Simoonga Thandizani Trust School, Livingstone

Simoonga Thandizani Trust School (STTS) is a non-profit, community-supported school in Simoonga Village, just outside Livingstone and a short drive from the Victoria Falls. Founded in 2015 by Edwin Ng’uni, it gives free education to more than 320 vulnerable and underprivileged children aged 3 to 14, from Early Childhood Education through to Grade 7.

What began as a small initiative for a handful of children has grown into a full primary school. Edwin started it for children whose families could not afford school fees and who might otherwise have missed out on an education. The school receives no regular government funding: it relies on donors, volunteers, visitors and well-wishers to pay for learning materials, look after its buildings and support its dedicated volunteer teachers.

Simoonga Village Tour and School Education Experience

The school also welcomes visitors who want to see Zambia beyond its famous sights. The Simoonga Village Cultural Tour and Zambian School Education Experience takes you into a rural community near Livingstone to meet the people who live there, learn about local traditions and see how community support is helping children get an education.

School visit: learn about the Zambian education system, see classroom activities and hear about the school’s mission.
Village cultural tour and walk: explore Simoonga Village with a guide and discover everyday rural life, local traditions and community values.
Cultural exchange: meet community members and learn about local customs and traditional ways of life.
Traditional food: try local Zambian dishes, by prior arrangement.
School garden and Eco Club: see the school’s gardening and environmental activities, subject to availability.
Educational volunteering: help with reading, English practice, sport or gardening, arranged in advance and subject to the school’s approval.
Photography: capture village life and the surrounding landscape, with residents’ permission and respect for the children’s privacy.

Visits are arranged around the school timetable and your interests, and every school visit respects the children’s safety, privacy and lessons. Tours are priced from USD 15. Transport, meals and other extras can be arranged at an extra cost.

Visit or support the school

Simoonga Thandizani Trust School welcomes tour operators, travel companies, volunteers, donors and organisations interested in responsible tourism and community development. To book a visit or find out how you can help, contact the school: