The Problem of AIDS

The rural population of Zambia is regarded as one of the poorest of the African continent. Zambia is especially affected by a high mortality rate because of the HI-Virus. 45% of the population in Zambia is less than 15 years of age. There are about one million AIDS orphans.

The size of the disastrous epidemic also has catastrophic effects on the education system. More and more children have to quit school in order to look after their parents who have AIDS. They also have to take care of their siblings as well as earn a living. More than 1300 teachers died of AIDS in 1998. 

Focussing on the needs
The maxims of the Capstone project when developing the curriculum are the consideration of the local educational needs and socio-cultural circumstances of the population.

Working books

The Capstone educational program is at present working on a one year syllabus for youth from 12 to 16 years. Target group are youth who couldn’t complete a continuing school. The first three of the 18 planned working books have already been developed and published. “Social learning” is an important component of the syllabus. Hereby good prerequisites are being created that the students will grow to become active and productive members in their community. Experience has shown that abilities are composed of the following elements: knowledge, skills, corresponding attitudes, understanding of concepts and the application of universal principles to everyday problems. 

Honorary tutors

In the meantime ten honorary tutors teach 130 children and youth on site in their rural village communities.

Data & Facts

Capstone training program

Location: 60 km outside of Lusaka, Zambia

Goal: Increase the quota of school beginners in the secondary level. Development of curriculums and working books.

Bryson Habbenzu-Haamwenda: “The Capstone course most valuable to me was about hygiene. Because since I wash myself and clean my house regularly I am ill less often”.