Classroom at Tukengote School in Zambia
Working Together
Much of the population in rural Southern Zambia relies on subsistence farming as employment opportunities are limited. As an independent lodge, Waterberry has become a major employer and trusted partner for the local community.
Community Projects
In 2009 Waterberry founded Tukongote Community Projects to improve educational opportunities in the nearby villages. From humble, single-classroom beginnings we have developed into a first-world standard community school, with 3 preschools, a primary school, an adult teaching centre, library and burgeoning skills centre.
We support the nearby secondary school and (with the help of sponsors) send our best and brightest children to Kazungula High School, to pursue their dreams of higher education and an uplifted future.
You can experience everyday rural Zambian life and see Tukongote projects in action if you join our village walk.
It's a fascinating insight. We employ more than 40 teachers
and support staff.
Our Community Shop at the lodge stocks items made locally and by supporter volunteers. 100% of sales go directly to Tukongote.
During the pandemic, with the help of donors and sponsors, we started a farming initiative to provide much needed extra food for the schoolchildren and also income for community members who joined the project. That farm is now a teaching project as part of our skills centre, and also has thriving community allotments.
In 2019 Waterberry Community Projects Limited, supporting Tukongote, became a Registered Charity in the UK. Guests often ask how they can support our work.
To find out more about our projects, to make a donation and to find out how donations are used go to www.tukongote.com
To see our UK Charities Commission Report click here https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/5141654/accounts-and-annual-returns
Read our Newsletters
We'd like to keep you up to date with our occasional newsletters - if you wish to receive news from us please email community@waterberrylodge.com and ask to be included in our mailing list. See below for links to our existing newsletters and to read about all our hard work at Tukongote Community and Waterberry Zambezi Lodge.