Zambian pupils shocked by poor water provision

Zambian school pupils have visited the Lukanga Swamp region to investigate acccess to water and sanitation.

The schools, known as the "Broken Hill Cluster", found conditions were poor as shown in their photo of a typical toilet, which is used by many families.

“I couldn’t believe that there are still some people that are living a primitive way of life," said Francis of Bwacha High School. "They don’t mind what kind of water they are drinking, using for household activities such as bathing, laundry and cooking.”

Twenty four pupils and eight teachers from Bwacha High School, Nkwashi Basic School, Kabwe High School, Neem Tree Basic School, St Mary’s Basic School and Mukobeko Basic School interviewed local people in order as research for a documentary film.

Pupils also shared information about the importance of clean drinking water with families, and visited the local health centre to talk to medical staff.

Katete Isaac, Teacher at Nkwashi Basic School said: “The children for the first time were exposed to activities which can bring positive change both to local people and pupils.”

The Zambian schools are linked to schools in Tanzania and the UK through the British Council's Connecting Classrooms programme.

The schools in Zambia and Tanzania chose to focus their work on water and sanitation because it is a widespread problem.

The visit to Lukanga Swamp took place to mark World Tourism Day.