Project New Ngoma

Project Report | Apr 30, 2026
Project New Ngoma - April Update

By Polly Vacher | Project Leader

A Major Milestone Reached

We are delighted to share that Project New Ngoma has reached a significant milestone. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we have now raised sufficient funds to begin construction of the first teacher accommodation unit. This is a crucial step forward for New Ngoma School, where the lack of housing has been the primary barrier to bringing in additional teachers. Construction is scheduled to begin as soon as the rainy season comes to an end, marking the transition from fundraising to tangible progress on the ground.

Why This Matters

New Ngoma School serves 160 children in a remote area bordering Kafue National Park, yet currently operates with only three teachers. Many pupils receive only half a day of education due to limited capacity. By providing safe and permanent housing for teachers, we can unlock the ability to bring in more staff, ensuring children receive full-time education while strengthening the school’s role in conservation awareness within the community.

Community Efforts and Fundraising Momentum

Support for the project continues to build in inspiring ways. A number of fundraising initiatives are underway, including an upcoming event at the Mill Theatre on 2 May. In addition, dedicated supporters Buffy and Tom Buckman are undertaking an extraordinary sponsored run, covering 30 miles a day over five consecutive days. Polly is also preparing for a sponsored walking challenge in May, mirroring the daily journey of the school’s headteacher, who walks 5 miles to and from school each day. These efforts not only raise vital funds but also help bring the realities of life in New Ngoma closer to supporters.

Looking Ahead

With construction of the first unit imminent, our focus now turns to maintaining momentum and securing funding for the remaining accommodation blocks. Each completed home brings us closer to a future where every child at New Ngoma School has access to consistent, high-quality education. We are deeply grateful to all donors who have supported this journey so far. Your contributions are creating lasting change for both the local community and the surrounding wildlife that depends on it.

Thank you for your continued support for Project New Ngoma.

Links:

Project New Ngoma Website

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Oct 31, 2025
Project New Ngoma - October Report

By Polly Vacher | Project Leader

Project Overview

New Ngoma School is located in a remote community adjacent to Zambia’s Kafue National Park and provides education for 160 children aged between 5 and 15. The school plays a vital role not only in delivering education but also in fostering conservation awareness among young learners and their families. However, the school currently faces a critical shortage of staff housing, limiting its ability to recruit and retain qualified teachers.

The Project New Ngoma initiative aims to raise £40,000 to construct three permanent accommodation units for teaching staff. This will enable the government to post additional teachers to the school, ensuring that every child receives a full day of education and that conservation education continues to grow within the community.

Progress Update

We are delighted to share that the project has recently reached an important milestone. Over £3,000 has been raised via GlobalGiving, complemented by an additional £1,000 contributed through DSWF. There are many exciting fundraising activities planned, including the Butcombe Bingo event, a local quiz evening in Pangbourne and on the 2nd of May 2026 we have reserved the entire Mill at Sonning (near Reading) for a very special evening of theatre and dining. We are therefore optimistic about reaching the £12,000 target required to begin construction of the first teacher’s home soon.

Community engagement remains strong. Awareness materials are being developed, including a new batch of 1,000 leaflets to be distributed locally and through upcoming events. This outreach not only helps raise funds but also reinforces the project’s mission of connecting education and conservation.

Looking Ahead

Once funding for the first unit is secured, the build will commence under the supervision of Game Rangers International, ensuring local oversight and sustainable construction practices. Each completed home will directly contribute to improving education quality, staff retention, and long-term conservation impact in the area.

We are deeply grateful for the ongoing generosity and encouragement from all donors who have supported Project New Ngoma. Every contribution is helping to lay the foundation for a brighter and more sustainable future for the children and wildlife of Kafue.

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