The Q Fund Blog

The second in the series of articles sleighted to appear in ‘The Zambian Traveller’ in November, 2008.

By Collaborating with Local Communities and Industry Leaders to Provide Free, Quality Education, the Future for Zambia’s Vulnerable Children is Bright

In the last issue we read about an American woman, Chellie Kew, whose tireless efforts have led to the creation of a thriving community school located just on the outskirts of Ndola in the Copperbelt Province of Zambia.  Today, close to 350 students are now receiving a free education, which otherwise might fall victim to the streets or at the very least, not have the same advantages that other children around the world take for granted.

In 2000, Chellie Kew started The Q Fund, a US-based 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization and registered NGO in Zambia.  Her vision of creating a new middleclass of Zambians by applying an innovative and compassionate approach to educating vulnerable children is flourishing.  To advance her vision, Kew recently purchased 80 hectares (200 acres) of farm land just outside of Ndola.  Through the development of a prosperous agricultural program, she seeks to finance and stimulate her education programs in a self-sustainable, earth-friendly manner.

By teaming with community members and others, Kew is convinced that new entrepreneurs and a better future for generations of African children will spring from her efforts.Kew would be among the first to admit that the achievement of her vision would not be possible without the untiring commitment and support of other organizations and individuals in and outside of Zambia.  In Zambia, first on the list is First Quantum Mining, led by the determined efforts of Mr. Andries Scott.  Known to his friends and colleagues as “Scotty”, Mr. Scott has been instrumental in providing much needed and welcomed infrastructure, land, support and access to specialized services.

The Q Fund’s advisory board comprised of Zambian business, education and community leaders Dr. J.B. Sakala, Barrister, Rev. Dr. Moffat Zimba, President of Northrise University and David Chakonta, Director, TEVETA, have been relentless toward ensuring The Q Fund vision thrives and prospers.  Leveraging their years of collective experience their respective expertise has proven to be invaluable.  Much gratitude also goes to Pastor Frances Feruka and his dedicated team of hygiene, sanitation and clean-water specialists from Seeds of Hope Children’s Ministry.  Other individuals such as the accomplished architect and builder, Gideon Kayeye have been immensely helpful in the campus design and construction of facilities that will last for years to come.  Most importantly, without the ongoing commitment and passion of Chimoza’s administration and teaching staff, the concept of a quality education wouldn’t be possible.

In the United States, The Q Fund has received tremendous, ongoing support from George B. Boedecker, Jr., Crocs Footwear Founder and Founder and Chairman of The Anthony H. Kruse Foundation.  Sharing an inspired vision of supporting children in need through education has been instrumental in making Chimoza what it is today.  Other supporting organizations include the African Library Project, Effect Foundation, Exquisite Safaris Philanthropy, M.A.C. AIDS Foundation, Marlborough School, The RORD Foundation, The McCray Foundation, Trust for African Rock Art, and other organizations and individuals too numerous to mention.

While today Chimoza supports grades 1 through 9, The Q Fund is actively developing plans and coordinating resources to build the school out through grade 12 (see concept illustration).  Looking to the future, Kew envisions the development of a vocational school and cultural centre that will serve as a model for students to acquire the skills necessary to engage in earth-friendly business enterprises while preserving and upholding the indigenous cultural values and art forms of the African people.