Ngoma

KnowledgeBeat launched its first program in Ngoma¸ a village on the edge of Kafue National Park which serves as a base for the Zambian Wildlife Authority (ZAWA). Ngoma was selected as KnowledgeBeat’s launch site due to the relationships that one of our founders developed while working on conservation projects in the area in 2003. ZAWA’s presence in Ngoma provides an unusual amount of infrastructure for a location as remote as Ngoma, giving KnowledgeBeat access to communication and transportation channels that enhance the impact of our programs.

The village is composed of traditional African mud huts and concrete block rooms that were formerly home to a wildlife game lodge. The School is a four room concrete structure serving approximately 176 students and 17 teachers in grades 1 through 9. Prior to KnowledgeBeat’s program deployment, the school had very few books and writing supplies with most classes taught by teachers speaking from memory. In front of the school, students play around an empty flag pole and a tree. Nailed onto the tree, an etched sign reads, “My friend with AIDS is still my friend,” reminding people of the local reality.