African Education Program (AEP)

Happy World Autism Awareness Day! 💙 On this day, we celebrate the power of inclusive education across our African Education Program family, from our flagship Learning & Leadership Center in #Zambia, the Amos Youth Centre (AYC), to our newest Local Impact Partner in #Rwanda, The Moyo Center. At AYC’s Read for Rose Special Education Program, we see every day how the right support can unlock extraordinary potential. Thokozile’s journey is just one example. When she first joined, she struggled with social interaction and language regression—challenges many children on the autism spectrum face. Today, she is reading, writing, and thriving, with a deep love for books that continues to grow. This same belief—that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, belong, and shine—is what connects our work in Zambia to our partnership with The Moyo Center in Rwanda. Together, we are expanding access to inclusive education, ensuring that children of all abilities are not left behind, but instead empowered to reach their full potential. Because at the African Education Program, we know: when we invest in every child, we strengthen entire communities. 💙 Every child has unique strengths. 💙 Every child deserves opportunity. 💙 Every child matters. #WorldAutismAwarenessDay #InclusiveEducation #ReadForRose #MoyoCenter #AmosYouthCentre #EveryChildMatters #WhereYouthRiseCommunitiesThrive #disabilityawareness

The African Education Program was proud to represent excellence in the field of education at a recent event hosted by the @usembassyzambia. The special event was held to recognize and celebrate the outstanding contributions of American and Zambian women to the field of education, and provide a platform for inspiration, learning, and dialogue. Our flagship Learning & Leadership Center in Kafue, Zambia continues to serve as a transformative example for the education sector in #Zambia.

We are excited to share that the African Education Program (AEP) has been selected by @GlobalGiving for their Project of the Month Club highlighting our work in Kafue, #Zambia with our flagship Learning & Leadership Center, expanding access to reproductive health information and services. This work would not be possible without continued support from individual donors and corporate partners like @Hologic and @popconnect. Through our Reproductive Health Access Initiative, we are working to address barriers young women face to accessing reproductive and menstrual health services in practical, community-rooted ways. Weekly health messaging and “Girls Talk” and “Boys Talk” clubs provide young people with accurate information and supportive peer spaces, while counseling and partnerships with local clinics connect them to essential services—including pregnancy and STI testing, family planning, and contraceptives. We hope you will join us in supporting this life-changing work! #menu" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">globalgiving.org/projects/proje…

The African Education Program (AEP) is launching a special children’s book created in partnership with author Dorothy Potash, supporting our work in Zambia. Jiya and the Wisdom of Elephants is the story of a young elephant raised by her mother, her grandmother, and her community, growing into a leader through the wisdom and care of those around her. It is a story about family, resilience, and the wisdom we share. And it reflects what we see every day in Kafue, #Zambia—young people growing into leaders, supported by those who came before them. Please join us for our Spring Fundraiser featuring a special virtual book launch and reading: 📅 April 30th, 2026 🕔 5:00 ET 📍 Virtual (Zoom link to follow) Visit our website to RSVP, pre-order a copy of the book, and make a gift in support of AEP’s programs: africaneducationprogram.org/the-wisdom-we-…

Seven years ago, a vision for inclusive education took root at our flagship Learning & Leadership Center in Kafue, #Zambia — the Amos Youth Centre (AYC). Today, we celebrate 7 years of the Read for Rose Special Education Program and the powerful reminder that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and be seen. What began as a dream has grown into a safe, supportive space where children with disabilities are not only accessing education, but building confidence, communication skills, and independence. From learning to read and write, to mastering Zambian #SignLanguage and vocational skills, our students are breaking barriers every single day. At the heart of this journey is Febby Choombe, our Director of Special Education, who is also an alumna of AYC. It was at the Learning & Leadership Center that she was given the space to dream — and she chose to dream of a future where children with #disabilities in her community would have the opportunities they deserve. Today, she is continuing to bring that dream to life. Over the past seven years, Read for Rose has become more than a program — it is a community. One that embraces every child for who they are and who they can become. Because when we invest in inclusive education, we are not just changing individual lives — we are building stronger, more compassionate communities for all. Read AYC's latest Letters blog to learn more: bit.ly/3Q4E1KQ

