ZOCS' Work
Advancing Social Justice Through Community-Led, Inclusive Education
Founded in 1992, the Zambia Open Community Schools (ZOCS) promotes social justice by expanding access to quality education for out-of-school children and orphaned and vulnerable children (OOSC/OVC) in Zambia. Established in response to the impacts of HIV/AIDS, economic reforms, and poverty, ZOCS pioneered the open community school model, removing barriers to education through community-led solutions.
ZOCS’ work is guided by three strategic pillars: Advocacy & Communication, influencing government policy and legislation to strengthen education systems for OVC; Capacity Building, enhancing the skills of volunteer teachers and communities while supporting learner wellbeing; and Service Delivery, supporting school development through learning materials, infrastructure, financial assistance, bursaries, and youth health and empowerment programmes. Through partnerships and evidence-based approaches, ZOCS continues to create inclusive, sustainable learning opportunities for Zambia’s most vulnerable learners.
 Zambia Open Community Schools' work is organized around three key strategic pillars.
Shaping policies for inclusive and equitable education
Approaches aimed at influencing government policy and legislation to benefit orphans and vulnerable children’s (OVC) access to quality education. We engage decision-makers, communities, and partners through evidence-based advocacy, strategic communication, and public awareness to promote child-centred education systems.
Empowering educators, families, and communities
Increasing teacher and community capacity to provide quality education to OVCs, while supporting healthy and protected learners. We strengthen skills, leadership, and safeguarding practices among educators, school committees, caregivers, and youth to ensure sustainable, community-led education services.
Providing practical support that transforms lives
Supporting the development of schools through infrastructure, learning materials, and financial assistance to schools, teachers, and learners, including bursaries. We also implement youth health, nutrition, and empowerment programmes that address barriers to learning and wellbeing.
Our Mission
ZOCS exists to brighten prospects of community
school learners by empowering community
schools, building partnerships, influencing policy,
supporting learners and creating conducive
learning environments.
Our Vision
A Zambia where all community school learners,
especially OVC, girls and learners with special
education needs, obtain quality and equitable
education that enables them to realise their fullest
potential.
Latest News
Want to learn more about the impact of our work in the communities we serve? Take a read of the latest News from our blog.
ZOCS, through its Executive Director, Cleopatra Muma, was presenting at the Association
ZOCS recently joined Stanbic bank Board of Directors and other senior management
ZOCS in partnership with ShopRite, Promex, and other dedicated organizations, is thrilled
TODAY AT NATIONAL ASSEMBLY: the topic was “The Ramifications of the Proposed
Your Support Changes Lives
Every child deserves hope, safety, and the opportunity to learn. By donating to Zambia Open Community Schools (ZOCS), you help open classroom doors, provide meals, protect vulnerable children, and strengthen communities across Zambia.
Your contribution—no matter the size—creates real, lasting impact by giving children hope through quality education, improved health, and protection. Together, we can turn compassion into action and ensure no child is left behind. Your generosity helps build stronger schools, healthier learners, and safer environments where children can thrive. With your support, entire communities are empowered to create a brighter, more sustainable future for their children.
Donate today and help us deliver hope through quality education.
DONATE
Help us reach our mission of brighten prospects of Community School Learners by empowering Community Schools, building partnerships, influencing policy.
ZOCS has Implemented 150 Projects impacting over 5M+ People Around Zambia.
Creating lasting impact by improving access to quality and equitable education, health, Water Sanitaion & Hygiene, and child protection services for vulnerable communities.
Our Leadership and Staff
Our team is made up of highly trained professionals with diverse academic backgrounds, bringing critical thinking, evidence-based approaches, and a shared commitment to social impact.
Executive Director
Head of Finance & Administration
Project Manager SRI
Communications & Advocacy Manager
Project Manager CBIECD
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Plot 20 Tito Road
 P.O Box 50429
Rhodespark, Lusaka Zambia
info@zocs.org.zm
260-211-253841
