Computers for Zambian Schools (CFZS) is a local trust in Lusaka made up of educational and IT specialists, along with representatives from the British Council who facilitate the reception of the equipment duty free.

Schools in all regions of the country have received computers from CFZS and around 300 of the country's 350 secondary schools now have an IT laboratory through the scheme. The trust's objective is to have an IT lab in all secondary schools by end 2007.

Putting these computers into African schools makes such a difference to the lives of hundreds of children.

Anne Johnson of CFZS (an English lady spearheading the project) has expressed her gratitude to ITSA:

Putting these computers into African schools makes such a difference to the lives of hundreds of children. Almost all office-based jobs require computer skills so we will be creating far better opportunities for these childrens futures.

The trust employs a team of local technicians who take receipt of the computers, check them over and if necessary carry out repairs at the project centre at Matero Boys School in Lusaka. The technicians then install the computers in the schools. By agreement with Microsoft (Africa), the computers are fitted with Microsoft OS and MS Office suite.

Strict criteria are applied to the successful candidate schools to ensure they have the right facilities and security to house the equipment. As in the other recipient countries, each school receives at least ten computers and a printer. The school must make staff available for IT training, which is normally carried out in a week-long regional training course.

Pupils normally follow a basic IT curriculum agreed by the Ministry of Education. Some schools also offer qualifications such as a GCSE in IT studies. Schools are encouraged to ensure long term self-sustainability for the facilities through their PTA. They are encouraged to raise money to replace or add to their equipment through fundraising, community use of the facilities and if necessary asking parents for small contributions. Each recipient school is required to give a report on its experience with the computers and is subject to audit.

www.cfzs.org.zm