Opportunities for out-of-school youth

Naboye Combined School in Kafue, Zambia, runs afternoon classes for students who have failed their Grade 9 exams, giving them the chance to retake and re-enrol in school, or to gain qualifications that help them get better jobs.

Education in Zambia is free, but many students have to drop out after grade 9, either because they didn’t achieve the requisite six passes to complete their GCE exams and move up the school, or because economic and family pressures mean they can’t attend school full-time, having to earn money.

“When I started learning at Naboye, I had no intention of studying computers. I was surprised to be offered the course. But in a month of learning I have become computer literate and am able to do a variety of different tasks using a computer. I have learnt to prepare business cards, advertisements and brochures, as well as accounting using Microsoft Excel. I am very grateful for the kind gesture given to me by Naboye Secondary using computers donated by Camara Zambia.”
*Natasha Chabala*

The afternoon classes run by the Academic Production Unit (APU) cater to around 500 learners from grade 9 to grade 12. Students have to pay a small fee for these classes, but they consider it well worth it for the opportunity to get back into the free education system, or to enhance their employability skills.

“My name is Paul Phiri. I want to thank Naboye secondary school for allowing me to do computer lessons. I am now able to do different kinds of work on a computer with much more ease. I have learnt to type and have become faster through typing trainer software installed on the computers. I can prepare documents using Microsoft office. For this I thank Camara Zambia through Naboye Secondary for engaging me in the lessons.”

Computer Studies is a major focus. Some students find this practical and skill-based course easier than academic subjects, helping them on their way to passing GCE exams, while the older students who are unable to attend full time find it directly relevant to their employment prospects.

“I am a grade 12P4 pupil coming in the afternoon at Naboye secondary school. The computer lessons have been very beneficial and given me competence in computer skills. I am now able to prepare different types of documents using Microsoft Office. I can type a letter, do drawings in Word and calculations in Microsoft Excel. I am also able to prepare a Powerpoint presentation. I really appreciate the services given to me.”
*Tamika Machamanda*

The eLearning centre at Naboye school was supplied and installed by Camara Zambia as part of our ‘Tech for All’ project funded by Lenovo. This is what the school’s headteacher, Mrs Zyambo, had to say:

Camara Education