MINCHINHAMPTON NKOKOTO LINK
EDUCATION
Vumilia Secondary School
Primary school students who pass National Exams attend 4 years of secondary school in the next town of Vumilia. ​Every year, The Link sponsors 8 new students from the poorest families in Nkokoto and we stay with the student throughout 4 years. So the Link provides books, uniforms, shoes and educational material to 32 students at any time.
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We also provide school bikes to all Nkokoto students who go to Vumilia. In 2026, 44 bikes were given to that year's intake. The children arrive better able to learn after a 30 minute bike ride instead of a longer walk. Girls are vulnerable during the walk, so the bike improves their safety.
FURTHER EDUCATION
Learning a trade at the FDC
Students can opt to learn a trade at the Folk Development College in Urambo. In 2026 there are 12 students training in tailoring, welding, vehicle mechanics, carpentry, electrical installation, information science and livestock & agriculture. The sponsorship pays for 2 years of college fees, their accommodation, course materials and uniforms. On graduation we give them a tool kit to help them find employment.
FDC Graduates, Sewing Workshop ​
In 2019 a group of Sewing and Tailoring graduates asked that, instead of receiving individual tool kits, they wanted to form a cooperative. They found premises and The Link helped with start up equipment. We now employ them to make uniforms for all sponsored students. New graduates asked to join the group instead of working on their own so we provided the group with more equipment and materials. This was their own idea and their business is an ongoing success.
A Levels
Students who pass their Vumilia exams are invited to study for 2 years A level equivalent. They must leave home for 2 years to a college assigned by the state. The Link pays for their accommodation, course materials and uniforms. In 2025 there are 24 students at various colleges. This is a tremendous increase from 6 in 2021 which reflects the success of the focus of the Link on educational projects.
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College and University
We have previously supported students studying for a degree (Water Engineering), diplomas (Medical Sciences and Pharmacists) or at Teacher Training College. The Link paid for their college fees, accommodation and course materials. Now that these students have graduated, the Link has taken the difficult decision to concentrate our finances on helping a larger number of students at A level, rather than a few number of high cost students at university. This could change again in the future if finances allow and a particular student asks us for assistance.​
INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS IN NKOKOTO AND UHURU
The Link has financed large projects such as drilling two fresh water boreholes (to replace the inefficient and unclean wells), building a rainwater harvesting tank for the primary school, refurbished the clinician’s house which was being eaten by termites (!) and provided solar panels for the clinic and school house. The Link also helped the nearby village of Uhuru to complete their health clinic by funding the roof and finishing the interior. The Link has also given a multitude of smaller items; mosquito nets and solar powered lights are small items that make a huge difference.
Classroom to be Repaired
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