Our kids deserve more

Culture and Pride in Education

When we introduced African-designed uniforms at Nilina Hope Learning Centre, we witnessed a remarkable transformation in our educational community. Our students wore their uniforms with unprecedented pride - the vibrant patterns and colours of their heritage woven into their daily academic life. The uniform design, featuring bold geometric patterns and warm orange and yellow tones against black, became more than just school attire; it was a statement of cultural celebration.

The impact was profound and immediate. Students who once wore standard uniforms now carried themselves with renewed confidence. Our learning environment became more energized and connected to our heritage.

Our initiative to incorporate African designs into school uniforms broke new ground in educational settings. It demonstrated how educational institutions could meaningfully integrate cultural celebration into every aspect of learning, even through dress code. This experience showed us that when children see their culture celebrated in their daily school life, it strengthens their sense of identity and connection to their roots.

Looking back, this decision represented more than just a change in uniform - it was a powerful statement about the importance of cultural pride in education.

Our kids deserve more

Culture and Pride in Education

At Nilina Hope Learning Centre, we took immense pride in crafting a distinctive identity through our thoughtfully chosen uniforms. Our female students adorned full-length African print dresses, each one a masterpiece of striking geometric patterns in warm, earthy tones—rich yellows and deep browns beautifully accented with vibrant greens. These uniforms were far more than mere clothing; they were a celebration of African artistry, wrapping our students in the vibrant beauty of their heritage.

The design of the dresses, with their flowing silhouettes and authentic patterns, was both practical and symbolic. They allowed our students to move with ease and comfort throughout their day, all while carrying the dignity and pride of their cultural identity.

Reflecting on these moments, the images we hold dear are not just about a uniform choice, but about a deliberate decision to weave cultural pride into the very fabric of our students' daily educational journey. This remains a powerful testament to how educational spaces can meaningfully honor, celebrate, and elevate African heritage, creating an environment where students can thrive both academically and culturally.

Our kids deserve more

Nilina Hope, Kawama Campus, Kitwe

Thank you. You made the purcahse of our land in Kawama, Kitwe possible. The land was purchased in January 2022.

The purchase and construction of our Kawama Campus facility in Kitwe is our largest project.

We need your financial help. Learning and other operations that make us who we are will not be placed on hold while we build. Our dreams are Big, and rightly so. But to ensure we don't shy away from our ambitious desires, we need all the financial help we can get.

Such dreams as Big as they are, do not necessarily translate into you giving beyond your means. Give what you can. But give.

It's easy to give, it is also easy not to give.

Our kids deserve more

Our Children, Our Responsibility

In September 2019, we bought new school shoes and socks for all our 110 kids. Thanks to our team for making this possible, our donors and to Zamshu for supplying the shoes. Our work was well received in the community.

I run a makeshift store next to my house. I don’t make much money. My son John stopped going to school because he was mocked about being old for his grade. So I am really thankful because your learning centre has placed him in the appropriate class without first looking at his age or height. It is also a blessing that my son now wears expensive school shoes. Shoes that I cannot afford to buy him from the money that I make. – Mr. Phiri, Kitwe

Our kids deserve more

Our Children, Our Responsibility

"I look so good, my own mother won't recognise me." - a happy and satisfied student.

As far as we know, there are no schools in Zambia that have custom, tailored, handmade, African uniforms. We are not a school, but we are happy to lead the way.

The uniforms are made from Kente print from Ghana. The black cloth is sourced locally in Kitwe. The tailor and his team - totally skilled, are based in Kitwe, Zambia.

If you have a desire to invent the future, please let us know.

Kamatipa, in Kitwe

Kamatipa needs assessment report

In July 2019, we conducted a needs assessment of the Kamatipa community. Below is an extract from the report.

Kitwe is the second largest city in Zambia. The city covers a total area of 777 square kilometers stretching from the south where it is bordered by Ndola and Luanshya, upto the north where it is bordered by Mufulira and Kalulushi Districts. Because of its centrality and proximity to other districts, Kitwe is aptly called the 'Hub of the Copperbelt' (KCC 2002a). There are a number of low-income and informal settlements in Kitwe.

Kamatipa Community, which is a selected area for the assessment is among the list of informal settlement and low-income communities in Kitwe on the Copperbelt Province. It occupies a total area of 131.64 hectares of state land north of Kitwe (KCC 2002a). In addition, Kamatipa has the population of 19,050 with 3,175 number of households (CSO, 2011). Kamatipa community is characterised by high levels of poverty compared to other places in Kitwe. The community faces a lot of challenges ranging from poverty, sanitation, unsafe clean drinking water and air pollution. Garbage collection is another problem, people throw plastics, papers and waste food anywhere due to lack of services from the Kitwe municipal council.

Furthermore, the community lacks other necessities like children’s play parks, kindergartens, health services (health post) and security (police post). The community has high unemployment levels, overcrowding and poor standard of houses. The area is basically a residential area with a few economic activities taking place such as trading at markets, welding, and carpentry activities.

We have plans to do a bit more work on the assessment report on Kamatipa. If you would like to buy a copy of the report, or would like to fund further work on the report, please email us at [email protected].