23 Oct Apex Computing to host table at Manchester Schools “Zambaid”
Apex Computing is proud to be supporting Zambaid, a project which has been run by Manchester schools and schools in Zambia for 11 years to help improve schooling and facilities for Zambia and to enrich the curriculum and opportunities within Manchester.
Who’s involved?
The Partnership evolved from a British Council funded project called Connecting Classrooms. The schools involved in the project are Newall Green Primary School, Baguely Hall Primary School, Benchill Primary School, Aspinal Primary School and Newall Green High School, who are now co-ordinating and leading the project. New to join the partnership is the Birches Specialist Primary Support Primary School.
Who are the Zambia partners?
Initially the partnership started with three schools in Zambia: Mwashi Basic School and Muteteshi Basic School, two schools who have children between the ages of 7-15; Angelina Tembo Girls High School which has children from 13-18 and also has a primary school on site. This year The BOCCS Community School joining the partnership. This school is founded in an area which was identified as having a lack of school provision and a large population of orphans.
What has the project achieved?
The project has had various developments throughout the years. Focusing on the development of the curriculum and global citizenship aspect has been one main area. In this area we have:
– Delivered literacy and numeracy lessons and teacher training.
– Developed cross cultural projects where Zambian schools and Manchester school educated each other about their country and culture.
– Provided teaching resources and shared good practice.
The development of facilities, clean water, sanitation and access to the internet has also be a large part of the project. All schools now have internet access, some basic ICT facilities and most importantly access to clean water and toilet facilities, all partly funded by the partnership.
In each school a School Council has been created, where students now take active part in helping improve school facilities and bringing up important issues they feel need addressing. Students have been given a voice!
Health awareness has been another aspect of the project. Group sessions and drop in sessions have taken place on female health and wellbeing.
Where is the project going?
The aims of the project for 2012-2013 are:
– To start making schools more self-sustaining through helping each establishment develop an aspect of farming.
– To expand the breadth of the curriculum in more creative subjects.
– To broaden the provision of sport on the curriculum, looking at rugby as an initial focus.
– To develop awareness of Special Educational Needs.
– To improve awareness health issues, specifically women’s health and HIV/AIDS.
– To enhance ICT training and use of ICT in teaching.
How can you get involved?
Please get in touch with Jessica Genovese by emailing JGenovese@smiletrust.org.uk to see how you can help.
