Campaign by Story
Since 2011 Cranleigh School has been partnering with Beyond Ourselves to offer quality education to orphans and vulnerable children in the Copperbelt region of Zambia. In particular Cranleigh has a long lasting and meaningful relationship with Kawama Community School in Kitwe. Over this time, the generous support from the Cranleigh community has provided the building and maintenance of six classrooms, a toilet block and kitchen, and given nearly a 1000 children access to a high standard primary education. The District Education Board cite Kawama Community School as an excellent example of practice for other Community Schools in the Copperbelt. Many of our students have had the opportunity to visit Kawama and the impact of those visits is significant.
Some reflections from students who have just returned from their trip to Zambia:
Upon arrival back after the trip I didn’t feel like I’d changed much as a person. However, as I was released back into the developed world of England I found myself noticing things that never crossed my mind previously in my life. I noticed how my attitudes towards waste, negative attitudes and obstacles I faced drastically changed. Suddenly I was more observant and grateful about some of the problems in my life which made me realise how the trip had changed my outlook without me even realising.
Going on the Zambia trip opened my eyes on a new culture and way of thinking, it was such a life changing experience and taught me the importance of community and the impact we can make together.
Zambia was such a life-changing experience for all of us, it really helped to put our position and role in helping others into perspective and motivates us to encourage change and awareness in Cranleigh and the wider community.