Broomgrove is set to back a project to build a school in the hometown of one of its most popular workers.

Residents knew nothing about the double-life of Zambian-born care worker Francis Sukwa and were left speechless when he told them about his ongoing work to open a primary school in his hometown of Mufulira, a town in the Copperbelt Province of the country that is suffering crippling poverty and unemployment.

He has spent every waking hour raising funds and travelling back and forth to Zambia in his time off to head up the ‘M-Shining Star Tutorial School’ project.

Francis Sukwa’s tireless passion means the school will be fully open by January 2016.

Donna Pierpoint, Broomgrove manager, said: “I invited Francis Sukwa to talk about his project at a recent residents’ meeting and he totally silenced the room – everyone was in awe of what he was doing and what he’d already achieved.
“Residents have decided to start raising money for the project and I’m all for it.”

Francis Sukwa said: “Nearly 50% of Zambia’s population is aged under 14 and education in the country is deemed a privilege rather than a right. Raising my own children in Sheffield where education is a right has shown me the kind of standards I need to aim for.”

Sheffield’s own Bankwood Primary School has already donated furniture and Broomgrove Nursing Home has donated computer equipment, chairs and some musical instruments.

Francis Sukwa’s ultimate aim is to have fully sustainable school with well-stocked library, computer room, musical equipment and more.

Any donations are gratefully received and should be sent c/o Donna Pierpoint at Broomgrove (d.pierpoint@broomgrove-trust.co.uk)