When you ask our boys what they value most about Ciloto, you will almost always hear the same answer: “school!”
From a young age, children in Zambia know that education is the key to a better future. To gain a profession and escape the cycle of poverty, a child needs time, commitment, and consistent access to learning.
However, this is far from easy. School and home conditions are often not conducive to studying. Although the Zambian government introduced free primary and secondary education in 2021, sending a child to school still involves costs — uniforms, notebooks, pens, and pencils. Even when parents manage to cover these expenses, schools are often overcrowded and understaffed.
Extreme poverty creates yet another barrier. Many parents are forced to send their children to work instead of school to help support the family. Education becomes a luxury instead of a right. At Ciloto, we believe no child should be excluded for these reasons. We are perhaps the only school that does not turn a child away because they lack a uniform, and we actively help provide everything they need to learn.
Breaking the vicious cycle
We want to break this vicious circle. In our mission area, the Salesians run a school that includes a Primary School, Secondary School, and a Skills Centre, offering vocational courses in bricklaying, computer studies, and food production.
Currently, 925 pupils attend the Primary School and 330 the Secondary School, including the boys from Ciloto Children’s Home. We also welcome children who have never attended school before, even if they are already 10 or 14 years old. Our goal is clear: every student should complete their education, find meaningful work, and be able to support themselves and their families.
Education beyond the classroom
Education at Ciloto goes far beyond textbooks. We offer holistic support, helping our pupils discover and develop their talents, passions, and interests. One powerful example is our music program, where boys learn to play wind instruments — an initiative that led to the creation of the Ciloto Brass Band.
The band proudly represents our Mission at school and community events, giving the boys confidence, discipline, and a sense of belonging. Music has strong developmental and therapeutic value, and for some, it may also open doors to future employment opportunities.
As someone once said: “Education is the foundation of all we do in life. It shapes who we are and what we aspire to be.”
