VVOB in Zambia

For many teachers, their motivation stems from those everyday moments with their learners and watching them grow into confident individuals.

This rings especially true for Lessly Malambo, a devoted primary teacher in Zambia: "One of my major successes is being able to make learners breakthrough in literacy. With my Grade 5 class and Catch-Up learners, I am deeply motivated as I watch their literacy skills progress."

Using the Teaching at the Right Level ( ) methodology, Catch Up groups children by their learning level rather than by grade and uses hands-on and playful learning methodologies.

Lessly sees firsthand how this approach boosts not only her learners' skills, but also their confidence and joy in learning.

World Vision Zambia Teaching at the Right Level Africa Pratham International Zambia Open Community Schools Unicef Zambia VVOB in Zambia

Each morning in Lusaka, Emelda Musonda greets her preschool learners with a smile and a song.

Emelda has been teaching in Lusaka for over a decade. Through VVOB’s IT’S PLAY programme, she’s embraced a new approach to early learning, one that sees play not as a distraction, but as an approach for building skills and confidence.

She also mentors other teachers, shares handmade teaching materials, and advocates for the recognition early childhood educators deserve.

Emelda's story reflects something we see across countries: early learning is often overlooked, yet it’s one of the most powerful places to start. Learn more: https://www.vvob.org/stories-news/the-impact-of-playful-teachers

The LEGO Foundation VVOB in Zambia

The Digital School Project, implemented in partnership with the Education Above All Foundation, is an accelerated education programme supporting out-of-school adolescents in Zambia to prepare for the Grade 7 national examinations through the use of tablets and blended learning approaches.

Before learners begin using the digital learning content, they are assessed to understand their individual learning needs. Learners who require additional support in literacy and numeracy participate in a Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) Bootcamp.

The bootcamp applies the Teaching at the Right Level methodology, providing targeted and intensive support to strengthen foundational skills. This ensures learners are better prepared to engage meaningfully with the curriculum-aligned content on the tablets and progress confidently in their learning journey.

By combining assessment, targeted foundational support and digital learning, the project responds to learners’ diverse starting points while maintaining clear pathways back into formal education.

Read more about the project:
https://www.vvob.org/our-work/our-projects/digital-school-project

For many young people in Zambia, interrupted schooling has made it difficult to complete basic education. The Digital School Project is creating new pathways for learning by combining technology with structured academic support.

The project supports adolescents aged thirteen to eighteen who are out of school to prepare for the Grade 7 national examination through tablet-based learning and face-to-face facilitation. By using curriculum-aligned digital content, learners are able to study at their own pace while remaining connected to teachers and peers.

Implemented by the Ministry of Education- Zambia with support from the Education Above All Foundation and VVOB, the initiative responds to challenges such as overcrowded classrooms, distance and limited access to learning materials.

By expanding flexible learning opportunities, the Digital School Project contributes to stronger education systems that recognise different learning journeys and keep young people connected to education and future opportunities.

Read the full article:
https://itweb.africa/article/digital-school-project-gives-zambian-youths-hope/GxwQDq1DWWpMlPVo

Access to quality education means addressing the challenges learners face beyond the classroom.

In Zambia, the Education Above All Foundation, together with the Ministry of Education- Zambia, VVOB – education for development, World Vision and partners, is supporting integrated solutions that help children and young people stay in school and succeed.

These include digital learning approaches, improved access to schools, water and sanitation facilities, teaching and learning materials, family livelihood support, and child-led safe spaces.

By tackling barriers such as poverty, distance and early school leaving, these efforts contribute to stronger and more inclusive education systems.

Learn more:
https://educationpressreleases.com/article/851731784-education-above-all-foundation-breaks-barriers-to-education-for-children-and-youth-in-zambia

Not all learning journeys follow a straight path, and education systems must be able to respond.

In Zambia, the Digital School Project implemented by the Ministry of Education- Zambia in partnership with the Education Above All Foundation and VVOB is supporting learners who previously dropped out of school to return to education through a blended model that combines curriculum-aligned digital lessons with classroom support.

Learners share tablets, study key subjects and prepare for the Grade 7 national examination, while rebuilding confidence and motivation. The approach shows how education can adapt to learners’ realities without lowering expectations.

Discover the full story:
https://www.newsweek.com/zambia-school-dropouts-digital-school-project-2112191

Education does not have to end when life takes an unexpected turn.

Through the Digital School Project, young mothers in Zambia are returning to school through flexible learning pathways that allow them to balance caregiving responsibilities with their education.

Learners like Agness attend classes several days a week and use digital learning content to study at their own pace. This blended approach helps address barriers such as early pregnancy, distance and financial pressure, while keeping education accessible and relevant.

The initiative is implemented by the Ministry of Education- Zambia, in collaboration with Education Above All Foundation and VVOB.

“I want to build a better future for my child and my family,” Agness shares.

Read more:
https://www.newsweek.com/zambia-young-mothers-school-2112831

Meet Peter, a fifteen-year-old learner in Zambia whose return to education shows what is possible when learning adapts to real-life challenges.

After an injury forced him to leave school, Peter found a way back through the Digital School Project, a blended learning approach that combines tablet-based lessons with in-person support. The project supports adolescents who are out of school to prepare for the Grade 7 national examination and re-enter formal education.

Implemented by the Ministry of Education- Zambia in partnership with Education Above All Foundation and VVOB – education for development, the project demonstrates how flexible learning pathways can keep education within reach.
As Peter says, “School never stops.” 📘

Read the full story:
https://www.vvob.org/stories-news/zambias-digital-school-project-opens-doors-to-learning

Scaling Across Borders by Cocreating With Government (SSIR) For many social initiatives, achieving transformative impact requires government leadership. Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) Africa has gained important insights about effectively supporting government partners, adapting operations across contexts and borders, and working within existing systems.