Our Journey: From Vision to Transformation
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
– Nelson Mandela
Founded in 2009 out of compassion for children with no access to school, Nsobe Development Trust began with a vision, a few teachers, and 16 children gathered under the trees of rural Masaiti. There were no classrooms, no electricity, and no formal resources, only faith and a calling to make a difference.
Nsobe grew from a humble beginning under the vision of Fiona Tomlinson, whose heart for rural children sparked the creation of a place where education and love walk hand in hand. Through prayer, perseverance and partnership, the first classroom block was built. The community molded bricks and carried water, united by one dream, to see their children learn.
Nsobe has grown beyond imagination
From 16 pupils to over 600, served by 45 dedicated teachers and support staff.
From open-air lessons to modern classrooms, science labs, safe houses, and feeding programs.
From isolation to recognition, now operating as a Grant-Aided School under the Ministry of Education and managed by Nsobe Development Trust.
Each achievement is a testimony of faith, perseverance, and community partnership. Every building stands as a monument to what God can do when His people unite with a shared mission.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Mission Statement
To develop the nation’s human resources through excellent education, personal empowerment, and opportunity, for the glory of God.
Our Mission
Nsobe School is a Christ Centred School, which seeks to sustainably reach out and meaningfully meet the spiritual, physical, academic and vocational needs of vulnerable children in our remote rural Nsobecommunity.
Nsobe School’s mission is to deliver holistic education that places special emphasis on discipleship, care, life skills, leadership and vocational training, responsibility and through Christian education, support, and advocacy, providing hope and a brighter future.
Our Vision
Nsobe Schools will be nationally recognised as model schools of excellence, committed to providing Christ-Centred holistic education that incorporates discipleship, care, responsibility, integrity and opportunity, positively impacting the lives of our pupils and staff and inspiring development and transformation of our pupils’ home communities.
Our Core Values
Love of God and Others – Serving in compassion and grace.
Respect – Honouring one another and the work entrusted to our care.
Responsibility – Stewardship of self and others.
Integrity – Truth, transparency, and accountability
Courage – Boldness to step forward in faith.
“Let all that you do be done in love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:14
Our Team
At Nsobe Development Trust, our strength lies in the hearts of those who serve; a diverse and passionate team of educators, mentors, and community builders who live out the belief that education transforms lives.
From classrooms to safe houses, from feeding schemes to community outreach, every member of the Nsobe family works with one purpose: to safeguard the vulnerable, uplift the community, and build a brighter future for rural Zambia.
Our unique blend of vision carriers and drivers in leadership, and our dedicated teaching staff have created a Christ-inspired, inclusive, and transformative model of rural education, one that nurtures not only the mind but also the heart, character, and potential of every learner.
Meet the Hearts and Hands Behind Nsobe
“Teaching kids to count is fine, but teaching them what counts is best.” – Bob Talbert
Fiona Tomlinson
Founder & Executive Director
Fiona is the founder and driving force behind Nsobe Development Trust. With deep compassion and decades of community service, she has transformed a small rural initiative into a model for sustainable, values-based education and child development. She ensures that our organization’s ethos/values/mission/expected behaviours are effectively shared with our stakeholders. Fiona continues to mentor, guide, and inspire the team with her vision for safeguarding and empowering children through education, care, and opportunity.
Jani Zabangwa
School Principal
Jani oversees both the primary and secondary school operations, ensuring that Nsobe’s academic and operational standards remain strong while nurturing the holistic growth of every pupil. To ensure this, he also ensures that we invest in our teachers’ development by providing a wonderful work environment and incentives for their dedicated service beyond in and beyond their classroom duties. His leadership blends professionalism with empathy, creating a school culture where teachers and students feel supported to reach their full potential.
Lydia Lupyana
Director NDT, Head Teacher-Primary School
Lydia has been a core member and vision carrier of Nsobe Development Trust from its inception. Not only does she bring structure, creativity, and warmth to the primary section, she oversees the holistic welfare of the pupils (i.e. Education/Extra-curricular development/OVC support/Safe House Management). Her dedication to early childhood development has been instrumental in shaping Nsobe’s nurturing and inclusive approach to education.
Catherine Mulutula
Head Teacher-Secondary School
Catherine leads the secondary school with a focus on academic excellence, innovation, and mentorship. Her extensive background in leadership, stakeholder management, education and youth development allows her to inspire teachers learners to take ownership of their studies while developing life skills for the future. This enables her to play a key role in managing our positive relationship with The Ministry of Education, ensuring our recognition for both our pragmatic, progressive approach, and our academic and vocational results.
Marriott Daka
Pastoral Head
Marriott works closely with the School Principal and Head teachers in overseeing the provisions for the spiritual, emotional, social and behavioural needs of learners in and outside of the classroom. Called and Trained as cross-cultural educator, Missionary, and community development expert, he plays a pivotal role in the wellbeing and personal development of learners within the school by creating a safe environment that fosters both academic and personal growth. He also networks with the parent community bringing forth Christ-centred holistic ministry to the learners and their communities beyond the classroom.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Our Valued Partners
Since the very beginning, Teacher Aid UK has stood beside Nsobe Development Trust as a faithful partner and donor. Their unwavering commitment and financial support has been instrumental in transforming Nsobe from a small community school of sixteen children in 2009 into a thriving education and development hub that now serves hundreds of pupils across Masaiti District.
Nsobe Development Trust is profoundly grateful to the hands-on partnership of our Irish Community of supporters: Cuala GAA, DunLaoghaire, EirEng Consulting Engineers Ltd, St Benildus, St David’s Holy Faith School and the Irish Embassy in Zambia. The Weave Foundation (UK), The Shah Trust (Zambia), Seeds of Hope (Canada and Australia) and the generosity of friends from across the world, whether publicly recognised or quietly supporting behind the scenes, thank you for every contribution that plays a vital role in transforming lives, protecting vulnerable children, and strengthening our community.
Nsobe exists because of your generosity, compassion, and belief in our mission.
“When hands and hearts unite across continents, transformation becomes possible, one classroom, one child, one community at a time.”
