, children in grades 1 through 6 sat on a dirt floor, doing their best to learn in an environment that was never meant to be their classroom. But change is happening.

Thanks to We Clean We Green and the relentless dedication of Pike Ng’oma, this long-abandoned structure is finally transforming into a full primary school (grades 1-8), providing real opportunities for the children and the entire community.

A Story That Touched My Heart

When Pike first brought this project to my attention, I knew we had to act. His work with the most vulnerable members of the community moved me in a way I can’t quite describe. One moment, in particular, stood out, when a carpenter arrived looking for work but was so hungry that a full day’s labor would have been impossible. Pike, always willing to help those in need, made sure he was fed, and we at Collaborative for Change were more than happy to support him.

In return, we saw the benefits of what a well-fed, supported workforce could accomplish:
A new roof has been installed
Gaps in the brickwork have been filled and the plastering is almost finished.

Now, we have just a few final steps for phase two: adding windows, doors, Plastering, flooring and Chalk boards. 

More Than Just a School – A Safe Space for Girls

The impact of this project extends beyond education. By expanding the school to include grades 7 and 8, we are giving girls a safer option to continue their studies without having to travel long distances, a journey that has, tragically, been marked by reports of violence and sexual assault. Pike will continue to monitor and report any cases, but we are hopeful that simply keeping girls in school closer to home will help prevent these dangers.

Additionally, we are addressing another critical issue: girls leaving school when they begin menstruation due to a lack of proper facilities. To combat this, we are:
Building a girls’ changing room with a compostable toilet
Adding compostable toilet for female teachers, since their current pit latrine is full

Expanding the Vision: A School Forest

The hope and excitement surrounding this project have already reached the district level. With that momentum, we are working toward another ambitious goal: creating a forest around the school on denuded land, providing environmental education and sustainable resources for future generations.

With the guidance of our forester Jill Wagner, we plan to:
Create a 1ha native forest parkland next to the school
Integrate a curriculum on seed collecting, propagation, and forest stewardship
Teach children to care for and maintain their own forest
Empower the next generation to restore their land and protect their environment

How You Can Help

We are still in need of desks and bicycles for the students. While we have reached out to the likely donors, we haven’t received responses yet. If you or someone you know can help, please reach out. Every contribution brings us closer to finishing this school and transforming lives.

This project is about more than a building, it’s about safety, education, dignity, and environmental stewardship. It’s about giving children a real chance at a future and ensuring that no girl has to choose between education and safety.

Thank you to Pike Ng’oma, We Clean We Green, and every person contributing to this transformation. Together, we are not just rebuilding a school, we are rebuilding hope.