Marlina Community School

Almost 2 decades of education in this school house

At the edge of Ng’ombe Compound down a bumpy dirt road sits a two-roomed school house named Marlina Community School.  In 2005, Margaret and her friend began this school with just 3 students (two of which were their own children).  At the time, there were many children roaming the neighborhood with nothing to do - picking scrap food from trash cans, collecting garbage to sell, anything to get by, Margaret says.  

Having been trained as a teacher, she felt compelled to help these children go further in life.  In her own words, “help them to be better people in the future.”

Over the past 18 years, much of Ng’ombe has changed.  But Marlina Community School stands in the same place as its first day.  It now has 128 students meeting in the 2 classrooms.  Margaret is proud of the number of children she has seen graduate 7th grade and move on to high school.   

As the founder, director, and upper grade teacher, Margaret remains busy to this day.  She is resourceful, determined, and perseveres through each and every challenge the school faces.  After joining the Impact One network, she was inspired by our Library and desired to start her very own. 

With a vision in mind, she set out to make it happen.  She began by dismantling a cabinet at home and bringing one of the boards to act as a temporary shelf until she can acquire a bookshelf to use.  Then she brought boxes full of books that she has collected over the years, including donations from Impact One.  From story books to textbooks, she is giving her children access to knowledge that will change their lives.  

Marlina Community School joined Impact One’s programs in January 2022. They are one of 12 schools learning together in the Chikondano Network. We are privileged to partner with Marlina Community School as they help children become better people who are equipped to live out God’s purposes!