WISE Zambia-A Small Nonprofit Making an Outsized Impact
mEducation Alliance Symposium
October 9, 2025 — 10 AM
Roadside scenes…
Kaoma-
District Center and location of WISE HQ
District population: c.80,000
WISE Zambia
TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION
This work matters because children…
This work matters because 14 and 15 year-old girls…
This work matters because young people with disabilities…
This work matters because boys like Humphrey with no resources…
WISE — Women’s Initiatives that Strengthen and Empower
MISSION: Under the direction of local leaders in Zambia’s Western Province. WISE Zambia…
The US branch…
All values, policies and programming are created by Zambia Director
Maggie Indopu with input from her staff and support from her Board.
Mr. Mukela,
Education Coordinator
WISE’s flagship program: Scholarships for secondary and college students. With no schools..
Pelekelo
WISE Zambia focuses on girls’ education due to…
Country Director Maggie’s goal: �A ratio of 75% girls to 25% boys in the scholarship program…
Growth of educational program from 2013-2024
�“Giving Back”
Career Guidance
Volunteering and giving back: “How do you feel about the requirement…?”
Pelekelo
August, 2024 —
Strategic decision was made to slow down intake of secondary students…
2025…The exciting news is at the post-secondary level:
Currently 106 students in tertiary education — 56 girls and 50 boys!
Cumulative total to date of tertiary graduates: 41
Total expected by 2025 year-end: Between 55-60
Rotary: Tuition for 2 to 3 young women in college, university,
nursing or trade school
Pelekelo
Urgent need for enhanced educational opportunities for STEM subjects plus a library… Campaign launched in 2023 for a STEAM Center
August 30, 2025
July 2024
STEAM Center
Library will serve both students and the public
Computer lab
Rooftop Sustainability Project:
Water harvesting
Solar power
COMPLETED: SEPT. 30, 2025
Funded by one donor in June—$58,000
Engineering graduate Brian —
5 year degree in Telecommunications
with honors…
WISE envisions successful futures for Zambia’s people…
…rather than this:
THIS!
My WHY….
“Education
is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
Nelson Mandela
…with visionary leader
Maggie Indopu Wamunyima
and her team, the future is bright!
What is success?
…when all the students who deserve the opportunity for higher education are able to access it
…when teachers are better trained
…when students have all the tools they need to succeed
…when STEM education reaches remote areas
…when gender equity is achieved in all levels of education
…when WISE Zambia spreads its model ever farther!
…when all the students who deserve the opportunity for higher education are able to access it
…when teachers are better trained
…when students have all the tools they need to succeed
…when STEM education reaches remote areas
…when gender equity is achieved in all levels of education
…when WISE Zambia spreads its model ever farther!
Recognition: Library of Congress award for
“Successful Literacy Practices” - October, ’23
Maggie and
Evan Haglund, US Director
2025 Zambia Budget: K4,469,466.92/ $189,583.61(exchange rate as of 8/28/25 )
Current paid expenses beyond Zambia budget
• STEAM Center Rooftop Sustainability Project: Solar power/Water harvesting system/Insulated ceiling tiles
Funded by one donor in June - $58,000. Project completed September 30th, 2025.
Needs going forward
• January: $40,000 outlay for beginning of year student supplies
2025 Zambia Budget: $165,903 (exchange rate -1/15/25)
Current needs beyond budgeted items:
Furnishings for STEAM Center—$15,000
STEAM Center Rooftop Sustainability Project: Solar power/Water collection system
Solar—$27,000
Water collection—??
Funding for Maggie’s Masters Degree online program at ASU —applying for
Rotary Global Grant Scholarship
Second vehicle—Either another double cab pickup or small van
Total in ZMW: 118,785.00
Total in US $: 5,067.74
September Salaries in Zambia in Zambian Kwacha (ZMW)
Future plans include a modern campus with 2 classroom buildings,
hostels, an open air gathering space and kitchen.