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:
2019
Expansion of the Mackenzie Community School to grade 5
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 to this day serves as our volunteer base in Zambia
