Our Moon is headquartered in Tunbridge Wells, UK and based in Mbulo-Chipansha in Chimbombo District, Zambia.
OUR MOON LEARNING CENTRE
In 2019, we acquired five hectares of land from the region’s chief, Chief Liteta. So far, we’ve developed two hectares, and have plans to expand our centre to accommodate more students and generate more employment in the area.
The land we have developed comprises four thatched rooms and a shelter that double up as makeshift classrooms and office space. There’s a dining area replete with a fully functional kitchen, a garden and small wooded area for relaxation. Small huts where students sleep are dotted around the land along with simple toilets and bathing cubicles.
Our biggest project at the moment is the completion of our largest building, the Learning Forum. This dedicated learning space will house two large classrooms, a computer lab and a library, as well as smaller classrooms dedicated to group work and single pods for individual study.
“I will always be grateful for the opportunity I had to spend time at Our Moon’s camp, with its clean air, friendly locals and tranquil atmosphere. I’m already a bit jealous of the current students who get to call this hidden haven home.”
Zoe, class of 2019
SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY
STUDENT VOLUNTEERING
As part of our initiative to give back to the local community, we encourage our students to set up long-term projects aimed at solving problems in the community.
So far, our students have tackled waste management, planted trees and tended gardens, planted crops within the vicinity and tutored local children.
"I used to think impact was mainly about numbers, but now I realise that by impacting a few in a positive and life-changing way, the ripple effect can be enormous. Through Helen and Justin, Our Moon has managed to create an effective relationship with our local community thereby enabling Our Moon to make a wider impact."
Ntasuwila Nambao, Our Moon Human and Resources Manager
GENERATING EMPLOYMENT
The area surrounding Mbulo-Chipansha is one of the poorest in Zambia. The youth unemployment rate is estimated at 85%, and those in employment are mostly reliant on farming the annual maize crop.
Since setting up our site in Mbulo-Chipansha, we’ve become the largest employer in the area, hiring members of the local community to work in building maintenance, garden landscaping, cooking, cleaning and more.
IMPACT STORY: JOHNNY
Johnny started as an Our Moon volunteer and is now a permanent member of our team, helping to run the night guard team.
"Our Moon has had a huge impact on me. I’ve managed to buy a small piece of land and have just built a mud house with a grass thatched roof here. My English has improved so much since coming here, too. It hasn’t just affected my working life, either: I met my wife at Our Moon, and she has just given birth to our first child."
Johnny
