History
The Esther School is a co-ed Christian day school in the heart of the village of Nyangwena in Zambia, Africa. Originally begun by GEMS Girls’ Clubs, it opened its doors to Kindergarten and Preschool students in 2012, annually adding a grade level through Grade 12. The Esther School is a collaboration of supporters and staff from North America and Zambia who work together to educate students, manage agriculture and sustainability projects, disciple individuals and families, and be a light in the surrounding community.
Our Mission
To provide a holistic, Christian education that develops the passion and skills students need to become servant leaders in the Kingdom of God.
Our Vision
To build a thriving community of faithful and skillful servant leaders, bringing sustainable transformation through education and partnership with students, families, community members, and Christ-followers from within Zambia and around the world.
Core Values
Educate: To provide a means of learning that fosters the growth and abilities of individuals and communities so that they in turn can provide for their future needs with independence and dignity, all for the glory of God.
Empower: To assist individuals in recognizing their God-given gifts, and as they begin to see their full potential, equip them to impact the world for Christ.
Partner: To utilize the strength and abilities God gives us, alongside and in collaboration with those we seek to teach and grow, with the direct support of other Christ-followers around the world.
Results
73
Number of Staff
10
Number of School Buildings
40
Total Acres owned by TES
20
Acres of Agriculture Land
14,000
Meals Served each Month
8,750
Chickens
225,000
Eggs Produced each month
150
tons of sunflower seeds, annually
800
Gallons of Cooking Oil Produced each month
Discipleship
The Esther School is built on the foundation that each one of us is created uniquely in God’s image, offered salvation through Christ, and given the purpose of using our gifts and talents to glorify Him. Woven through everything done on campus is this message of Truth, spoken over students, taught in each subject, and incorporated into all business initiatives. It is through the message of the Gospel that lives are transformed.
Discipleship is prioritized as we walk alongside students, staff, and families in the growth of their faith. Devotions are done daily in classrooms, biblical principles are woven into all class subjects, teachers model Christ-like attitudes and life choices, campus-wide weekly chapels are held, and Bible studies occur with staff multiple times per week. Students are taught that servant leadership, following the model of Christ, is foundational to all that is done on campus.
“Discipleship is so important. Our students, staff and families need others to come alongside. To teach them more of who God is. To study the Bible with them. To model what a life following Christ looks like. To care about them individually and to pray with them. The Esther School is not made up of many individuals, but it is a community of many who have come together for the single purpose of glorifying God and learning and growing together in this place”. (From Gideon Mwale – Head Teacher)
Staff
Dedicated to raising servant leaders
We are a staff of unique personalities and backgrounds with one unified goal: To glorify God and educate children to live for the Lord wherever they find themselves in the Kingdom.
Cleopatra Bwembya
Kindergarten Teacher
Agness Chalwe
Child Safeguarding Lead
Mukalya Mary Chambanenge Daka
Grade 2 Teacher
Mildred Nkhata
Grade 1 Teacher, Senior Teacher
Mutinta Jamaima
Grade 3 Teacher
Joyce Luwewa
Preschool Teacher
Terry Mumba
Grade 9 Teacher, Senior Teacher
Charity Mvula
Family Investment Program Supervisor
Gideon Mwale
Head Teacher & Spiritual Lead
Daniel Mwanza
Director of Operations & Sustainability
Moses Mwase
Finance & Accounts Manager
Caroline Zulu
Grade 1 Teacher
Clare Syaluno
Deputy Head Teacher
Overty Sakala
Grade 4 Teacher
Raphael Phiri
Manager of Operations & Sustainability
Raphael Sinkamba
Grade 2 Teacher
Brighton Divine Simfukwe
Grade 8 Teacher
Afelia Afemikhe Banda
Grade 6 Teacher
Christopher Mwanza
Grade 10 Teacher
Davies Katele
Grade 10 Teacher
Elizabeth Lyalabi
Preschool Teacher
Patson Mwashelela
PE Teacher
Purity Katongo
Grade 8 Teacher
Ruth Kalumba
Kindergarten Teacher
James Chongo
Child Safeguarding Lead
Chris Zulu
Student Guidance & Development Counselor
Lewis Manzya
Grade 3 Teacher
Miriam Kapini
Human Resource & Administration Manager
Kennedy Chimdzakazi
Grade 11 Teacher
Elizabeth Tembo
Grade 7 Teacher
Kapeya C. Mwmbela
Grade 10 Teacher
Rhoda Kanga
Grade 4 Teacher
Sikazinga Nyanube Maluma
Grade 8 Teacher
Murchison Phiri
Grade 7 Teacher
Ruth P. Jere
Grade 5 Teacher
Why Zambia?
Zambia is a beautiful country with an equally beautiful and hospitable people, but many face staggering challenges. With over half of the population living in rural areas and under the poverty line, there are signficant obstacles to receiving an education and providing for their families.
Check out the facts below and see why God has called us to Zambia:
- Net attendance ratio in primary education is 87%
- Net attendance ratio in secondary education is 45%
- Average ratio of pupil to teacher is 48:1
- School days are only half a day
- 44% of those enrolled in school do not complete the primary cycle.
- Literacy rate for 15 to 24 year olds is 64%
- Zambia’s total population is 16.5 million
- 58.2% of the population live in rural areas
- 54.4% of the population live below Zambia’s poverty line
