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Mukupi School in Zambia - Source: ONE News -
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Three years ago a run-down school trying to provide an education to hundreds of poor Zambians was given a new start, thanks to money raised from The Great New Zealand Spelling Bee.
In one of the most impoverished parts of Zambia, children would arrive at a brick shack to learn. Mukupi School had no desks, few books and pens and one toilet for 400 children. In each classroom, there are 83 pupils on average.
But things began to change - on the other side of the world TVNZ ran The Great New Zealand Spelling Bee, which pitted seven celebrities against each other, to raise money for Childfund.
Broadcaster Jim Mora won and donated the $60,000 prize money. With the money, Childfund built new classrooms, an entire toilet block and new accommodation for the teachers, as well as supplied desks and chairs at Mukupi School.
The contribution has made much difference to many Zambian children, increasing their chances of finding jobs and helping support entire communities.
"My life has changed because this school. (We) have books, learning materials and also reading, so I'm enjoying to be at this school," said one child.
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