By Clinton Masumba, Solwezi.
For most people, a graduation ceremony is the end of a long journey. But for the nine teacher interns who walked across the stage at the Educore Academy’s Class of 2024 graduation, it marked a powerful beginning, a launch into a future defined by passion, purpose, and the ability to shape young minds.
Held at the Philip Pascall Chapel and Hall at Trident College, the ceremony was both a celebration and a reminder of what dedicated, immersive training can do, not just for the education system, but also for the individuals who commit to teaching as a calling.
Kansanshi Foundation Manager Simon Keevil (Center) alongside Kansanshi Head of Education Dr. Sylvia Mwanza-Kabaghe (Right) follows proceedings during the Graduation of Students at Educore Services.
Among the graduates was Izukanji Nambela, a 27-year-old with a major in Educational Administration and Management and a minor in Geography teaching.
“I never imagined myself as a teacher; my goal was to pursue Business Administration,” Izukanji shared. “But when I heard about the teaching apprenticeship, it felt different from the usual path. It was not the typical classroom routine; it was a real opportunity to learn and grow. What started as curiosity quickly became a journey of discovery about my passion for education and the impact I could have.”
“The training was an advantage for me; it wasn’t just about sitting in a classroom. It was active, practical, and it made me better every day.”
And it paid off. Today, Izukanji is a teacher at Lusaka International School, confident in her craft and grounded in her purpose.
“When I applied, the Cambridge training gave me an advantage. Now, I am teaching. In addition, I love it. I never thought I would be a teacher. But now I know I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.”
Educore Academy, founded in 2014, offers something rare in the Zambian education system: fully practice-based teacher training. Interns are placed in real classrooms from day one, simultaneously learning theory while applying it in context. Seasoned educators mentor them, attend weekly learning workshops, and conduct independent research, all while earning a Cambridge International Diploma.
At 28, Margaret Siabulo stands tall, not just as a graduate of the Educore Apprenticeship Programme, but as someone who found clarity, courage, and a calling through education.
“I was volunteering at one of the Educore schools. I did not even study teaching in my first degree, but something about being around students sparked something in me. I studied Library and Information Science and Development Studies at the University of Zambia,” she stated.
While juggling short-term contracts and volunteering, Margaret felt the urge to shift her path. When she learned about the Educore Apprenticeship Programme, it felt like a window had opened. However, it was not without doubt.
“I wasn’t even sure if I would get in. But I did. I was scared, nervous. Everything felt new.”
Despite the nerves, Margaret immediately noticed something powerful in the Educore model: learning and practice happened together, not years apart.
“It wasn’t like my other studies, where you only start practicing in your third or fourth year. Here, we were learning and practicing at the same time. That changed everything for me.”
Today, Margaret is not just a graduate; she is a leader. At Trident Preparatory School in Kalumbila, she now oversees the ICT department and the school library, building the very environment that once helped shape her future.
“I still go back to the materials. I still reflect. The tools Educore gave me are not just for now; they are for every stage of my career.”
Margaret’s story is one of quiet determination and deep transformation. From volunteer to full-time educator, from uncertainty to impact.
A dual model, known as “earn while you learn,” not only builds technical capacity but also instills a deep sense of purpose. Every lesson, every student, and every moment in the classroom becomes part of the intern’s transformation.
One of the programme’s most unique features is its mentorship model. Each intern is paired with an experienced teacher who volunteers their time to guide, coach, and challenge them.
These mentor-mentee relationships extend beyond the programme. Many alumni stay in touch with their mentors for years, forming a community of educators committed to growth and impact.
Educore’s results speak volumes. Over 90% of its graduates remain in the teaching profession, with many advancing into leadership positions. These are not just teachers, they’re innovators, advocates, and role models who bring STEM, literacy, and creativity into classrooms across Zambia.
One-third of the 2024 cohort graduated with Distinctions from Cambridge, reinforcing the Academy’s high standards and transformative outcomes. However, the true measure of success lies in the stories of lives changed, both the teachers’ and their students’.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Provincial Education Officer Mr. Mukinyi hailed Educore’s model as a national asset.
North Western Province Education Officer Frederick Munkinyi hands over a Certificate to one of the graduating students.
“The future of our nation lies in our educators. What Educore is doing, training, mentoring, empowering, should not be limited to private institutions. This is the kind of programme we want to see in government and community schools.”
With support from the Beit Trust and Educore Foundation, the Academy has already begun expanding its reach. The goal: to make high-quality teacher training accessible to all, especially in underserved regions.
Dr. Sylvia Mwanza-Kabaghe, Head of Education at the Kansanshi Foundation, echoed this during her keynote address:
Educore Services Trainer Sarah Jane-Keevil (Center) greets one of the Graduants as Kansanshi’s Head of Education Dr. Sylvia Mwanza-Kabaghe (Right) looks on.
“These graduates are more than teachers. They are builders of dreams. Every child they touch is a ripple that moves us closer to a more educated, more equitable Zambia.”
As the ceremony concluded, there was laughter, hugs, and quiet reflection. Each graduate left the hall not just with a certificate, but with a mission to teach, to inspire, and to lead. – Article compiled by First Quantum Minerals Zambia.
