Established on 30 July 1960, Katete Primary School in Mayaba Village under Mungule Chiefdom has been the educational anchor for generations of rural families in Chibombo District.
Over the decades, as the community grew, enrolment expanded dramatically. By the first quarter of 2026, the school recorded 1,443 learners (723 girls and 720 boys) supported by just 18 teachers. That represents a teacher-to-learner ratio of approximately 1:80, more than double the recommended national guideline.
Children were forced to learn in shifts, huddled in overcrowded, poorly ventilated spaces without adequate desks or textbooks. The sanitation facilities were equally overwhelmed, with makeshift latrines presenting severe health and dignity concerns, particularly for adolescent girls.
Through MCDA's Katete Primary School Construction Project, a permanent 1x3 modern classroom block and a dedicated six-compartment ablution block are being constructed to national government specifications.
The new classrooms provide spacious, ventilated learning environments with modern chalkboards and desks, while the six-compartment ablution block ensures clean, dignified, gender-separated sanitation, removing a major driver of adolescent girl absenteeism.
“Access to quality education depends not only on the availability of teachers and learning materials, but also on safe, adequate, and child-friendly school infrastructure where every child can learn with dignity.”