Many children in Zambia have been orphaned due to the spread HIV which is ravaging the country. These children live in extreme poverty. They have no access to education due to the high cost of uniforms and other fees, and face few prospects once they reach adulthood. Whilst schools in Zambia are provided by the state, the costs of attending are simply too high for most orphans and families living in abject poverty. These schools are also inaccessible to many who do not have the means to travel.

The New Life Community School is situated in George Compound, a densely populated area of Lusaka, Zambia. It was founded in 2003 by a group of women deeply concerned about the education of their children, and the many orphans living in the compound. Most of these women are widows, or living in poverty-stricken households; they could not afford to send their children to school. Some of these children, especially girls, started looking for means and ways to survive. Many of them were being coerced into prostitution, selling food near bars at night and getting married at an extremely young age. The women decided to open a community school in a near derelict building arranged by the local church. It started with 7 children and 1 teacher, quickly rising to include orphans and children in need within the compound. The number now stands at 240 children and 6 teachers, with a 98% pass rate. When possible, the school aims to provide one nutritious meal for the children, which may be their only meal that day. The school runs itself with extremely limited means; raising small amounts of income from selling hand-made jewelry, crafts and uniforms made by the women. It often cannot afford to pay the teachers, who they fear will soon leave. It is urgently in need of support if it is to continue providing such an essential service in this neglected community.

They need your help to continue educating these vulnerable children. They still require desks, books and other stationary, building materials, food and clothing. Any donations can also be used to keep the teachers at the school, ensuring the children have access to a brighter future.

Your donation will mean that these children are not left to fall into the cycle of poverty that restricted their parents, and that they can proactively access opportunities to sustain themselves and help develop their community.

• For £7 the school can ensure a child has suitable clothing to attend school.

• For £15 one textbook can be bought for the school curriculum, ensuring the children receive quality teaching.

• For just £22 a school desk can be bought so that the children have a suitable place to work.

• Under £200 will pay for one child to be educated (including one decent meal per day, and a uniform) for a whole year.