Career Day brought lots of smiles to the children and staff this week at our flagship Learning & Leadership Center in Kafue, Zambia—but it also sparked something even bigger: imagination and possibility. The Young Learners at the Amos Youth Centre (AYC) recently stepped into their future, dressing up as doctors, engineers, teachers, pilots, and so much more. Each costume told a story of who they dream of becoming. But Career Day went beyond dress-up. Through an engaging career talk, students explored the many paths available to them—learning that their goals are within reach with curiosity, hard work, and support. At AYC, they’re not just preparing students for exams, they’re preparing them for life, leadership, and limitless opportunity. #CareerDay #YoungLearners #AYC #Zambia #DreamBig #FutureLeaders

Happy #PurpleDay 💜 Today, we join the world in raising awareness for #epilepsy—a neurological condition that affects over 50 million people globally. In #Zambia, epilepsy remains highly prevalent, particularly in rural and underserved communities, where access to diagnosis, treatment, and accurate information is often limited. Too often, stigma and misconceptions prevent individuals from receiving the care and support they deserve. Today, we want you to meet Melissa. An alumni of our flagship Learning & Leadership Center in Kafue, Zambia -- the Amos Youth Centre (AYC) -- Melissa participated in AYC’s holistic program and received the tutoring support she needed and credits it with helping her excel in Mathematics and English throughout her secondary school years. Today, Melissa is a 4th-year Computer Science student at The University of Zambia -UNZA and a powerful voice for change. Living with epilepsy herself, she is using her journey to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and advocate for greater understanding in her community. At our Read for Rose Special Education Program, we are also proud to support three students living with epilepsy. Every day, we see what is possible when children are met with the right support, inclusive education, and a community that believes in them. Because epilepsy does not define potential—opportunity does. This Purple Day, let’s stand with Melissa and millions around the world to replace stigma with understanding, and silence with support. #EpilepsyAwareness #PurpleDay #InclusiveEducation #Zambia #WhereYouthRiseCommunitiesThrive

This #EarthHour, we’re reminded that global change begins with local action—and that some of the most powerful climate solutions are already being led by communities on the frontlines. At the African Education Program’s Learning & Leadership Center in Kafue, #Zambia, youth and families are not just learning about climate change—they are building solutions. Through our Urban Farming & Permaculture Learning Space, young leaders are turning food waste into compost, growing nutritious food, and sharing climate-smart practices across their neighborhoods. These grassroots efforts may seem small, but they are anything but. They restore ecosystems, strengthen food security, and empower the next generation to lead with resilience and innovation. Earth Hour is more than turning off the lights. It’s about turning toward each other—toward community-led solutions that create lasting impact. Join us in celebrating and investing in the local changemakers who are lighting the way forward. #EarthHour #WhereYouthRise #ClimateAction #SustainableCommunities

In celebration of #WorldDownSyndromeDay, we celebrate what inclusion truly looks like across the African Education Program -- from #Zambia to #Rwanda -- where every child is seen, valued, and given the opportunity to thrive. At our flagship Learning & Leadership Center in Kafue, Zambia, the Amos Youth Centre (AYC), students in the Read for Rose Special Education Program are not just learning side by side, they are learning about one another. Through open conversations and shared experiences, barriers are replaced with understanding. Meet Hillary, one of the incredible students living with Down Syndrome. On this day, her peers didn’t just celebrate her—they learned about Down Syndrome, ensuring that inclusion goes beyond the classroom and into the heart of the community. This same commitment to inclusive education is growing beyond Zambia and taking root in Rwanda with our Local Impact Partner, The Moyo Center, who is in the demonstration phase of their pilot, expanding access, awareness, and opportunity for children of all abilities. Because at AEP, inclusion is not a program—it’s a promise. Join us in celebrating Hillary and all individuals living with Down Syndrome. Share this message to spread awareness, acceptance, and the belief that every child belongs.

