Our free school offers an alternative to the many children who cannot afford to attend school. These children are more vulnerable to exploitation such as forced labor and physical and sexual abuse. Some analysts consider the orphans' crises a security threat because children without a concrete foundation are more likely to be recruited by militias, rebel armies, terrorists and other illegal actors.
Future plans for the school include increasing the number of meals given to the children to two per day, expanding the school to accommodate as many orphans and vulnerable children as possible, raising community awareness of AIDS/HIV, developing recreation activities for the children at the school, incorporating moral development into the curriculum and putting emphasis on empowering women in the community.
The Fountain of Light Foundation's primary focus is The Dudzai Community School in Lusaka, Zambia, which serves HIV/AIDS orphans and other vulnerable children. The school provides free basic education in Mathematics, English, Science, Social Studies, Music, Physical Education, and Vernacular Language to children in primary levels one to four (equivalent to grades one to seven in Canada). The school also provides food, clothing (school uniforms), school supplies, counseling and where applicable, referrals for medical care and HIV testing.
The continually expanding Dudzai School already has 100 children in kindergarten and grade one. The school has a Parent-Community Committee that works with the organization to provide training for project coordinators and financial sustainability.