“We never thought we’d see the day our children could dream beyond farming.”
An interview with the School Leader of PEAS Tsogorolathu Secondary School, Chikalawa Village, Zambia
In January 2025, PEAS opened the doors to its newest school: Tsogorolathu Secondary School in Chikalawa Village, Zambia. The name, chosen by the local community, means Our Future – a powerful reflection of their hopes for the next generation. For too long, families here have faced the harsh reality that secondary education was out of reach. The nearest schools were far away, dropout rates were high – especially among girls – and many young people found their futures cut short by early marriage or the need to stay home and support their families.
Now, for the first time, students in Chikalawa and surrounding villages can access affordable, quality secondary education close to home. We spoke to the School Leader of Tsogorolathu to hear first-hand how the school is already making an impact, and their hopes for the future.
Can you tell us about the community where the school is located?
Chikalawa is a rural village where most families rely on subsistence farming. The population is very young, and many households struggle to afford basic needs because of limited economic opportunities. Access to education has always been a challenge here – especially at secondary level. Distance to schools led to high dropout rates, with girls most affected. Many primary graduates remained at home or entered early marriages because there was simply no accessible secondary school nearby.
What impact do you think Tsogorolathu will have on the community?
The school is already bringing hope. It will provide accessible, quality education and reduce dropout rates. It will empower girls and marginalised groups to continue their education. It will create opportunities for students to achieve their ambitions and break cycles of poverty. Most importantly, it will foster a culture of learning and inspire hope for a better tsogolo (future).
How has the community responded?
The response has been overwhelming. Parents are eager to see their children continue their education locally, and community leaders have pledged their support. Everyone recognises the long-term benefits.
Are there specific groups who will benefit most?
Yes. Many of our learners come from vulnerable backgrounds. Thanks to programmes like Keeping Girls in School (KGS) and the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), girls and children from low-income families are being supported. The school’s inclusive policies mean even the most vulnerable students will have the chance to thrive.
What are you most looking forward to in this first year?
I’m excited to see students make the transition from primary to secondary education and grow into confident young people with the tools to succeed.
Do you anticipate any challenges?
The demand is already very high – especially for boarding places. Managing enrolment, ensuring we have enough resources, and establishing a strong school culture will be our biggest challenges.
What kind of school do you want Tsogorolathu to be?
We want to build a school that is rooted in the community, that responds to its needs, and that helps every student reach their potential. Above all, it should be an inclusive and welcoming environment where every child – regardless of their background – feels valued and empowered.
Looking ahead five to ten years, what do you hope the school will achieve?
I hope Tsogorolathu will be recognised as a hub of academic excellence and innovation, with consistently high exam pass rates and a strong record of graduates progressing to higher education or meaningful careers. Most of all, I hope it inspires this community to continue valuing and investing in education.
Do you have a story that captures the spirit of the journey so far?
When we announced that Tsogorolathu would open and accept boarders, an elderly woman from Chikalawa told us: “We never thought we’d see the day our children could dream beyond farming.” Her words motivated us to push forward despite the challenges. The joy on her face when she saw the first students check in to the dormitories was a powerful reminder of just how life-changing this school will be.
Tsogorolathu Secondary School is just beginning its journey, but it is already reshaping the future of Chikalawa village, and will continue to for generations to come.