Profiles

Naomi Maseka

Naomi is 16 years old and is currently in Grade 9.  Her eyesight started failing about 5 years ago and is now very limited.  When the challenges of learning in a sighted world and the stress of being teased by other children became too great, she asked her father to take her to the Lion's school. It is a decision she is clearly glad she made, despite missing her four siblings and other family members who live in Lusaka.

An excellent student, Naomi enjoys school with her favorite subject being History, in particular studying ancient Africa's Kalonga Kingdom.  Pressed to give her least favorite subject, Naomi admitted learning Bemba, the dialect in the Copperbelt Territory as being the most challenging subject for her.

The supportive and friendly environment of the school makes being away from home a little easier.  Naomi said she cares very much for her peers, and tries to help those who have no family and who have problems greater than her own.  She also enjoys singing in the school's choir.

Naomi has dreams of becoming a journalist and looks forward to pursuing her post secondary education once she graduates from the school.  We wish her much success!

Jumbe Zulu

Jumbe is 15 years old, and is a Grade 9 student who has been attending the school since he was seven years old.  

He said it was difficult leaving his family in Lusaka at such a young age, but with his eyesight failing, the decision was made and he has continued to excel in his studies.  Today, Jumbe can only see shadows, but when I asked if he ever falls while walking on the uneven pathways, he just laughed and assured me he hasn't.  

Jumbe in an excellent student who has aspirations of becoming a criminal lawyer.  His favorite subject is studying Civics, in particular the Zambian constitution.  Mr. Chisala said he had just received the constitution in Braille, and would let Jumbe read it.

Jumbe's quiet confidence and studious demeanor will hopefully make the path to becoming a lawyer a reality.  As we parted, I wished him well, but hoped I would never need his services!

Mr. George Chisala, Headmaster

Headmaster, George Chisala

There has been a very stable administration since the school’s inception. The current headmaster, Mr. George Chisala, came to the school as a teacher in 1995 and became headmaster in 2004. He has been blind since contracting measles at 8 years of age and is an inspiration to the students, teachers, and everyone that meets him.

Under his vision and leadership, the school has embarked on a number of initiatives with a goal to become more self sustainable.  

Miss Mary Mwamba Malama - Music teacher

Miss Mary Mwamba Malama

With her eyesight failing because of the effects of retinosa pigmentosa, Miss Malama came to the Ndola Lions School for the Visually Impaired as a student so she could learn Braille.  In 2007, she returned as a teacher having completed training at the Mongu College of Education.

Since then she has become an integral part of the school by teaching the younger students subjects that span from English and Math to Social Development Studies and Science.  She has also made her mark by leading the school's choir to a level where they were able to record a professional CD in October 2012 to be used as a means to raise money for the school's food program.  Check out the How you can help page for ordering details.

Miss Malama said she loves being able to interact with her pupils and finds it rewarding teaching them new things.  She also understands first hand the challenges her students face by living in a sighted world.

Currently, Miss Malama is continuing her studies through distance education where she is specializing in learning disabilities.