It’s early November 2022, and 22 students are seated in test mode across two classrooms at the Xavier Community School/Linda Blind Farm School. There’s a light, energetic tension in the air. These seventh graders are taking a significant step towards their dreams!
It was such an honour to be in school at this very moment and to be able to share this milestone with everyone.
This moment is particularly special, as it marks the first time in the school’s history that a Grade 7 class is taking the crucial final exam, which determines their eligibility for high school. For six days, they will take two tests each day, starting at dawn. At 5:30 AM, the headteacher retrieves the exams from the Ministry, and by late afternoon, the completed papers are returned in a secure manner, accompanied by a guard.
When the last pens were set down and the final exam was completed, it felt like a proud climax! Just ten years ago, I visited this tiny school for the first time—80 students in a 4×4 meter room. Six months later, a preschool opened, and we continued to grow. And it didn’t stop there. With united efforts and the support of parents, the parent committee, community members, partners, and staff—including Bridget, Juliet, and Elidah—alongside the guidance of Mr. Thomas, Mrs. Jane, and Mr. Bilton, as well as our local partner since the very beginning Rabeccah and Kennedy Mukumbo from Dream Livingstone Zambia, the Ministry of Education and all donors, sponsors, ambassadors, supporters, and helpers from every corner of the world, we achieved this remarkable milestone.
In 2017, we expanded from preschool to primary school. There were challenges, especially with COVID-19 delaying the official opening, but in June 2022, the primary school was inaugurated with a grand ceremony. Each year, a new grade was added, and now, in January 2024, the first Grade 7 class is making their dreams come true!
The students are brimming with confidence: “The tests were easy,” “we all passed,” and “it will be fine.” Their teachers share this optimism, confident that every student will succeed, especially after promising mock exams. However, the final results won’t be revealed until just after Christmas. Can you help us keep our fingers crossed?
Dreams can’t wait—these children at the Xavier Community School/Linda Blind Farm School are living theirs! Thanks to your help too.
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