Restoring School, Restoring Education, Restoring hope
Rehabilitated Classrooms in Mapangara
Teresa Jimo President of the Mapangara School Council
Rehabilitation of Classrooms
Rehabilitated Classrooms in Mapangara
The Pestalozzi Let’s Learn! project rehabilitated a total of (6) classrooms in the communities of Mapangara and Lihua Chicota, in Machanga district, as part of an effort to strengthen the quality of teaching and learning.
“Before the rehabilitation, the situation was critical. The roof was damaged, allowing rain to enter the classrooms, constantly interrupting lessons,” Said Laura Candaja, director of Mapangara school. The school environment did not provide suitable conditions for teaching and learning, and the community saw the school as a ruined structure, especially after the cyclones Freddy and Filipo occurred in 2023 and 2024.
Classrooms of Mapangara before Restoration
With the rehabilitation of the classrooms, students, especially the youngest ones, show great enthusiasm and pride in studying in a well-structured environment.
“The rehabilitation of classrooms serves as a significant incentive for students by providing a more dignified and comfortable learning environment. The refurbished classrooms now accommodate 243 pupils from grades 1 to 4, enhancing their educational experience. Currently, we have more students than other schools in the region, which proves the positive impact of these changes,” says Laura Candaja. Ensuring student attendance has always been a challenge, particularly due to hunger, economic difficulties and school infraestructure conditions. With better-structured classrooms, the children have more reasons to attend school and focus on their studies.
Today, thanks to the Let’s Learn! project, the reality has changed significantly. With safe classrooms, reinforced roofs, and a welcoming atmosphere, children are more motivated, stay in school longer, and show greater interest in their studies. “This support did not just rehabilitate a building; it restored families’ hope and strengthened the community’s commitment to education.” Parents and guardians are more engaged, recognizing the positive impact of these improvements and envisioning a better future for their children.
Following the rehabilitation of three classrooms at Mapangara School, the school leadership and community made good use of the roofing sheets removed from these classrooms by repurposing them to cover two older classrooms that were in very poor condition.
Traditional Classrooms of Mapangara before and after
School Council and Guardians
School council President, School Director Laura Candaja and Guardians Representative
The school director, Laura Candaja, also highlights the essential role of the Parents School Council. According to her, the council functions as an extension of the school leadership, helping to monitor school operations and strengthening the bond between the community and the school. The school council supports the management in overseeing the school, encouraging parents to motivate their children to attend classes. According to Laura, “When some pupils miss school without justification, the school council visits their homes to speak with the parents and understand what is happening. This helps us keep the children in school.”
The Parents School Council plays a fundamental role not only within the school grounds but also in the community. It acts as a dynamic link between the school and families, raising awareness among parents and guardians about the importance of education and encouraging children’s enrollment. Interestingly, the council is composed mainly of women, a testament to the strength and dedication of women in securing a better future for the next generations.
Rehabilitated Classrooms in Mapangara
Teresa Jimo, the president of school council said “I have been a member of the school council for almost eight years and now I am president. For me, it’s incredibly rewarding to contribute to education in my community. I enjoy engaging with the school leadership and teachers, raising awareness among parents, and helping ensure that children stay in school.”
The school council strives to ensure that children from local communities have the opportunity to receive an education and, with it, the chance to dream of a better future.
“On behalf of the entire Mapangara community, we deeply thank Pestalozzi and ESMABAMA for believing in our school and in the transformative power of education” Said the president. Together with Pestalozzi Child Foundation, we are building a brighter future for our children and for the entire community!
The Let’s Learn! project aims to improve the quality of teaching and learning in the communities where ESMABAMA operates. It does so by training education professionals and providing the necessary materials, tools, and knowledge to strenghten education in 21 Primary schools across the districts of Buzi, Chibabava and Machanga. The ultimate goal is to ensure a brighter future for the boys and girls in these communities.
