FEASIBILITY STUDY – PRIVATE BOARDING SCHOOL IN CHOMA DISTRICT

Considering invaluable low quality of education delivery in schools, especially rural schools and a reality of overcrowded classrooms due to the free education policy, the Franciscan Missionary Sisters for Africa (FMSA) have seen the need to construct a private boarding secondary school in Choma District in Southern Zambia.
To this cause, Ubunthu Enablers (Z), a development – focused organization supporting progress in Zambia recently conducted a feasibility study for the construction of a private boarding school. The study was initiated in response to the increasing demand for quality education and overwhelmed secondary schools in the district, driven by population growth and the rising aspiration of communities seeking better education opportunities for their children.
The study covered key areas including the local population’s educational needs, economic factors, infrastructure requirements, and the potential for long-term sustainability. Ubunthu Enablers engaged with local stakeholders, including Traditional Leadership, community leaders, Civic Leaders, parents, and education experts through the Ministry of Education to gather insights on the challenges facing the education sector in Choma. The study highlighted several gaps in the current education system, such as overcrowded public schools, lack of specialized facilities, and limited access to quality boarding options for students from rural areas.
The findings revealed that a private boarding school in Choma would not only provide a solution to these challenges but also foster a conducive learning environment with modern facilities, experienced educators, and a curriculum that aligns with both national and global standards. The proposed school would cater to students from diverse backgrounds, offering them an opportunity to excel academically while also nurturing their personal growth through extracurricular activities and mentorship programs.
The school will also reduce the need for migration as observed in many students from rural areas migrate to cities for better education. The school could retain students and talent in the district.
The study also included a business model to evaluate different scenarios and test the economic viability of the school after initial set up.
The study gave recommendations too for FMSA to consider as they take decision to pursue this noble cause.