Every drop tells a story—and in Kafue, Zambia, too many of those stories begin with a long walk for water. At our flagship Learning & Leadership Center, the Amos Youth Centre (AYC), annual home visits go beyond check-ins—they reveal the daily realities families face. One simple question: “Do you have running water at home?” -- uncovered something deeper in 2025: 💧 61.7% of families have running water 💧 38% still rely on communal boreholes and wells Behind that 38% are early mornings and heavy burdens. Mothers rising before dawn. Girls carrying jerrycans instead of books. Time lost. Health at risk. Opportunity delayed. This is why WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) is not just infrastructure—it’s dignity, education, and equity. This #WorldWaterDay, we join the global call to recognize that the water crisis is also a gender crisis. When water is scarce, it is women and girls who carry the weight—physically and figuratively. That future starts with WASH solutions—and with partners who are ready to invest in lasting, community-driven impact. Because when water flows, everything else can too. #WorldWaterDay #WASH #WaterIsLife #GenderEquality #Zambia

Happy Financial Literacy Week, Zambia! Observed every third week of March, Financial Literacy Week was established to ensure that every Zambian, young and old, has the knowledge to make smart financial decisions. It is a reminder that understanding money is not just for adults. It starts with the children and youth at our flagship Learning & Leadership Center in Kafue, Zambia -- the Amos Youth Centre (AYC). At AYC, we’re excited to see our Young Learners dive into weekly financial literacy classes with our Entrepreneurship Manager, Violet Mukumbwa. Every lesson brings us one step closer to raising confident, money-smart leaders. Here’s to working together and celebrating smart money talks! #FinancialLiteracyWeek #YoungLearners #Zambia #FinancialEducation #FutureLeaders

It starts with a seed. 🌱 At our Urban Farming & Permaculture Learning Space in Kafue, #Zambia, students are discovering that even the smallest act can grow into something powerful—food, confidence, and a more sustainable future. One seed becomes a garden. A garden becomes possibility. Thank you to Big Green for inspiring and partnering with us to turn small actions into lasting change. 🌍💚 #PlantASeedDay #GrassrootsClimateSolutions #WhereYouthRiseCommunitiesThrive #BigGreen

Real impact is not built overnight. It is grown—day by day, year by year—through consistent investment, belief, and opportunity. At the African Education Program’s flagship Learning & Leadership Center in Kafue, #Zambia—the Amos Youth Centre (AYC)—we have the privilege of walking alongside students for the long journey. And Shalini is a beautiful example of what that journey can become. Shalini first joined AYC as a Grade 5 student. For 10 years, she has been part of our community—learning, growing, and shaping her vision for the future. Today, she is a final-year student at Natural Resources Development College (NRDC), completing her Diploma in Animal Science. During her recent internship at Mochipapa Research Station in Southern Province, Shalini gained hands-on experience in dairy, beef, poultry, and plant production. From milking and recording yields to disease control and vaccination, she is building the skills to thrive in a critical field that supports her country’s future. But this moment didn’t happen by chance. It took years of pouring into her potential. Years of encouragement. Years of creating a space where she could dream bigger, push further, and believe in what’s possible. Shalini’s story is a reminder: when we invest in a child today, we are shaping a leader for tomorrow. Where Youth Rise, Communities Thrive.

Findings indicate that participation in an arts program has positive effects on students' behavior and attitudes, including fewer behavioral and emotional problems than those who did not participate in the arts program. That's why the holistic program model at our flagship Learning & Leadership Center in Kafue, #Zambia includes a Performing Arts Club. Students don't just learn #dance, #music, #poetry, and #drama, they are discovering creative expression and talents they didn't know they had. Facilitators mentor these young artists as they explore creativity, build confidence, and find new ways to express themselves. #PerformingArts

The @GlobalGiving 2026 Little by Little campaign is LIVE!! Your donation to our project is eligible for a 50% match while funds remain. Don't delay. YOU can help us #EndPeriodPoverty for 400 Girls in Kafue, #Zambia and help us meet our goal! To date, over 2,400 menstrual health products have been distributed through our Reproductive Health Access Initiative that addresses reproductive health, contraception, teenage pregnancy, HIV awareness and girl's agency. In a recent poll, 30% of girls still report using rags or traditional methods during their period. Your support of this project will provide 400 girls, including those differently-abled, with a menstrual health training and the sanitary resources best suited for her! Make your gift today! globalgiving.org/projects/end-p…

