How Peggy Baela is Improving Access to Education in Masaiti Communities

What began as a personal education journey at Nsobe Community School has evolved into impactful community advocacy, as former student Peggy Baela has helped improve access to learning materials and infrastructure in neighbouring rural schools in Masaiti District.

Baela, an alumna of Nsobe Community School, says her experience at the institution shaped her understanding of the importance of education and inspired her to act for others facing limited access.

“I enjoyed a great education at Nsobe School, and I deeply value it,” she said. “So much so that I wanted others to have the same opportunity.”

Nsobe Community School was established in 2009 to address the lack of accessible education in surrounding rural areas. Starting with just 16 pupils, the school has grown steadily, introducing one grade level at a time and recording its first Grade 12 graduating class in 2021. Today, it serves more than 600 learners and employs 35 teachers.

Managed by Nsobe Development Trust, the school provides a holistic learning environment that includes school feeding programmes, youth leadership initiatives, clubs, and safe houses for vulnerable girls. In 2023, it was officially recognised as a Grant Aided School under Zambia’s Ministry of Education.

Baela’s advocacy was shaped by stark contrasts between Nsobe and nearby Pendeni Community School, which she was originally expected to attend. Pendeni, located closer to her home, faced severe resource constraints, with over 400 primary pupils sharing just two classrooms and limited learning materials.

“When I looked at Pendeni, I saw myself,” Baela explained. “If I had gone there, my education would have been very different.”

As part of youth leadership programmes at Nsobe, including the Foróige Leadership for Life Programme, Baela focused her leadership project on girls’ education in rural communities. Her initiative aimed to address barriers such as inadequate resources and social pressures that contribute to school dropouts among girls.

Rather than limiting her efforts to Nsobe, Baela directed her project towards supporting Pendeni Community School, with a specific goal of raising funds to purchase books and learning materials.

To raise funds, she undertook weekend paid work at Nsobe Game Camp. She was later encouraged to share her project with visiting Irish supporters through connections facilitated by Kevin Spain, who works closely with Nsobe Development Trust through Cuala GAA partnerships.

Her presentation to the visiting group highlighted the challenges faced at Pendeni and the importance of learning materials in improving educational outcomes. The engagement resulted in financial contributions that supported the purchase of books for the school.

Baela’s advocacy also helped draw wider attention to Pendeni’s needs, contributing to further support from Irish Friends of Nsobe. This collective effort facilitated the construction of a new two-classroom block at the school.

EirEng Consulting Engineers supported the development by providing architectural plans and construction supervision pro bono, as well as helping mobilise additional funding through their networks. Community members also played a role by contributing labour, including moulding building blocks.

Her leadership journey was further strengthened through Nsobe’s structured development programmes, including the Foróige Leadership for Life Programme, accredited by the University of Galway and Queen’s University Belfast, as well as the Kwabuka Programme, which supports career guidance and workplace readiness.

Nsobe Primary School learners also contributed to the initiative through book donations to Pendeni, reinforcing a culture of peer-led support and community engagement.

Reflecting on her experience, Baela said her journey has reinforced her commitment to continued advocacy for girls’ education.

“My journey has not ended. I still want to work with girls in my community and help them understand why education matters,” she said.

Baela’s story highlights how access to education, combined with leadership development, can translate into tangible community impact, demonstrating the role of young people in driving change beyond the classroom.