THE red dust of Mapapa village often tells tales, but not quite as moving as the one whispered about Dora Nyambe. A name synonymous with hope, her spirit, though departed, continues to guide hundreds of children.
Yesterday, that guiding light gained new momentum as President Hakainde Hichilema, in a tribute, gifted a brand new 30-seater bus to the very school Dora so passionately founded – Footprints of Hopel.
Dora, who passed away at just 32 on Christmas Day last year, was more than an educator; she was a force of nature. From humble beginnings, teaching under the shade of a tree, she nurtured a vision that blossomed into a fully-fledged boarding school.
Dora supported more than 600 children through the school, providing a ray of hope and opportunity to countless young learners in Luano district.
The school which is located in Mapapa village is nestled 280 kilometers north of the capital city of Lusaka.
Starting humbly under a tree, Dora’s efforts grew into a fully fledged boarding school, transforming the education landscape in the village and leaving an enduring legacy in the community.
The bus is set to alleviate transportation woes faced by pupils, fostering a more conducive environment for learning and ultimately improving attendance rates, morale and academic performance.
With easier access to school resources and better transportation facilities, students can now focus on academic excellence without worrying about logistical hurdles.
President Hichilema later went aboard the bus alongside the Footprints of Hope School pupils, reinforcing his support for the school’s mission and affirming the enduring impact of Dora’s efforts in transforming the lives of vulnerable children in the rural area.
Seeking to break the cycle of poverty and violence, Dora was also a staunch advocate against early marriages and child abuse, raising awareness about the dangers of these practices and working tirelessly to protect the innocence and potential of the community’s young girls.
By Sharon Zulu
Kalemba July 25, 2025
