Cindi Kansenshi

CINDI is a Zambian-run, community-based organisation that provides schooling, feeding and general support to orphaned and vulnerable children and their families and guardians in the Nkwazi Compound, Ndola, Zambia. Established in 1998 in response to the devastation wrought by the AIDS pandemic, almost 1500 children required assistance annually at that time. Following a visit to Zambia in 2003, Dr Edmond Prendiville decided to cycle the Ring of Kerry to raise funds for CINDI. Due to the generosity of donors, the cycle has become an annual event.

CINDI’s focus is on education, families, nutrition and farming to promote self-sufficiency. It began as a two-classroom school to get children who had dropped out due to the AIDS pandemic back into education. Due to difficulties finding places in government schools, CINDI evolved into a full primary school. Currently, it has 339 pupils enrolled from Grade 1 to 7. A fully equipped computer lab, provided by Camara, an Irish charity, gives the children a start in computer studies. Support in the form of foodstuffs and finance is provided to 28 families which include 25 double orphans (both parents deceased and cared for by relatives), 69 single orphans and 3 “child-headed” families where both parents and relatives are deceased. The foodstuffs include maize (mealie meal), beans, and salt and soap is also provided. At present, seven students, mostly double orphans, are supported in third level education. Funds are provided for fees, subsistence, accommodation, and a laptop for each student.

In 2022, CPS provided funds for the construction of four new classrooms and the refurbishment of a hostel which will be used to generate an income for the school.