About us | Luanshya Learning

Leveraging digital equity to fulfill Luanshya's youth potential

The Luanshya Information and Learning Center (LINC) is a Zambian registered non-profit organization based on the Copperbelt.

The Center was founded in 2023 by Theresa Lungu, through a personal grant from the Ella Lyman Cabot Trust of Boston, Massachusetts. Theresa grew up in Luanshya and is a strong advocate of youth development.

Before founding the center, she was actively supporting Luanshya Library, that houses the center, with book donations and strove to innovate when the library started losing readership. The Center has deep community engagement and trust, proven impact, and a commitment to youth empowerment.

The Center’s goal is to equip Luanshya’s youth in the 16–25-year age group, with essential skills and resources for a successful transition to higher education, employment, or entrepreneurship and to create opportunities for learning, support literacy and education, and help shape new ideas and perspectives that are central to a creative and innovative community.

The center, the first of its kind on the Copperbelt, is a growing community hub with free computer access that leverages digital equity to empower young people in Luanshya through access to technology and skills development opportunities.

Since its founding, the Luanshya Information and Learning Center, has reached over 1,000 young people through our college and employment readiness workshops.

Meet the Team

Social Entrepreneur | Novelist | Zambian Cultural & Language Consultant | Minimalist

Theresa Lungu is the founder and Executive Director of the Luanshya Information and Learning Center(LINC), and the author of novels: Twilight in the Morning & Torment of an Angel; and a contributing Editor to Children and AIDS: Sub-Saharan Africa.

A graduate of Boston College and recipient of the Dean’s award for creative writing, Theresa founded LINC to strengthen digital equity in Luanshya and promote youth access to livelihood opportunities and build the skills they need to lead healthy, productive, and engaged lives.

Theresa has spent her professional career as a higher education administrator for Boston College and Harvard University. She enjoys yoga, visiting new places and spending time with family in Luanshya.

I am a passionate Information provider who regards Information Science as a treasure. Folding the Luanshya Information and Learning Center into my position as Chief Librarian of Luanshya Library has been a delight. Seeing lines of young people outside my window everyday seeking to use our computers and gain knowledge is the highlight of my day.

I completed my bachelor’s degree in library and information science at the University of Zambia and have previously worked with INERSOR in projects as a Research Team Leader in Maternal Health, HIV/AIDs adherence and Cervical Cancer Screening Projects.

Oscar is a University of Zambia graduate and a veteran teacher of English, Literature and Drama at Baobab College in Lusaka where he is also the Examinations Officer as well as the head of Boys’ hostel. In addition, Oscar has held positions as Head of the Creatives Faculty as well as Head of House. He also coaches under 16 and 19 girls football teams. In his spare time, Oscar enjoys Yoga and Tai Chi. He brings his passion for writing and youth mentorship to the Center.

Board Members

Margaret Evans is an Australian-American journalist based in Boston, USA. She has several decades of experience at NPR affiliate WBUR, as well as GBH and Monitor Radio in the U.S., plus ABC Radio and 60 Minutes in Australia. Beyond newsrooms, she's applied her communications skills to roles at MIT, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and RTX. Margaret is the founder of AudioPortraits©, a bespoke audio-storytelling service that helps people and organizations preserve their legacy.

Connie is an accountant by trade, entrepreneur and resident go getter! She brings skill, patience and solution based leadership to youth mentorship and development.

Hello, my name is George Micheal. I am a Zambian/Greek and Luanshya is my hometown. I am passionate about learning and innovation, with a keen interest in alternative technologies and sustainable business practices. I am currently attending Hult International Business School in London. I am very excited to be part of the Luanshya Information and Learning Center and help other youth attain their educational goals through advocacy and peer education.

PROGRAM GOALS AND OBJECTS

We are looking at long term outcomes such as changes in youth’s broader life trajectory; increased entrepreneurship and business development, improved economic stability, enhanced community involvement and overall successful transitions into adulthood.

Our goal is to have Ikatika deliver opportunities in:

Entrepreneurship and business development: with information on business loans, grants, community development funds, mentorship and accelerator programs.
Employment: job boards and internships
Education: scholarships, skills training, bursaries.
Life Skills: mental health access, civic engagement, and more.

PROJECT ACTIVITIES

All of the Center’s activities take place in a Wi-Fi enabled, welcoming space that gives participants the resources and encouragement to imagine bigger futures. Hands-On Training and Demonstration Workshops on how to use the Ikatika app will be provided as follows:

App Exploration: Demonstration on how to download and install the app and a walk through of the app’s interface, explaining how to navigate and use its features.
Practical Application: Show youth how to use the app to find relevant opportunities.
Skill-Building: Guide youth in using app features to improve their job search and business development skills. For instance, teach them how to connect to community development funds or obtain micro loans to start and register business.