The origins of iChange date back to the years 2007 to 2009 when three young adults spent a couple of months each in Zambia. It was their wish and intention that their departure back to Switzerland would not simply mark the end of a stay with many valuable and life-changing experiences. Inspired by their friendships in Zambia and impressions gained there these three young people decided to continue their support after returning to Switzerland. As a result, the charitable iChange association was founded in June of 2009.

Following is an overview of the most important dates and milestones of the history of iChange:

2024

Scholarship program in Twapia has been running for 10 consecutive years, having 5 pupils currently enrolled

2023

Independent and reliable water supply for the Mackenzie Community School

Pre-School officially incorporated into School Administration, growing the team to a total of 9 fully qualified teachers

More than 400 students enrolled at Mackenzie Community School

2022

321 students enrolled at Mackenzie Community School

2021

Introduction of grade 7: Mackenzie offers a full primary education

Mackenzie Community School ranked #1 of all local community schools within Ndola in the annual grade 7 examinations

2020

One step closer to full primary education up to grade 7: Sixth grade introduced for the first time

2019

Expansion of the Mackenzie Community School to grade 5

Second story of new classroom complex finished, adding a total of four new classrooms since 2017

Expansion of the teacher team to a total of seven members

2018

Hiring of another certified teacher at the Mackenzie Community School: For the first time the school has a team of six teachers

2017

Building of the first story of the new classroom complex at the Mackenzie Community School

Number of pupils visiting the school grows to approximately 250 children

2016

Hiring of another certified teacher at the Mackenzie Community School: For the first time the school has a team of five teachers

Begin of formal schooling for the two remaining volunteer teachers at Mackenzie Community School in order to obtain full teaching certificates

Construction of a wall fence around the Mackenzie Community School to provide more security

2015

Hiring of two certified teachers at the Mackenzie Community School

Begin of discussions regarding a possible partnership with Northrise University in Ndola concerning the Microfinance Program in Mackenzie

Official implementation of the Scholarship Program in Twapia

Begin of a monthly donation to support the soccer program at the Madalitso Wits Sports Academy

2014

Construction of toilets for the Mackenzie Community School

Begin of a partnership between the Madalitso Wits Sports Academy in Twapia and iChange

Begin of a Scholarship test-project in Twapia

2013

Official implementation of the Scholarship Program in Mackenzie

2012

Begin of a Scholarship test-project in Mackenzie

Reorganization of the Kapalu test-project, which is now called 'Twatasha Community Project'

2011

Kick-off for the construction of a small health clinic in Mackenzie to provide basic medical services to the population 

Increased focus on local networking in Zambia by searching for and evaluation local partner organizations for future projects

2010

Teachers at the Mackenzie Community School receive a monthly allowance to support their activities and thus ensure continued operation of the school

Construction and renovation of two churches in Mackenzie

Begin of a test-project in Kapalu Village

2009

iChange is formally registered as an association in Switzerland

Start of the Microfinance Program in Mackenzie

Completion of the construction of a third classroom at the Mackenzie Community School

2008

Start of the first project, even before iChange was formally registered as an association: the construction of Malaika Home, which has served as our volunteer base in Zambia for the following years