Launching Tokidz Cares in Zambia:

Our First Care Pack Distribution

Launching Tokidz Cares in Zambia marked a turning point, not just for the organisation, but for me personally. What began as a childhood dream of helping children access education became a reality in November 2025 with our very first care pack distribution.

This is the story of how Tokidz Cares began, why care packs matter, and how a simple initiative can create meaningful impact for underprivileged children in Zambia.

In September 2025, I travelled to Zambia to visit family and explore whether this idea of building a foundation was actually achievable. Through my father, I was introduced to Garden Open Community School, a local community school serving children from underprivileged backgrounds.

From the moment I arrived, the teachers welcomed me warmly and invited me to support classroom learning.

Teaching in Zambia and Seeing the Need First-Hand

I spent several weeks teaching Grades 5, 6, and 7 Maths, English, and Science. The students were intelligent, respectful, and deeply eager to learn. What stood out most was not a lack of ability, but a lack of resources.

Many students were sharing books, writing with worn-down pencils, or going without basic school supplies altogether. Despite this, their enthusiasm for learning never wavered. Being surrounded by such motivated children made it clear that access to basic educational resources could significantly improve their school experience.

After nearly two months in Zambia, I knew this was the moment to act.

One Pack, One Child, One Future: Our First Campaign

Tokidz Cares’ first initiative became One Pack, One Child, One Future, a campaign designed to provide school care packs to children who need them most.

With the support of my father and a close friend, we visited Kamwala Market in Lusaka and personally purchased over 350 books, pens, and pencils, fully funded out of pocket. Over several days, each school pack was packed by hand and labelled with Tokidz Cares branding.

Seeing the finished care packs lined up was surreal. What once felt like a distant idea had become something tangible and real.

Care Pack Launch Day in Zambia

On 21 November 2025, Tokidz Cares officially launched its first care pack distribution.

Because the launch took place during the school’s exam period, only a few grade levels were present on the day. Even so, the response was overwhelming. The children were excited, grateful, and proud to receive their own school supplies.

Something as simple as books and pens made an immediate difference, reinforcing just how essential these resources are for children’s confidence, dignity, and ability to participate fully in school.

Together with a teacher, I spent over an hour distributing care packs to every student present. We shared photos, laughter, and heartfelt goodbyes before I returned to Australia a few days later.

Why School Care Packs Matter in Zambia

Access to basic school supplies is often taken for granted. In many Zambian communities, however, these items are a barrier to consistent education.

School care packs help:

• Improve classroom participation

• Reduce absenteeism

• Restore dignity and confidence

• Support long-term educational outcomes

This first Tokidz Cares campaign confirmed that small, practical interventions can have a powerful impact.

What’s Next for Tokidz Cares

This launch marked the beginning of Tokidz Cares. What started as a single care pack distribution is evolving into a broader vision focused on access to education, wellbeing, and long-term opportunities for children in Zambia.

Tokidz Cares is more than a passion project. It is a commitment to creating sustainable, community-led solutions that address preventable barriers to education and help children feel seen, supported, and capable of achieving their goals.

With faith, purpose, and community partnership at the core, this is just the beginning.

- LUSUBILO SILWEYA, FOUNDER