“This school is wonderful. Everything is nice here. The boarding fees are affordable, and we get good meals so we can stay in school. There is no bullying, and the teachers treat us very nicely.” – Margaret, Vice Head Girl at Tsogorolathu
For Margaret, stepping into her new school feels like freedom. No fear, no bullying, no being pushed aside because she’s a girl. Instead, a place where she belongs, where teachers cheer her on, and where she can dream bigger. Education is rewriting her future. When girls like Margaret stay in school, they grow up healthier, earn more, and build stronger, more resilient communities.
She isn’t alone. Last week, hundreds of young people like Margaret came together to celebrate the official launch of Tsogorolathu Secondary School in Sinda District and Pembele Secondary School in Chirundu District. Their opening marks far more than bricks and mortar: they stand for possibility, hope, and opportunity.
The names were chosen by local communities themselves. Tsogorolathu means Our Future, a powerful statement of belief in the next generation. Pembele, meaning Rhino in English, represents strength, majesty, and value.
“This school gives the whole district hope. It has come at the right time to give our young people an excellent place to learn,” said Anslow Muchelemba, District Administrative Officer, as the new schools were officially opened.
With brand-new science and ICT labs, classrooms, and safe boarding options, Tsogorolathu and Pembele will give more than 880 students a fair chance to learn and thrive. In places where education has too often been out of reach — because of distance, poverty, or safety fears — these schools are changing the odds. PEAS’ network in Zambia now reaches nearly 9,000 students — each with the chance to thrive, no matter their background.
Beatrice Likando, PEAS Zambia Country Director, captured the spirit of the day:
“At PEAS, we believe every child deserves a quality education, no matter where they are born. These schools represent hope, opportunity, and a brighter future for the entire community.”
Rebecca Terzeon, British High Commissioner designate to Zambia, highlighted how partnerships can unlock this transformation:
“When communities, government, and organisations like PEAS come together, young people gain opportunities that can change their lives — and their communities — for the better.”
She also reminded us that education, particularly for girls, is one of the most powerful forces for driving economic growth, social progress, and a brighter future for all.
A huge thank you goes to our key partner, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), whose invaluable support has made this vision a reality. Their partnership is helping us reach new regions and ensure hundreds more young people can learn, thrive, and build a better future.
At PEAS, our mission is simple: break down the barriers to secondary education so every young person can unlock their potential. With Tsogorolathu and Pembele, we are taking another powerful step forward.