Lydia Maonde died on 21 November 2023 at the age of 88. She was a teacher at Namwala Secondary School from 1966 to 1975. Her husband Simon Maonde was the first headmaster of the school in Namwala and the first Zambian headmaster ever. Lydia planted the trees on the school grounds during this time and later, from 2006 until today, regularly donated young trees, which today characterise the image of the school. Lydia’s trees are the first thing you see when you enter Namwala Secondary School. Several trees line the path to the main building and were planted in 2006. They are very spectacular, especially when they bloom in August. Last year, despite her advanced age, she visited the school in Namwala together with her daughter Lily and her son Arthur.
Lydia and her husband Simon founded the Twitti Primary School in Lilayi, a suburb of Lusaka, with the help of former Namwala teachers from Canada. The school has gained an excellent reputation, not least thanks to Lydia’s tireless efforts.
Teacher Fred Chikwanu spoke at her funeral on behalf of Namwala Secondary School and Namwalafriends:
I would like to begin by thanking everyone that is here today and those who sent their condolences. We have received countless phone calls, messages, thoughts and prayers. They have been both comforting during this difficult time and reminders of the impact that the deceased had on the school and Friends of Namwala.
The deceased had a strong connection with our school and Namwala District dating back to the period 1966 till 1975 when Mr. Maonde (her husband) served as the first Zambian Headteacher. It is during that time that her passion for the green and healthy environment developed.
Documents and records have been erased by the tides of time but her passion has remained strong seen in the tress that are as old as 51 years.
The past 5 years has immensely witnessed her extended passion and deep love for the school by donating over 400 tree plants which have since been planted in the school orchard and the central campus.
It is this passion I tapped as I took over the responsibility and tree planting at Namwala Secondary School.
With her support, in 2021 Namwala Secondary School emerged among the best 3 schools in Zambia in environmental stewardship at the National Environmental and Climate Change Award (ECCA) organised by the Zambia Environmantal Management Agency (ZEMA).
Now she is no more, we are especially proud that:
- Her efforts created tree planting skills among learners and teachers inclusive.
- The green and healthy environment she inspired has made our school even more attractive to learners beyond the province.
We however, mourn that even before she could fullfill her promise to give us an additional 200 shade tree plants, she is no more.
Dear mourners many are the words we can give. But we can only say…..
- Go well mama.
- Go well Education Champion.
- Go well true Climate Change and mitigation Anmbassador.
- You will always remain a giant and a point of reference in our hearts.
- May your sweet soul rest in eternal peace.
