Investing in the Future: How Forest Custodians Are Strengthening Local Education in Mambwe District

For rural schools, attracting and retaining dedicated teachers often comes down to a very basic need: having a safe and reliable place to live near the classroom. When housing is unavailable nearby, educators must spend hours commuting over long distances, taking energy and time away from the students who rely on them every day.

The community in Kawala Village Action Group within Msoro Chiefdom recently celebrated a major step forward with the official handover of a new teachers’ house at Mphandika School.

The handover event brought together a wide gathering of local and government leadership. The Mambwe District Commissioner attended as Guest of Honour, alongside Her Royal Highness Chieftainess Msoro. Representatives from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, the Forestry Department, the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, the Ministry of Health, local education officials, and royal establishments all joined the community to celebrate this shared achievement.

This new house represents the very first staff accommodation at Mphandika School. Providing teachers with a comfortable home right on the school grounds means less time traveling and far more time focused on supporting learners. It brings stability to the school and ensures that young people in Kawala have consistent access to quality education.

During the event, Her Royal Highness Chieftainess Msoro commended the community and local Community Forest Management Groups for their dedication. She encouraged community members to remain steadfast in protecting their designated REDD Plus zone, pointing out that responsible forest stewardship directly makes such community developments possible.

Across the Luangwa Community Forests Project, communities have invested carbon revenues into seventy-five education projects to date. These community-led investments encompass new classrooms, teacher accommodation, student desks, and essential school infrastructure. For families living alongside these vital ecosystems, conservation is never just about protecting trees in the forest. It is about creating tangible opportunities, improving access to learning, and building a stronger foundation for the children who represent the future of these landscapes. A new home for teachers at Mphandika School is a clear example of what happens when grassroots forest stewardship directly serves local priorities.