Joyce Chimbila and her friend Minerva Kachaka started a Nursery Class for 10 children above the ages of 10 years old. They provided basic numeracy and literacy lessons as well as a Feeding Program. The Nursery Class in Old Mushili had very simple amenities with no lighting or running water. The cooking was done over charcoal braziers.

By the end of 2009, the Nursery Class had 25 children enrolled.

Joyce tried to get the 25 children into Primary Schools but they were “too old”. So Joyce started a school of her own.

The school consisted of two teachers, a cook, a counsellor and Joyce. Grade 1 was commenced and additional children were added to the Nursery Class. It wasn’t long before parents and carers were also being helped with numeracy and literacy.

Hartwell Church of Christ became involved with Joyce’s work. In partnership with Churches of Christ Overseas Aid (COCOA), tax deductible projects began complimenting the school structure including putting in windows, lighting and a simple kitchen.

The school now has 80 students and is teaching up to Grade 4. A bore hole is sunk and hand pump installed. The school at Old Mushili now has running water!

Four hectares of land is purchased in Kaloko for future expansion and farming to provide much needed food.

Two dwellings are also built on the land in Kaloko. One each for the Caretaker and Manager and their families.

With initial fencing now being put up around the Kaloko block, the growing of crops (vegetable and maize) starts. Parents of the students were able to work on the farm.

The crop was used to feed the students, staff and workers but excess stock was also sold off generating income for the school. Livestock were then added to the farm, providing protein for the school meals.

Concrete brick making began. This generated further income as the school built a reputation for making good quality bricks.

Children from the very first Nursery Class back in 2009 enter Grade 7! At the end of the school year, they sat an examination to enter the Government High Schools. Every single student was accepted. All of those students were supported with scholarships to cover fees. To date, all Grade 7 students graduating Primary School have passed and been accepted into High School.

The drought begins. Zambia will face drought for the next three years with below average rainfall in the Wet Seasons. This is a major issue.

Zambia is reliant on Hydro Electricity for its own use but also as an export to surrounding countries. The effects are significant. The poor areas of Zambia, including Old Mushili and Kaloko were disproportionately affect by load shedding during this period.

Against all odds, the school continued achieving, now educating 90 students with four trained teachers and a Counsellor.

A one kilometre high concrete brick wall commenced construction around the four hectare block in Kaloko for security. Over two hectares of maize is grown and the livestock now consist of 80 pigs and 5 cattle!

A Future 4 Kids (AF4K) was formally formed.

The first wave of COVID-19 hit and many jobs were lost and starvation was at an all time high. The school provided food packs for the school families and other contacts and continued to employ staff.

AF4K was accepted into HADA (Health and Development Aid Broad) increasing donations. AF4K name in HADA is P4K-Zambia.

The concrete wall was completed and steel gates were installed but the bore hole failed in June.

The 75KW Generator was delivered in July and secured. A slab was installed on footings from an earlier project by another venture. At present this is used by the children as a play area but AF4K plans to build a refuge home for children at risk.

In October, Stage One of the Four Classroom Block commenced at Kaloko, starting with a Ground Breaking Ceremony.

Emergency supplies of masks, gloves, hand sanitiser, as well as feminine hygiene products, dental packs, sporting goods and clothing were all sent over from Australia.

The year started with 110 children in Nursery to Grade 7 and 45 students on scholarships in High School (Grades 8 to 12).

The new 10,000 litre water tank was delivered and installed. Then another COVID-19 wave hit. Thankfully this one was not as severe as the first.

Construction on the Four Classroom Block continued but it was slowed by the rain and the old truck dying in June.

In July, another COVID-19 wave hit and this time it was severe. The Government ordered all schools to close. Many children were still coming to the school to get food as they were starving. Additional food packs were made up and distributed to school families and contacts.

In October, the Four Classroom Block was completed and a special Opening Ceremony was held!

Five Grade 12 students sat their final exams working towards qualifying for University or Vocational Training.

The new school year commences with the AF4K School (formerly known as the Four Classroom Block) officially open.

The beginning of the year saw over 250 parents come to enrol their children in the Nursery Class. 60 were able to be enrolled.

Three ALMs students from the founding class were accepted into Northrise University studying Accounting, IT and Nursing. They were granted full scholarships. Additionally another student from the founding class was accepted into Vocation Training of Hotel Management. This is an incredible achievement and a testament to not only the students who worked hard and stayed strong through many obstacles but also all staff at ALMs.

A new kitchen and storeroom was constructed on the Kaloko block. Another kitchen, bigger storeroom and open shelter to fit at least 50 people at a time are next on the agenda.