We couldn't be more excited to see one of our own soar to new levels! In 2015, when Annie Nyambe was in the eighth grade, she learned about our flagship Learning & Leadership Center in Kafue, #Zambia -- the Amos Youth Centre (AYC) -- and began to attend holistic programs and activities that helped her discover her gifts and talents. In September 2019, she joined the Read for Rose Special Education Program as an Assistant Teacher. And today, she is the Special Education Assistant and pursing a degree in Special Education at @KwameUniversity. Now, Annie is helping @DofE -- The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award -- Zambia become more #inclusive by training as an Award Leader and Adventurous Journey Assessor. As part of the training, she accompanied other Award Leaders and Assessors on a journey at Mikango Hills in Chongwe. This training equipped her with the knowledge to lead students through this prestigious international youth achievement award. The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award is the world's leading youth development program, empowering young people aged 14-24 to build skills, give service, stay active, and experience adventure. Participants complete four sections—Voluntary Service, Physical Recreation, Skills Development, and Adventurous Journey—across three progressive levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Currently, AYC has 10 students participating at the Silver level. They will soon have 20 new additions, including 5 students from the Read for Rose #SpecialEducation Program. Annie's training ensures our students receive expert guidance as they work toward this life-changing achievement!

@HHichilema @ORLPride @BarbraBanda11 Go Barbara!!

BB11! Salt 🧂 Sana Kuchalo! Great goal! Bally

At the African Education Program, we believe that preparing young people for the future means teaching them not only how to learn, but how to innovate with the resources around them. At our flagship Learning & Leadership Center in Kafue, #Zambia — the Amos Youth Centre — students in the Urban Farming & Permaculture Learning Space are discovering the power of sustainability through hands-on learning. During a recent Gardening Club session, students explored banana fiber biofabrication, learning how to extract fibers from banana stems and transform what is often considered agricultural waste into eco-friendly materials for crafts like tote bags. These lessons go far beyond gardening. They open young minds to the possibilities of circular economies, sustainable design, and climate-resilient livelihoods. When children and youth learn that a discarded banana stem can become fabric, they begin to see their environment differently — not as a place of scarcity, but as a place full of opportunity and innovation. For communities on the frontlines of climate change, these skills matter. They nurture problem-solvers who understand how to care for the land, reduce waste, and create value from local materials. Through ongoing trainings at the Urban Farming & Permaculture Learning Space, more than 800 Amos Youth Centre youth and their families are gaining knowledge that strengthens food security, environmental stewardship, and sustainable livelihoods. Because when young people learn to transform what’s around them, they don’t just grow gardens — they grow solutions for the future. 🌱 #UrbanFarming #Biofabrication #Sustainability #ClimateResilience #KiaGarden #CycleofLife #SeedsofChange #Kia @Kia Middle East & Africa The Waste Lab Mawejje Creations

Today, on #YouthDay in #Zambia, we celebrate the power, promise, and potential of young people across the nation—especially the incredible youth at our flagship Learning & Leadership Center in Kafue, the Amos Youth Centre. Every day, we see young people rising to the occasion. Students becoming mentors. Learners becoming leaders. Youth who once came seeking support now guiding the next generation forward. At the Amos Youth Centre, Youth Day is more than a celebration—it’s a reminder of what happens when young people are given the opportunity to learn, lead, and believe in their future. From tutoring younger students, to leading clubs, to developing skills that will shape their careers and communities, these youth are proving that leadership has no age. Their determination, resilience, and vision for a better tomorrow inspire us all. And when young people are empowered with education, mentorship, and opportunity, the impact reaches far beyond the classroom—it transforms families, strengthens communities, and builds a brighter future for Zambia. Today and every day, we celebrate the courage and promise of youth who are stepping forward and shaping the world around them. Where Youth Rise, Communities Thrive.

Were you ready for #college when you graduated from high school? Most of us weren't and the transition from high school to college can be overwhelming. That's why we created the College Prep Program at our flagship Learning & Leadership Center in Kafue, #Zambia -- the Amos Youth Centre. In these interactive sessions, students learn the skills textbooks don't teach, from career counseling to finding the right path, budgeting and time management, building friendships in new environments, effective study strategies, resume writing, and acing job interviews. By the time they complete this program, students aren't just heading to college. They're walking in prepared, confident, and ready to thrive. This is how we set students up for success beyond the classroom. #CollegePrep #CareerReadiness #LifeSkills #AYCImpact