Emmanuel Kamoso Kundendama
December 8, 2009
- “Arising out of the growth and success of the school are new and at times, unlikely heroes who have become an inspiration to those around them. One person in particular is our head teacher, Emmanuel Kamoso Kundendama. Emmanuel came to Chimoza from Lusaka fresh out of Nkiumah College of Education, divinity school, while also running Upeme School a U.S. led community based school in Chisamba, in the outskirts of Lusaka where he helped develop the curriculum amongst various other critical education lead initiatives. Emmanuel was new to the community at Chimoza, however eager to take on the role of head teacher, at a time where change was abundant. Some of the original teachers and the head of school were being relieved of their duty for lack of motivation, skills and just plan laziness. The community was truly skeptical if Chimoza was indeed “their” school as most redundant teachers came from within this community.
Emmanuel had to overcome many personal and professional hurdles. His first and primary challenge was to earn respect and become accepted not only amongst the remaining teaching staff, but the community. His demure and calming nature had an immediate and positive effect. Teachers and supporting staff came to respect him. Community members came to trust him.- Over the course of the last two years, Emmanuel has brought structure, process, qualified teachers to Chimoza (including six with diplomas in education) and our favorite attribute, vision. He has marshaled the community to assist in land clearing, planting of crops, assisting in the daily feeding program and clean-up duties in and around the school. He has also formulated and led the Parent Community School Committee on a regular, monthly basis, keeping community members apprised of developments and requirements at the school. He maintains an ongoing, healthy interaction with governmental bodies such as the Ministry of Education (District Education Board Secretariat and District Resource Coordinator). He ensures the syllabus is current and continually improved. He has expanded the school program to include a preschool and kindergarten curriculum, an unaddressed need in the Zambian government’s educational system. Additionally, he maintains a cash journal of all school related cash transactions and is a signatory on the school banking account, ensuring complete transparency and accountability of all financially related activities.
- Not only are we extremely fortunate to have Emmanuel as our head teacher, but the community is fortunate as well. He truly has become an inspiration and beacon of light to all those around him, to push the limits of a rudimentary at best governmental community school program to one that now rivals, and arguably far exceeds standards at fully supported government school systems in Zambia”.