School life
In a Zambia classroom
Local school customs vary. The best way to learn about a class's day is to ask them directly.
All country briefings
Africa · Country briefing
Zambia
A child-friendly mission briefing for Thursday 19 November - capital, climate, school day, languages, fun facts, native animals, and five questions to ask the class on the other side of the world.
- CapitalLusaka
- Population~20 million
- Time zoneAfrica/Maputo (UTC +2)
- CurrencyZambian kwacha (ZMW)
Zambia, with Lusaka marked
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Climate in November: End of dry season or start of wet season; warm.
The capital
Lusaka
Photo · Wikimedia Commons
Fun facts
What makes Zambia a bit special.
Victoria Falls
One of the largest waterfalls on Earth - 'The Smoke That Thunders'
Open lesson
The Zambezi River
Africa's fourth-longest river - and the one that gave Zambia its name
Open lesson
Kafue National Park
One of the biggest wildlife parks in Africa - the size of Wales
Open lesson
Lake Kariba
One of the biggest man-made lakes on Earth - shared with Zimbabwe
Open lesson
The Copperbelt
The region that gave Zambia its nickname: the Copper Country
Open lesson
Kuomboka - the moving-out-of-the-water ceremony
When the Zambezi floods, a whole community moves by canoe
Open lesson
Tap any card to open a class-ready mini-lesson - for the teacher to walk through, or an older child to read aloud.
Native animals
Wildlife your partner class might know best.
- 🦒
South Luangwa National Park
One of Africa's greatest wildlife parks - and the home of the walking safari
Open lesson
- 🐘
African elephant
The largest land animal on Earth - and an unforgettable Zambian neighbour
Open lesson
- 🐆
Leopard
The big cat that climbs trees and never gives up its hideout
Open lesson
- 🦛
Hippopotamus
Africa's heaviest river resident - and a much faster runner than you'd guess
Open lesson
- 🦅
African fish eagle
The 'voice of Africa' - and the bird on Zambia's national emblem
Open lesson
Tap any animal to open a class-ready lesson about it.
Greetings to learn
Say hello like a local
- Hello!English
Five questions to ask
Conversation starters
- 01What does your school day look like?
- 02What do you eat at lunch?
- 03What games do you play at break?
- 04What's the weather like today?
- 05What do you wish more children around the world knew about your country?
What not to assume
Friendly cautions
- ℹZambia has many regions and communities - there is no single experience.
- ℹClimate, food, and traditions can vary widely from one part of the country to another.
Culture
Food, music, sport, festivals.
Food
Music
Sport
Festivals
Tap any chip to open a class-ready lesson - what it is, why it matters, fun facts.
Reflection prompts
- “What's something you'd love to share about your school day?”
- “What's the most surprising thing you'd love to ask the other class?”
Could your class meet Zambia?
Choose Zambiawhen you register - we’ll show you the time-zone feasibility.